July 24, 2025
The BDA Training & Education (T&E) Sub-Committee met in June to discuss a range of updates, including the CLC competence framework, vocational qualifications, and the progress of BDA training videos.
Key Highlights:
- CLC Competence Framework, Industry Engagement – An overview of the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) competence framework and the role of the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) was presented. The committee explored how this framework could address specific challenges within the Ground Engineering sector. A unanimous vote confirmed that the BDA should participate in the Super Sector Scheme. A follow-up meeting is planned to review the framework in more detail.
- Vocational Qualifications (VQs) – Certificates for the Level 3 Advanced Drilling VQ have been updated and will be distributed to the three centres involved. The Level 2 VQ (MP Awards) remains ongoing.
- Training Video Development – Life of a Sample – The storyboard has been finalised, and the committee is awaiting laboratory video content. Supporting documentation is also in development, with feedback from committee members in progress.
- Coal Authority Guidance for Drillers – This document has been finalised and will be circulated to the committee.
- Template Approval – Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist – The checklist has been approved and is now being ratified. The potential for its inclusion in the SmartCheck platform is being explored.