October 8, 2025
The BDA Training & Education (T&E) Sub-Committee met on 24th September for a meeting that covered a wide range of updates, including the Land Drilling New Entrants Scheme, vocational qualifications, progress on training videos, and the CLC competence framework.
Key Highlights:
- Land Drilling New Entrants Scheme – The committee noted that the current batch of entrants has now completed. The Trailblazer Scheme remains on hold, with focus shifting instead towards the CLC “Super Sector Scheme,” which is seen as a more effective means of progressing competence and skills within the industry.
- Vocational Qualifications (VQs) – The committee was updated that MP Awards for the Level 2 qualification are due in October 2025, with the intention to publish by January 2026.
- Training Videos – Progress was reported on the Life of a Sample video, where comments have been received and will be reviewed. The recording date has been pushed back to allow further preparation. It was agreed that the Hydraulic Training Video would also be managed under the T&E Sub-committee. Further discussions were also held around the BDA’s Safety Culture video.
- Publications – The Coal Authority Guidance for Drillers was discussed, and it will be shared with other BDA Sub-committees for review/comments.
- CLC Competence Framework – Super Sector Groups – The committee worked through the document, confirming responses and ratifying answers. It was agreed to discuss further at the next committee meeting.