The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Drainage is the qualification that proves you are a competent drainage operative, and it is the route to the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. It is delivered through the ProQual Construction and Civil Engineering Operations qualification (Drainage Construction pathway). An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is competence-based: instead of sitting exams, you demonstrate that you can already do the job, assessed against national standards from your own workplace. It sits at Level 2 on the regulated qualifications framework, and the whole qualification is completed remotely.
It is aimed at people already working in drainage who have the skills but not the formal qualification. For most drainage operatives the real prize is the CSCS card: nearly every main contractor now requires a valid skilled-worker card to get on site, and the card proves your competence and opens up better-paid work. Because the NVQ is assessed on evidence from your day-to-day work, you keep earning throughout, with no classes, no written exams and no site visits.
This NVQ is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 610/3385/6). It is made up of core units that everyone completes, covering health and safety, working efficiently and handling materials, plus the drainage units that match your work.
Drainage is part of the ProQual Construction and Civil Engineering Operations NVQ, under the Drainage Construction pathway. The same qualification also covers groundworks, kerbs and channels, concreting and excavation. You take the pathway that matches your work, and your assessor helps you pick the right one when you start.
Completing the NVQ, together with a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the level for your occupation, lets you apply for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. The CSCS Cards guide explains how the card, the qualification and the test fit together.
Experienced drainage operatives can progress towards supervision with the Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision NVQ. CourseGenie also lists NVQs across the other construction trades, including Bricklaying, Carpentry and Roofing. You can also browse the full range of construction NVQs.