ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller Course in Ireland

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland provides a recognised and industry-specific route for individuals working within land drilling and geotechnical operations to demonstrate their competence in real working conditions. Tailored for on-site professionals, the structure of this certification reflects the daily requirements and safety demands of land drilling projects across the country. It supports skilled workers in proving their ability to work safely, efficiently, and in line with best practices within drilling environments.

Overview

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland is designed for individuals already employed in the drilling industry who are looking to validate their skills through practical, work-based assessment. The total qualification time is 570 hours, and candidates are required to achieve at least 53 credits. This structure allows for a blend of mandatory technical skills and optional specialist units, offering both flexibility and a robust foundation in drilling competence. The assessment is conducted entirely in the workplace, ensuring that learning remains directly applicable and relevant.

Study Units and Qualification Structure

To successfully complete the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland, candidates must achieve:

  • 29 credits from Mandatory Units
  • A minimum of 24 credits from Group B, Pathway 1
  • Candidates may also select units from Group C for further skill development, although these do not contribute to the required credit total

Mandatory Units

  1. Contributing to the Specified Drilling Programme in the Workplace
  2. Establishing Work Area Protection and Safety in the Workplace
  3. Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
  4. Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace

Group B – Pathway 1

Mandatory Units

  • Providing for and Maintaining the Security of the Work and Environment Surrounding the Drilling Area in the Workplace
  • Drilling and Completing Holes to the Drilling Specification Programme in the Workplace

Optional Units (Choose One)

  • Reinstating Ground Condition in the Workplace
  • Carrying Out Checks and/or Basic Maintenance on Plant or Machinery in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment in the Workplace
  • Setting Out Secondary Dimensional Work Control in the Workplace
  • Slinging and Signalling the Movement of Loads (Secondary Role) in the Workplace

Group C – Additional Optional Units

These units are not credit-bearing toward the final requirement but offer valuable practical experience:

  • Preparing and Operating Overhead Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Excavator Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Rough Terrain Masted Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Industrial Counterbalanced Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Sideloader Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Telescopic Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Reach Trucks to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Lorry Loaders or Knuckle Boom Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating 180 Degree Excavators to Extract Ground and Loose Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Skid Steer Loaders to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Loader Compressors to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating 360 Degree Excavators to Extract Ground, Face and/or Loose Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Crawler/Tractor Dozers to Excavate and/or Form Ground in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating 360 Degree Excavators to Excavate Ground in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Truck-mounted Boom Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Forward Tipping Dumpers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Agricultural-based Tractors for Non-agricultural Activities in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Trailer-mounted Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
  • Preparing and Operating Self-propelled Bowsers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace

Learning Outcomes

By completing the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland, candidates will be able to:

  • Conduct land drilling operations in accordance with site-specific procedures and industry standards
  • Maintain a safe and organised working environment around drilling areas
  • Operate drilling rigs and tools to meet project specifications
  • Perform routine equipment checks and contribute to site efficiency
  • Follow regulatory and company safety policies with a high level of competence
  • Apply productive working practices that support site coordination and delivery

Course Benefits

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland brings several key advantages for professionals and employers:

  • Nationally recognised occupational certification tailored to the drilling industry
  • No requirement for classroom-based learning; fully work-based assessment
  • Strengthens compliance with health and safety standards in drilling environments
  • Enhances workforce capability, reliability, and performance
  • Provides a structured pathway to professional development
  • Boosts employability and operational readiness in site-based drilling roles

Who Is the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller For?

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland is suited to individuals already employed in land drilling, site investigation, or geotechnical services. It is ideal for assistant drillers, rig operatives, and site workers who are looking to gain formal recognition of their practical skills. Employers in the construction, energy, and environmental sectors also benefit by enrolling operatives to standardise competence across their teams and meet project safety requirements.

Future Progression

After completing the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland, professionals may progress to more senior roles or undertake further technical development. Potential pathways include:

  • Advanced NVQ programmes in civil engineering or construction site supervision
  • Additional vocational training in specialist drilling, soil investigation, or subsurface analysis
  • Management-focused qualifications for those aiming for supervisory positions
  • Plant operation certifications for a broader range of machinery and equipment

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller in Ireland supports long-term career advancement, continuous learning, and operational excellence in one of the most safety-critical and technically demanding sectors in the country.