MQF Level 3 Award in Excavation Plant Operative (without license to operate mobile plants)
Accreditation Category: Further education course
Accredited by: Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
MQF/ EQF Level: 3
Total Credits: 3 ECTS
Programme Fee: €280
Mode of Delivery: Fully face-to-face learning
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
Programme Duration:
- Full-time: 3 Weeks
- Part-time: 6 Weeks
Target Audience: Skilled Workers not having Formal Training Certifications for the skills they are performing.
Language/s of Instruction: English / Maltese
Hours of Learning:
| Learning Component |
Hours |
| Contact Hours |
15 |
| Tutorial Hours |
24 |
| Self-Study Hours |
30 |
| Assessment Hours |
6 |
| Total |
75 |
Dates of next intake:
January 2026
Programme Structure:
The programme consists of 3 modules.
Module 1: Locate and protect services and substructures in the workplace
Module 2: Operate portable powered plant and equipment in the workplace
Module 3: Excavating and reinstating excavated ground/surfaces, holes and trenches both manually and mechanically using small machinery
Programme Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:
-
Identify required excavation tasks and assess the work to be completed.
-
Recognize workplace hazards and risks, and assist in protecting existing underground or surface services.
-
Assist in manual excavation using hand tools and portable equipment.
-
Help in reinstating excavated areas and trenches to specified standards.
-
Correctly use personal and respiratory protective equipment (PPE and RPE).
-
Safely operate and handle mobile plant and equipment under supervision.
Module 1 – Locate and protect services and substructures in the workplace
Learners will
- Locate and protect underground services
- Operate small mobile plants safely
- Follow health and safety regulations
- Communicate effectively
- Show initiative while working under supervision.
- Understand methods and tools for locating services
- Learn safe excavation procedures, relevant legislation, and coordination practices on site.
- Read and interpret plans
- Use detection and excavation equipment safely
- Protect existing services, maintain records, and work effectively as part of a team.
Module 2 – Operate portable powered plant and equipment in the workplace
Competences:
-
Conduct pre-operational checks on portable powered plant and equipment.
-
Operate a range of portable powered plant and small mobile equipment safely and efficiently.
-
Select appropriate plant and equipment for the job.
-
Identify and report faults or defects in plant and equipment.
-
Follow safe work practices, including PPE use and risk assessments.
-
Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
-
Work with increased responsibility and autonomy while still following guidance in complex situations.
Knowledge:
-
Health and safety regulations for manual excavation and plant operation.
-
Techniques for manually excavating, backfilling, and reinstating ground, trenches, and holes.
-
Use of hand tools (shovels, picks, wheelbarrows) in excavation and reinstatement.
-
Principles of safe manual handling and lifting, including lifting equipment use.
-
Importance of proper ground reinstatement, compaction, and stability.
-
Procedures for spoil and waste disposal.
-
Maintaining clear and accurate records of excavation and equipment use.
Skills:
-
Safely operate a range of portable powered plant and equipment.
-
Perform pre-operational checks and ensure equipment is safe.
-
Identify and report faults promptly.
-
Use equipment efficiently for excavation work in various scenarios.
-
Implement safety measures to mitigate hazards and risks.
-
Maintain accurate records of plant and equipment usage and maintenance.
-
Communicate effectively with team members on site.
-
Work independently or as part of a team to achieve project goals.
Module 3 – Excavating and reinstating excavated ground/surfaces, holes and trenches both manually and mechanically using small machinery
Competences:
-
Operate and maintain small mobile plant machinery safely, following health and safety regulations.
-
Plan and prepare excavation and reinstatement work, including permits, licenses, and protection of services/substructures.
-
Apply appropriate excavation techniques to avoid damage to services and substructures.
-
Install and maintain shoring systems and temporary works for excavation stability.
-
Identify and report issues or defects in ground or services during excavation.
-
Reinstate excavated areas, including backfilling, compacting, and surface restoration.
-
Use appropriate materials and equipment to meet required reinstatement standards.
-
Record and report excavation and reinstatement activities, including challenges and corrective actions.
-
Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, engineers, and utility providers.
-
Continuously review and improve excavation and reinstatement processes for efficiency, cost, and safety.
Knowledge:
-
Purpose and types of excavation work, including techniques.
-
Safety procedures for small mobile plant operation, pre-operational checks, start-up/shutdown, and emergency response.
-
Types and functions of small mobile plant machinery (mini-excavators, skid steer loaders, compact loaders).
-
Use and maintenance of hand and power tools for excavation and reinstatement.
-
Soil types, stability assessment, and erosion control.
-
Accurate measuring, marking out, and surveying techniques.
-
Planning and executing excavation and reinstatement, including trench backfilling, pipe/cable laying, and foundation installation.
-
Environmental management, waste disposal, and pollution prevention.
-
Methods for reinstating ground surfaces, including compaction and base/sub-base layer installation.
-
Importance of teamwork and communication in construction projects.
Skills:
-
Operate excavation machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
-
Manually excavate and backfill trenches and holes to specifications.
-
Handle, place, and compact excavation materials correctly.
-
Use reinstatement materials to restore ground, holes, and trenches to original condition.
-
Perform testing and monitoring of excavated and reinstated areas (compaction, density).
-
Use hand and power tools for excavation and reinstatement work.
-
Read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
-
Maintain accurate records of work, materials, equipment, and testing results.
-
Work effectively in a team and communicate with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should be able to read & write in English.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or over.
- Applicants should have successfully completed the Award in Understanding Health and Safety- Construction MQF Level 2 or equivalent.
- Applicants should have successfully completed the MQF Level 2 Award in Excavation Operative or
a. Provide Work History Declaration and
b. Provide proof of three or more years of experience.
Grading system
| Grade |
Description |
Marks Range |
| A |
Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic with high competence, effectively using relevant literature and theory. |
80–100 |
| B |
Displays a critical understanding of the topic with significant competence and appropriate use of relevant materials. |
65–79 |
| C |
Shows evidence of some critical understanding and demonstrates basic competence. |
50–64 |
| R |
Requires further work to meet minimum standards in understanding and competence. |
0–49 |
Address/es where programme will be delivered: PG Offices, Ħal- Farruġ Road, Luqa, LQA 3078
For visa information, visit Identity Malta’s Visa Unit
