Yes. This is a competence-based NVQ assessed through workplace evidence.

Do I need to be employed?

You need a suitable workplace role (employed or otherwise) where you can generate the required evidence.

Construction Trades and Building Envelope

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Sub-Structure Work Occupations (Construction)

A work-based qualification proving competence in specialist underpinning, dewatering, grouting, retaining and waterproofing operations.

Overview

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Sub-structure Work Occupations (Construction) confirms occupational competence in specialist construction activities carried out below ground level or in direct support of foundations, basements and retaining works. Depending on the selected pathway, this can include underpinning, restricted-access piling, chemical and resin grouting, groundwater control, retaining structures, gas-resistant membranes or structural waterproofing.

It is a competence-based qualification rather than a classroom-only programme. Learners must demonstrate that they can interpret drawings, specifications and method statements; organise resources; control specialist hazards; use the relevant tools, equipment or plant; complete pathway-specific operations; and check that work complies with the required specification.

Current regulated versions share the same occupational purpose and core competence requirements. However, their pathway menus and unit combinations are not identical. The principal pathways common to current provision cover underpinning, grouting, retaining structures, wellpoint dewatering, gas membranes and structural waterproofing. Some approved versions also offer deep-well or ejector dewatering, while another includes defined basement-construction pathways.

Earlier qualification structures contained additional or differently arranged specialist routes. These should not be assumed to remain available unless they appear in the selected current specification.

For workers, the qualification provides formal evidence of competence in the specialist operation recorded on their certificate. For employers, it supports the verification of occupational skills against construction industry standards and provides structured evidence that an operative has been assessed under genuine workplace conditions.

Who It’s For

This qualification is intended primarily for operatives already undertaking specialist sub-structure work. It is suited to workers who carry out defined tasks under site procedures, method statements and technical instructions while accepting responsibility for the safety, quality and completion of their own work.

Underpinning and restricted-access piling operatives

Suitable activities include setting out an underpinning sequence, excavating and supporting pits, constructing underpinning sections, placing reinforcement and concrete, drypacking, repairing disturbed sub-structure and installing mini or micro piles in restricted areas.

Grouting and soil-injection operatives

Learners following this specialism need access to chemical or resin grouting and soil-injection work. They may be required to prepare injection locations, connect delivery equipment, mix or control grouting materials, perform injection operations and monitor the result.

Dewatering operatives

The relevant workplace must provide opportunities to prepare and install the applicable groundwater-control system. Depending on the pathway, this may involve wellpoints, deep wells or ejector systems, together with pumps, pipe networks, monitoring equipment and safe discharge arrangements.

Retaining-structure installers

This route is appropriate for operatives installing mass-gravity, precast or reinforced-soil retaining systems or carrying out steep-slope stabilisation. The learner must be able to work from dimensional information and the relevant installation specification.

Gas-membrane and structural-waterproofing installers

These pathways serve workers preparing substrates and installing below-ground protection systems. Evidence must relate to the learner’s actual occupation, whether installing gas-resistant membranes or applying and testing structural waterproofing systems.

Workplace status and access

The qualification is primarily intended for existing workers. Employment, self-employment, subcontracting or another genuine workplace arrangement will normally be necessary because the occupational skills must be assessed during real construction work. The learner needs sufficient access to the activities, systems and endorsements required by the chosen pathway.

Pathways and Specialisms

Each learner follows one occupational pathway that corresponds to their actual work. The final selection must be checked against the current specification used by the assessment centre because not every approved version offers every pathway below.

Underpinning Operations — Excavated Underpinning

This pathway covers setting out the underpinning sequence and carrying out excavated underpinning work. It can involve excavation and temporary support, formwork, reinforcement, drypacking, concrete placement, sub-structure repair and associated temporary works.

Underpinning Operations — Underpinning Piling

This specialism focuses on mini or micro piling in restricted-access locations. It includes setting out, installing piles with endorsed techniques, inspecting the associated plant or machinery and completing a relevant supporting activity such as lifting, excavation, concrete placement or repair work.

Chemical and Resin Grouting

This pathway covers preparing and performing chemical or resin grouting and soil injection. Current versions use slightly different combinations: one includes access-platform competence as part of its mandatory structure, while another uses a specialist optional unit alongside the core grouting units.

Retaining Structures

The retaining-structures pathway covers setting out and preparing for the installation of structures that resist earth or ground pressure. The practical specialism may involve mass-gravity systems, precast concrete units, reinforced-soil structures or steep-slope stabilisation.

