The drilling industry offers a dynamic and rewarding career path with numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. Whether that be climbing up the ladder in terms of vocational qualifications from support operative to operations manager or crossing over into different sectors from ground investigation to offshore drilling, anchoring, geothermal, water well, grouting and many others, the industry offers a broad horizon of opportunities.
Typical career pathway
The best practice for anyone looking to start in the drilling industry is to start working as a support operative and learning the fundamentals of drilling, whether on a rotary, cable percussive, dynamic sampling or sonic rig. This type of training is paramount to learning the ropes and assisting the lead driller in all aspects of the drilling activity.
There is so much opportunity to grow and develop within this industry
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The Level 2 Diploma in Drilling Operations – Support Operative enables the learner to be observed working as a support operative, and the learner will demonstrate their knowledge and be observed in certain aspects of the drilling activity, including conforming to efficient work practices, contributing to the specified drilling programme and contributing to maintaining health and safety.
This qualification gives the candidate a really good grounding and should be the start of anyone's career in the industry.
Once the fundamental practices of the drilling activity have been learnt, the next career progress is to upskill to lead driller. This qualification looks at the candidate being able to drill holes to specification, locate and identify underground services, set up protection equipment, among many other criteria.
Level 2 Diploma
The great thing about the drilling industry is the transferable skills gained from the vocational qualifications. Once the Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling - Lead Driller has been completed, candidates can add on other categories, eg a candidate may have the full Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling – Rotary. However, they may have been trained by the company due to a change of business focus to operate and drill using cable percussion. The candidate can add the cable percussion endorsement to their existing vocational qualification by completing a VQ in Cable Percusssion and this, upon completion, can be added to the candidate's CSCS card.
Career progression
In terms of further career progression, many assume the Level 2 Diploma is the end of the journey for any driller; however, this is not the case. There are ample opportunities for further development, particularly in the VQ route, including the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Drilling – which was developed due to a need for further career progression within the industry. It has been designed for experienced individuals who have achieved the Lead Driller pathway in the Level 2 Diploma in Drilling Operations within a land drilling environment.
The Level 3 Diploma covers more complex drilling as well as elements of coordinating land drilling activities and supervision. It has been designed to bridge the gap between the Level 2 Drilling Operations and supervisory or management qualifications.
Further qualifications
Furthermore, there is an opportunity within the industry to complete qualifications in either occupational work supervision or operations management. These are focused on those who have moved into positions that oversee the general day-to-day drilling operations.
At Land Drilling NVQ Ltd, it is a privilege to be part of candidates' journeys from start to finish, and there are numerous examples where we have been part of the candidates' journey from starting as a support operative to working as operations managers to starting their own drilling companies. Land Drilling NVQ provides all of the qualifications mentioned, as well as bespoke training all over the UK.
One example of an abundance of opportunity within this industry is Land Drilling NVQ's directors, Lee (Charlie) and Callum Allardyce.
Callum started his drilling career working for his father, Lee (Charlie) Allardyce, at his company, Drift Ground Investigation.
Lee formed this company after starting as a support operative straight from school. He rapidly accelerated in the industry and formed his first company, G A Drilling, which went from strength to strength. He then started Drift Ground investigation operating all over the UK and, in the meantime, qualified as a Vocational Qualification Assessor and BDA Auditor, where he was heavily involved in the origins of the qualifications, audits and apprenticeship.
Like father, like son
Callum followed in his father's footsteps, continuously improving and continuing his passion for the industry as he embarked on the relatively new British Drilling Association apprenticeship. During the 18 months of this apprenticeship, he gained invaluable knowledge of the drilling industry.
After completing his apprenticeship, Callum successfully gained his VQ in Land Drilling Operations – Lead Driller.
Continually developing, Callum has worked all over the world onshore, offshore and nearshore using a range of different drilling methods. He has also worked as a drilling manager, completed his assessment qualification, and became a BDA auditor.
Reflecting on the exciting opportunities in the drilling industry, he said: "There is so much opportunity to grow and develop within this industry. Whether it be through courses or vocational qualifications, there are always ways to further your career.
"As well as this, the industry skills are easily transferable to different drilling methods, whether that be working offshore or moving into different drilling sectors such as anchoring or geothermal. The industry is huge, and there is something for everyone."
The drilling industry is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technologies and practices is essential for career progression. Pursuing additional certifications, attending training programmes, and gaining hands-on experience are crucial to advancing your career.
A successful career in the drilling industry involves a combination of gaining practical experience, obtaining the appropriate CSCS cards, and continuously developing your skills and knowledge. By following this path, you can achieve significant growth and contribute to the industry's success.
