The Operation of Portable Powered Plant and Equipment in Excavation

Module Description

This module focuses on the competencies, knowledge, and skills required from a Level 4 Excavation Plant Supervisor (which is one of the requirements to becoming an Excavations Contractor).

Therefore, as required, its content and learning outcomes reflect very closely the MFHEA MQF Level 4 National Occupational Standards (NOS) for this occupation.

This module will serve as a foundational preparation to operating portable powered plant and equipment in an excavation context.

Students will be exposed to the knowledge and skills required for the preparation, selection, and setting up of this operation, as well as how to best safeguard the entirety of the process through the implementation of safe practices.

Entry Requirements

• A general Level 3 standard of education including the completion of a compulsory education and/or, O´levels, and/or a related Level 3 qualification.   
•  A good level of communication in English.  
•  Individuals currently working and/or having previous experience in the construction industry.   
•  The maturity clause can be applied to those students who have experience, but do not possess the required entry qualifications. Their experiences will be verified through an interview with a board of experts appointed by IDEA Academy.   
•  The maximum number of credits that may be gained as a result of the RPL process at IDEA Academy will not exceed 50% of the qualification/award chosen by the individual for formal learning.  

Target Audience

• Individuals who aspire to advance further in their construction studies, particularly in excavation.
• Individuals who aspire to achieve competencies as excavation plant supervisors.

Career Paths

The possible positions for which this programme aims to prepare you for include, but are not limited to:  

• Excavation Plant Supervisor  

This programme constitutes a Level 4 certification in Excavation Plant Supervision, which is a requirement for attaining the licence of an Excavations Contractor. It is also a requirement (according to the Legal Notice no. 166 of 2023) that a programme of this nature should very closely reflect the related NOS.  

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Modular Assessment
• Project Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.