Dewatering — Well Points

This pathway is for operatives preparing, installing, commissioning, monitoring and decommissioning wellpoint groundwater-control systems. It normally includes a supporting unit connected with plant maintenance, work-area protection, powered equipment or lifting operations.

Dewatering — Deep Wells

Available through some current provision, this pathway covers the preparation and installation of deep-well systems. It includes locating wells, installing pumps and associated pipework, commissioning the system, monitoring performance and controlling groundwater discharge.

Dewatering — Ejectors

This specialism covers ejector-based dewatering, including low- and high-pressure pipe networks, ejector pumps, system testing, commissioning, flow control and monitoring. It is available as a standalone route in some provision and within a basement-construction route elsewhere.

Installation of Gas Membranes

This pathway is for operatives preparing for and installing membranes intended to control the entry of ground gases. It addresses substrate condition, membrane layout, joints, penetrations, sealing, protection and inspection against the specified system details.

Structural Waterproofing

This route covers preparing surfaces and installing below-ground structural waterproofing. The learner must demonstrate the relevant system application, detailing, finishing, protection and testing activities, together with one approved supporting competence where required.

Basement Construction — Excavated Underpinning Operations

Available only in some approved versions, this pathway adds basement-project and temporary-works competence to excavated underpinning. It reflects the additional access, stability, sequencing and coordination requirements encountered during basement construction.

Basement Construction — Chemical and Resin Grouting

This pathway combines chemical or resin grouting and soil injection with competence in working on basement projects and managing associated temporary works. It is not offered in every current version.

Basement Construction — Dewatering with Ejectors

This specialism combines ejector dewatering with basement-project procedures and temporary works. Learners must work safely around restricted access, excavations, groundwater-control equipment and other basement operations.

Basement Construction — Installation of Gas Membranes

This route extends gas-membrane installation into basement construction. In addition to preparing and installing the system, the learner must demonstrate competence in basement working conditions and relevant temporary works.

Basement Construction — Structural Waterproofing

This pathway combines surface preparation and structural waterproofing with basement-project working and temporary-works competence. Its availability depends on the approved version offered by the assessment centre.

Workplace Requirements

The learner needs regular access to genuine sub-structure work matching the selected pathway. A centre cannot establish occupational competence solely through classroom study, written assignments or training-bay exercises.

The workplace must provide access, as applicable, to:

Current drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments and manufacturers’ information.
Suitable foundations, basement areas, retaining works, excavations or below-ground structures.
Pathway-specific materials such as concrete, reinforcement, drypacking materials, grouts, resins, membrane systems, waterproofing products or retaining components.
Appropriate hand tools, portable power tools, pumps, mixers, compressors, drilling equipment, lifting accessories and specialist installation equipment.
Safe access, edge protection, excavation support, temporary works and emergency arrangements.
Opportunities to inspect, prepare, install, monitor, test, protect and complete work.
Supervisors, technical personnel and other trades with whom the learner must communicate and coordinate.
Authentic work products and records that can be retained or referenced in the assessment portfolio.

The chosen pathway and any required endorsements must reflect the learner’s real duties. For example, a learner cannot complete the deep-well pathway using only wellpoint work, and evidence of generic membrane handling cannot replace the installation and detailing of the specified gas or waterproofing system.

Learning Outcomes

A successful learner can, within the scope of the selected pathway:

Interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, risk assessments, method statements and manufacturers’ instructions.
Confirm work locations, dimensions, levels, sequences and technical requirements.
Identify hazards associated with excavation, restricted access, groundwater, pressure systems, lifting, chemicals, plant and below-ground work.
Select materials, components, tools, equipment and ancillary resources of the required type, quality and quantity.
Move, handle and store specialist resources without damaging materials, equipment, completed work or the surrounding structure.
Establish suitable work-area protection, access and temporary controls.
Carry out the pathway-specific underpinning, piling, grouting, retaining, dewatering, membrane or waterproofing operation.
Use and maintain the applicable hand tools, powered tools, pumps, drilling equipment, injection systems or pedestrian-operated plant.
Protect work from contamination, weather, following trades and accidental damage.
Inspect, monitor or test the completed operation and identify results that fall outside the specification.
Report defects, unsuitable site conditions, equipment faults and circumstances affecting the work programme.
Communicate with supervisors, plant operators, technical specialists and other occupations.
Complete the work to the required quality within the agreed programme.
Follow environmental requirements for waste, spoil, wastewater, surplus chemicals, packaging and contaminated materials.

Units

Every pathway includes mandatory occupational competence units. Health, safety, productive working and resource handling form the common foundation. The learner then completes the mandatory and, where applicable, optional units specified for one pathway. Optional choices and endorsement requirements vary between current approved versions.

