Training and Education

The Training & Education Sub-committee consists of Paul McMann (Chair), Hamish Campbell, Charlie Allardyce, Scott Burt, Phil Dainton, Simon Jackson, Gareth Mews, Tom Walton, Nick Reichelt, Nick Vater, Julian Lovell, John Ireland, Darren O’Mahoney, Neil Gowdy, Matt Hillier, Callum Allardyce and Alister Greene.

The Committee’s mission statement is:

To advise and facilitate the continued development and competency within the drilling industry.

with the purpose of:

Supporting BDA members through guidance, training and educational content and support.

Regular topics of discussion include the following:

  • BDA Apprenticeship Scheme
  • Training and competency requirements
  • NVQ review of current content and development of new qualifications
  • CSCS card issues
  • Training funding options and availability for our members
  • Development of relevant guidance and training materials

The strategic aim of the Committee is to provide the members with a comprehensive and clearly defined route for the provision of a fully trained, qualified and competent workforce that demonstrates compliance with nationally and internationally recognised standards and qualifications. It has a wide-ranging membership from many different drilling disciplines within the industry, constantly looking into what will and could affect the industry over the coming years. It sets the BDA’s standards on qualifications and training which are then input into other BDA committees and external bodies such as BSI, SISG, HSE, etc. Members’ views are represented at many higher levels. It keeps members informed, educated and therefore well positioned to meet the future demands placed upon them.

The T & E committee has been one of the BDA’s most active over recent years. It has, in conjunction with MPQC, been instrumental in revising the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ Diploma) Land Drilling for the whole drilling industry – this covers the Lead Driller Role and the Drilling Support Operative (Driller) in all disciplines. In 2020, in conjunction with MPQC, the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Land drilling was developed. This development provides drilling operatives with further development and a career path. It is also heavily involved with the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card scheme on behalf of the industry.

In 2007 it brought into the market, again in conjunction with CSkills, the Land Drilling Apprenticeship which has been a huge success. The scheme, which takes the unskilled support operatives through to a level 2 Lead Driller within 2 years, has been well received by the industry and is now setting the standards for future Lead Drillers in all disciplines.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments that you would like to be discussed within this Committee, or if you would like to offer advice or assistance please contact the Chair of the Training & Education Sub-committee, via: training@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk

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