Introduction

Joint boxes feature under footways and carriageways in various sizes, types and specifications. Made from reinforced and unreinforced brick, cement, concrete, mortar and even plastic, the boxes house 54, 56 and small duct work coming through, so holes need to be drilled into them for installation. It is, of course, not just a case of drilling a hole in a box. There are skills and techniques required to ensure correct and safe work and so high-quality, precise training is critical. 

Operators working on the Openreach network must hold the relevant qualifications and certifications to do so in the UK. The Q Modules are a range of training courses approved by Openreach to ensure their workers operate to the correct standards and safety methods.  

Course Outline

Through a mix of practical and classroom-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover legislative and administrative knowledge and awareness while participating in practical tuition, focusing on core drilling on an underground telecoms network.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates benefit from training in our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach to how we do business.

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers will coach delegates in this one-day course at a 1:4 delegate ratio, awarding successful delegates a Citrus Training and Openreach certificate following an end-point assessment (EPA). 

Course Programme

This training is essential for operatives working on underground telecoms networks. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures and appropriate documentation for the process’ in various structures.

The course content includes:

Theory training and assessment for core drilling  

• Site surveys and documentation 
• Policies and legal requirements  
• Safe dig practice 
• Selecting the correct materials and equipment 
• Openreach core drilling specifications and standards 
• Theory test

Practical Assessment  

• Survey and investigation  
• Excavation  
• Core drilling into concrete chambers  
• Core drilling into plastic chambers  
• Reinstatement to SROH 4th Edition specifications 

Operators must demonstrate the ability to complete core drilling works to the standards and specifications set out in the training to pass.  

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates can core drill into any underground Openreach joint box chamber or manhole, allowing duct entry installations.

This module is also accepted on all other networks for operators not employed by Openreach.

The Q019 Core Drilling (CD1) Certification is valid for three years from the date of completion.  

Who Should Attend?

This Citrus certification is aimed at operatives working on the Openreach underground network and other third-party-owned UG telecom networks carrying out core drilling.

Course Duration

This comprehensive one-day course trains delegates to understand the challenges, processes and protocols of core drilling works in telecoms with theory training, a written exam, and a practical EPA. There are two training options available: 

• One day - EPA only - highly experienced 
• Two day – One day training and EPA  

Why Citrus?

Quality and the customer experience are paramount to us here at Citrus. We strive to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors.  

We proudly work with 85 of the country’s top 100 building services companies providing courses nationwide. As an approved NOPS and Openreach training provider, we deliver Telecoms Training qualifications through our accredited centres in our custom-built, real-world training facilities, offering safe and realistic training simulations.  

Serving the sector for nearly 20 years, our dedicated trainers provide expert knowledge and occupational experience to deliver Telecoms training courses.  

Things You Need to Know

Delegates need to hold the Mandatory Safety Accreditation: SA006 - Safe Working in Civils, and Mandatory SWQR: Unit LA, Unit O1, Unit O2, Unit O3 to take this training course. 

This course has practical elements. Delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations, or take any medication which may require additional support.