Follow site instructions, risk controls and emergency procedures.
Use collective protection and personal protective equipment correctly.
Recognise hazards, stop work when necessary and report unsafe conditions.
Protect other workers, visitors and members of the public.
Comply with welfare, security, access and environmental arrangements.

Interpret the work programme and confirm individual responsibilities.
Coordinate activities with supervisors, plant operators and other trades.
Maintain working relationships and communicate changes or difficulties.
Use resources efficiently and complete work within agreed timescales.
Follow organisational procedures for reporting progress and problems.

Assess loads and choose suitable manual or mechanical handling methods.
Move and store membranes, reinforcement, formwork, pipework, pumps, grouts and other applicable resources.
Protect fragile, hazardous or contamination-sensitive materials.
Maintain safe routes and storage areas.
Identify damaged or unsuitable resources and report them.

Interpret access requirements and select suitable components.
Inspect components before use and isolate defective items.
Erect, check, use and dismantle the specified platform safely.
Maintain stability, edge protection and safe access.
Store components securely after dismantling.

Interpret drawings, specifications and the designed sequence.
Establish and protect reference points.
Measure and mark underpinning positions accurately.
Check dimensions, levels and sequencing information.
Report discrepancies before excavation or piling begins.

Confirm the correct pit location and sequence.
Excavate without undermining adjacent sections or damaging services.
Maintain safe access and control spoil.
Recognise changing ground or structural conditions.
Prepare the excavation for subsequent underpinning operations.

Interpret support requirements and excavation limits.
Install timber, trench sheets, frames or another specified support system.
Monitor the excavation and support for movement or deterioration.
Maintain safe access and prevent unauthorised entry.
Remove or adjust support only under the approved sequence.

Set out and assemble formwork to the required dimensions.
Brace and secure components against movement and concrete pressure.
Check line, level, cleanliness and release arrangements.
Strike formwork at the authorised stage.
Clean, store or dispose of components appropriately.

Interpret reinforcement details, schedules and cover requirements.
Select, position and secure the correct bars or assemblies.
Maintain specified laps, spacing, alignment and concrete cover.
Protect reinforcement from contamination and displacement.
Report conflicts, damage or incorrect reinforcement.

Prepare and clean the receiving area.
Select and mix the specified drypacking material.
Place and compact material to fill the required space.
Achieve firm contact without damaging adjacent work.
Finish, protect and inspect the completed drypacking.

Identify the repair area and select compatible materials.
Remove defective material without damaging completed underpinning.
Reinstate the required endorsed construction elements.
Match existing lines, levels, finishes and protection systems.
Inspect the repair and report residual defects.

Confirm the concrete, formwork and reinforcement are ready.
Place concrete without segregation, contamination or unacceptable delay.
Compact it using the specified techniques and equipment.
Maintain levels, avoid disturbing reinforcement and protect the pour.
Follow procedures for testing, curing, spill control and surplus concrete.

Interpret the authorised temporary-works information.
Select, install and secure the specified temporary arrangements.
Inspect and maintain them during use.
Report movement, damage or unauthorised alteration.
Dismantle or remove temporary works in the approved sequence.

Prepare and position equipment in restricted working areas.
Install piles using the endorsed drilling, driving, jacking or proprietary method.
Control alignment, depth, connections and installation records.
Respond to obstructions, ground changes and equipment problems.
Complete the operation without compromising the existing structure.

Interpret the grouting design, locations and sequence.
Measure, set out and prepare injection positions.
Assemble and connect pumps, hoses, packers and ancillary equipment.
Establish containment and control arrangements for pressurised materials.
Protect drainage, adjacent surfaces and other occupations.

Prepare and control the specified grout or resin system.
Connect, inject, monitor and adjust equipment safely.
Follow the required pressure, volume, sequence and refusal criteria.
Record material use and injection results.
Manage blockages, leaks, spills or unexpected ground response.

Establish barriers, notices, lighting or other specified protection.
Maintain safe pedestrian and operational boundaries.
Inspect protective equipment throughout the task.
Adapt arrangements when work conditions change.
Remove equipment without exposing people to residual hazards.

Select equipment suitable for the work and environment.
Complete pre-use checks and confirm guards and controls are functional.
Operate within the manufacturer’s limits and site rules.
Monitor performance and shut down safely.
Report defects and complete authorised routine care.

Interpret datum, coordinate and design information.
Establish and protect secondary reference points.
Set out the required lines, levels, depths, areas, heights or angles.
Check measurements using suitable instruments.
Record or report discrepancies before installation proceeds.

