Overview.

We provide the UK geotechnical industry with nationally-recognised Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) to help you demonstrate and prove that your operatives are working to national standards and are competent in their specialised field.

NVQs have become increasingly important as the geotechnical industry strives to improve standards of work and the resulting output. Most sites and clients will require site operatives to hold proof that they can do their job safely and efficiently before they are permitted to start work. The NVQ is the only recognised proof required.

Equipe is an approved NVQ centre, and we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading independent provider of Land Drilling and Geotechnician NVQs. Our team includes highly qualified, occupationally competent IQAs (Internal Quality Assurers) and Assessors.

We can complete site visits across the UK and provide timely, accurate and helpful feedback on NVQ attainment criteria instantly. Training is provided through a combination of on-site knowledge sharing, online courses and formal in-person training courses. Our approach is tailored specifically to each qualification and NVQ candidate’s needs.

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What is an NVQ?

NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications which allow candidates to demonstrate and prove that they are working to national standards and are competent in their specialised field. It also allows for learning, development and sharing best practice. It is a valuable qualification that is now a requirement on all sites throughout the UK.

NVQs are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) which are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do.

They cover all the key aspects of an occupation, including health, safety and environment requirements, current industry best practice, communication skills, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.

Contact us for further details on this.

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How are NVQs achieved?

NVQs are achieved through on-the-job assessment and training - otherwise known as OSAT – On Site Assessment and Training. NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence is produced by the learning candidates.

We have a team of qualified and highly experienced NVQ Assessors who observe the candidates before assessing their knowledge, aiming to ensure that they are able to demonstrate the required level of competence to meet the NVQ standards in the real work environment.

Our Assessors will assess the candidates' underpinning knowledge, understanding and work-based performance and 'sign-off' units when the candidate can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

Why use us for your NVQ?

Unrivalled experience

We have been at the forefront of the development and promotion of the Land Drilling NVQ since 2008 and were instrumental in the development of the Geotechnician NVQs.

We know these NVQs like the back of our hands.

Passionate and thorough.

Equipe have a team of dedicated, experienced and qualified NVQ Assessors and Internal Verifiers/IQAs and trainers to carry out on-the-job assessments and training - all to the highest possible standard.

To us, the NVQ is not simply a box-ticking exercise.

We will guide both the employer and candidate through the requirements of their NVQ to ensure that candidates assessment experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, with the sole outcome being the candidates understanding of their job role and responsibilities, aiming to make them an even better and safer operator.

If you require NVQ urgently, please contact us as soon as possible. Provided that all paperwork can be completed and required evidence can be collected and competence proven in a timely manner, we can complete a full Land Drilling Level 2 NVQ in just 10 weeks.

Specialist training

The NVQs assume that the candidate is already an experienced worker and so the emphasis on completion of the qualification is on obtaining evidence against the assessment criteria rather than training.

If training is required, such as a cable avoidance course for Lead Drillers in line with HSG47, then we can provide that quickly and efficiently via our IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services training course.

We offer a number of on-line GeoAcademy training courses such as Wire Rope Inspection and Asbestos Awareness for Ground Engineering free of charge for all candidates that undertake NVQ assessments with us.

We also offer unrivalled specific industry-related formal training for our Level 3 candidates comprising IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites.

However, should additional training be deemed necessary, Equipe can offer unrivalled experience in the provision of appropriate training.

Additional training is only provided where skills gaps are identified and discussed and agreed between the employer, candidate and Equipe.

Register for your NVQ today