5 ECTS
Excavating Ground and Surfaces
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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 equip students with the necessary competences required to monitor and instruct the manual excavation of ground and surfaces to form holes and trenches.
Emphasis will be made upon the importance of implementing and conforming with health and safety practices, as well as protecting the worksite from any possible hazards.
Students will be exposed to the process of carrying out excavation work activities; from acquiring knowledge regarding the maintenance and setting up of tools and equipment required to perform excavation activities, to inspecting and directing manual excavation work.
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.
Module Intake Dates
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Interpret organisational information in relation to works of excavation.
- Promote effective health and safety practices at the site of excavation.
- Oversee and direct excavation work.
- Protect excavation work area from external factors.
- Ensure effective communication with stakeholders when carrying out excavation work.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Interpret organisational information in relation to works of excavation.
- Promote effective health and safety practices at the site of excavation.
- Oversee and direct excavation work.
- Protect excavation work area from external factors.
- Ensure effective communication with stakeholders when carrying out excavation work.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Provide proper instructions to team members to make sure that their work adheres to information proceeding from risk assessments, method statements, appropriate industry practice, organisational procedures, permits, instructions, specifications, etc.
- Follow organisational procedures in case of an emergency.
- Check and maintain tools and equipment required to perform excavation work.
- Oversee that excavation safety and support equipment is correctly installed and removed.
- Secure the protection of the excavation work area and its surroundings.
- Be able to conduct work with plant machinery, equipment, and vehicles.
- Report risks which may hinder the excavation activities of the work programme.
- Effectively communicate with other team members and ensure they carry out their work activities safely in confined spaced.
- Ensure the security of the excavation work area prior to and post work activities.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Oversee and ensure the use of health and safety tools and equipment when carrying out manual excavation activities.
- Prepare, measure, and mark out ground areas for excavation work.
- Oversee the work to install/erect physical barriers.
- Control that pedestrian plant and ancillary equipment, hand tools, and portable power tools are properly checked, used, and maintained.
- Visually inspect excavations, holes, and trenches.
- Ensure adequate storage and disposal of excavated materials for re-use and waste.
- Promote cleanliness of the work site.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find, download, and upload assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.