Prepare the foundation or formation.
Set out and install components to line, level and batter.
Place fill, drainage material or connections as specified.
Maintain stability and correct sequencing during construction.
Inspect alignment, joints and completed drainage provisions.

Confirm lifting, foundation and setting-out arrangements.
Receive and inspect precast components.
Position, align and secure units safely.
Complete connections, joints, drainage and backfilling in sequence.
Check the finished structure against the specification.

Prepare formation levels and set out reinforcement positions.
Install geogrids, straps or other specified reinforcement.
Maintain correct orientation, spacing, overlap and anchorage.
Coordinate fill placement and compaction without damaging reinforcement.
Check records and report displacement or unsuitable material.

Interpret the specified stabilisation method and sequence.
Prepare the slope while controlling falls of material and unsafe access.
Install the required reinforcement, facing, anchorage or drainage elements.
Use access and equipment safely on inclined ground.
Inspect the completed work and report instability or movement.

Locate the system from drawings and site information.
Identify services, discharge routes and environmental restrictions.
Prepare access, working areas and equipment positions.
Lay out and secure materials, components and lifting arrangements.
Coordinate preparation with excavation and groundwater-control plans.

Install wellpoints using the specified method and spacing.
Assemble and connect header pipes, pumps and discharge arrangements.
Commission the system and check for air or water leaks.
Monitor vacuum, flow and groundwater response.
Maintain, adjust and decommission the system as instructed.

Locate and prepare deep-well positions.
Install well components, pumps, risers and discharge pipework.
Test and commission the installation.
Monitor water levels, flow, pump condition and system performance.
Control and record decommissioning in accordance with instructions.

Locate and install ejector pumps.
Install and connect low- and high-pressure pipe networks.
Test wells and pressure-control components.
Commission, monitor and control the system.
Clean, maintain, adjust and decommission the installation.

Interpret drawings, system details and gas-protection requirements.
Inspect the substrate and identify unsuitable conditions.
Set out the work and calculate material requirements.
Prepare surfaces, penetrations, corners and junctions.
Protect materials from contamination, puncture and adverse storage conditions.

Position and secure membranes without damaging the material.
Form joints, seams, corners, penetrations and service details.
Apply compatible tapes, seals or proprietary components.
Inspect joints and repair defects using the approved method.
Protect the finished membrane before covering or following work.

Assess the substrate against the waterproofing specification.
Remove contamination, loose material and incompatible finishes.
Repair defects and prepare joints, corners and penetrations.
Control surface condition, moisture and cleanliness.
Confirm that the surface is ready before waterproofing begins.

Measure, set out, prepare, apply and secure system components.
Complete joints, laps, corners, penetrations and terminations.
Maintain the specified coverage, thickness or fixing arrangement.
Finish, protect and test the installation where required.
Identify and repair defects before the work is covered.

Interpret basement work information and the relationship between operations.
Maintain safe access, ventilation, lighting and restricted working areas.
Coordinate with excavation, temporary works and structural activities.
Protect the existing structure and neighbouring property.
Respond to water ingress, movement, service conflicts and changing conditions.

Carry out pre-use and routine inspections.
Check safety devices, fluid levels, connections and operating condition.
Complete maintenance permitted at user level.
Record inspections and maintenance actions.
Isolate and report equipment that is unsafe or outside the learner’s authority to repair.

Confirm the load, lifting accessories and planned movement.
Inspect and attach suitable lifting accessories.
Establish clear communication with the lifting-equipment operator.
Direct the load using recognised signals.
Maintain exclusion zones and land the load safely.

Assessment

Assessment establishes whether the learner can perform the selected sub-structure occupation safely and consistently under normal workplace conditions. The learner must achieve every required learning outcome and assessment criterion in the chosen pathway, including any specified endorsements.

Workplace observation

A qualified and occupationally competent assessor observes the learner completing relevant tasks on live construction work. Observation may include setting out, excavation, piling, grout injection, pump installation, membrane detailing, waterproofing application or retaining-system installation.

The assessor checks working methods, technical accuracy, safety controls, resource use, communication, quality and completion—not merely the appearance of the finished work.

Portfolio and work products

The learner produces a portfolio connecting evidence to the required units. Valid examples can include:

Annotated drawings, setting-out information or work instructions used by the learner.
Assessor observation records.
Photographs showing preparation, intermediate stages and completed work.
Underpinning sequence, excavation-support or temporary-works records.
Piling installation or equipment-inspection records.
Grouting pressure, quantity or injection records.
Dewatering commissioning and monitoring information.
Gas-membrane jointing, inspection or repair evidence.
Waterproofing inspection or test records.
Delivery notes, material identification and manufacturers’ information.
Defect, variation, handover or completion records.

Evidence must be authentic, current, relevant to the learner and sufficient to demonstrate the required competence.

Professional discussion and questioning

Oral or written questioning and professional discussion confirm the learner’s underpinning knowledge. This can address hazards, technical information, system limitations, defective conditions, emergency actions, environmental controls and situations that were not fully explained during direct observation.

Witness testimony

Testimony from an occupationally knowledgeable supervisor or other suitable witness may support the portfolio. It does not normally replace assessor observation where direct observation is required. The witness must have observed the learner personally and be able to confirm what work was completed.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Relevant existing evidence may be considered where it is authentic, current and directly matches the qualification requirements. Previous experience alone is insufficient; the assessment centre must establish that the evidence demonstrates every applicable outcome and endorsement.

Restrictions on simulation

Pathway skills are generally required to be demonstrated in a real work environment, and workplace evidence of those skills cannot normally be simulated. Simulation cannot be used simply because access to the required work is inconvenient.

A narrowly defined exception exists in one current deep-well unit for decommissioning the system. Any use of that allowance must follow the unit’s assessment guidance. It does not permit the remainder of the deep-well installation or other pathway skills to be simulated.

Career Progression

The qualification confirms skilled-operative competence in the pathway achieved. Progression depends on the learner’s experience, employer requirements, technical training and the responsibilities they take on after qualification.

Skilled sub-structure roles

Relevant roles can include:

Excavated-underpinning operative.
Restricted-access mini or micro-piling operative.
Chemical and resin grouting or soil-injection operative.
Retaining-structure installer.
Wellpoint, deep-well or ejector dewatering operative.
Ground-gas membrane installer.
Structural-waterproofing operative.
Basement sub-structure specialist.

The certificate records a defined occupational pathway and should not be treated as proof of competence in every specialism within the overall qualification.

Related specialist development

An experienced operative may broaden their competence into another relevant pathway, subject to gaining the necessary workplace experience and completing the additional assessment. Examples include moving from wellpoint to deep-well dewatering or developing from general waterproofing work into basement-specific operations.

Some activities may also require separate manufacturer training, plant competence, lifting competence or other site authorisations. Completion of this qualification does not replace those requirements.

Supervisory and technical progression

Workers who later plan, coordinate or monitor the work of others may progress towards occupational work supervision or another relevant supervisory qualification. More senior routes can include construction site supervision, specialist site management, temporary-works responsibilities or technical development in waterproofing, ground engineering or groundwater control.

Progression into these roles normally requires additional experience, greater decision-making responsibility and any further competence or professional requirements attached to the position.

FAQs

The following questions address the pathway choices, workplace evidence and technical boundaries that commonly cause uncertainty for prospective learners and employers.

No. It is an umbrella qualification with separate occupational pathways. The learner completes one pathway aligned with their real job, not every specialism included under the generic title.

Excavated underpinning, underpinning piling, chemical and resin grouting, retaining structures, wellpoint dewatering, installation of gas membranes and structural waterproofing appear across the current approved provision reviewed. Deep-well, ejector and basement-construction options have more limited availability.

The learner needs access to a genuine workplace where the selected specialist operation is being carried out. This may be through employment, self-employment, subcontracting or another legitimate arrangement, but centre-only practical exercises do not normally provide sufficient evidence.

Units must be combined according to one approved pathway. A learner cannot create an unrecognised combination by selecting unrelated units from underpinning, dewatering and waterproofing routes. Supporting optional units must also meet the rules for the chosen pathway.

Evidence should show preparation and controlled performance of genuine grouting or soil-injection work. It may include setting out, equipment connections, material preparation, injection activity, monitoring, safety controls, material-use records and responses to leaks, blockages or changing ground conditions.

Gas-membrane work is concerned with installing a barrier system designed to restrict the entry of specified ground gases. Structural waterproofing addresses the control of water entering below-ground structures. The materials, detailing, inspection requirements and occupational evidence are therefore different.

No. Evidence must relate to the system named in the pathway. General pumping or water removal does not by itself demonstrate competence in installing, commissioning and monitoring a wellpoint, deep-well or ejector dewatering system.

Normally not. The specialist skills must be demonstrated through real workplace activity. A limited exception may apply to deep-well decommissioning under one current unit, but it does not extend to the installation, commissioning or monitoring of the system or to other pathways.

Application Form

Apply Now For This Course

An adviser will review your eligibility for Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Sub-Structure Work Occupations (Construction) and reply within 1–2 working days.