Solutions for skills shortage in drilling sector highlighted at industry event

A recent British Drilling Association conference discussed how the industry can tackle the skills shortage and provide further routes for training and upskilling.

The conference on "Education, training and tackling the skills shortage in drilling" was held in Staffordshire last month.

British Drilling Association (BDA) chair Paul McMann opened the event by discussing some of the organisation's initiatives to tackle the ongoing skills shortage, with a focus on its apprenticeship scheme, audit and standards, and how these are supporting the upskilling of the sector.

McMann noted that although a driller may need more than 30 skills cards, including safety passes, ancillary equipment competency cards and other safety related training, none of these improve their drilling skills. He asked the audience not to confuse obligatory safety training with examining and upskilling in the drilling process.

His presentation was followed by a talk by Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) engagement advisor for Coventry and Warwickshire, Phil Warwick. He gave a brief overview of the work of the CITB and the funding available, covering everything from long and short period qualification grants through to apprenticeship grants, and its skills and training fund.

Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) industry scheme manager Patrick Bowles then spoke on driller development and the BDA audit. He gave an overview of the MPQC before explaining its regulated and non-regulated awards schemes and its "assessment of quality in the sector", including the plant operator competence, drilling and blasting and land drilling schemes.

Why the MPQC was chosen to review the land drilling qualifications was discussed and how it has worked with the BDA to ensure that these remain relevant to the evolving needs of the sector. The work it has undertaken to support the accreditation of the BDA's audit was also touched upon and how it monitors the audits to ensure they are of the highest standard and demonstrate true competence.

Bam Ritchies business development manager Angus MacGregor covered the topic of "Attracting and retaining staff in land drilling". He began his presentation with a reading from Hugh Miller's The testimony of the rocks, first published in 1857, as a way of explaining that the stories we tell and the language we use is important in overcoming the challenges of the skills shortage.

As an industry that has provided MacGregor himself with 25 years of uninterrupted employment, he concluded by encouraging those in the sector to tell their stories wherever and whenever they can, and especially connect with young people in schools. He added that we must be prepared to tell our story differently from the way we used to, use language carefully and with consideration, and not keep what we do a secret.

Ground Forum chair Steve Hadley spoke about the Ground Forum Mentoring Scheme (GFUMP) and how it is helping to encourage the next generation of geotechnical engineers to enter the sector, as well as how its early careers group is motivating young professionals and helping with retention.

Specifically, after outlining what the Ground Forum is and what it does, Hadley spoke about how it works with associations and lobbies government on their behalf. The GFUMP was also formed to help encourage more people from minority groups into the sector.

Comacchio area sales manager Davide Pegoraro took delegates through the latest developments in equipment handling and automated services on drilling rigs. He covered growing trends in the drilling market, from electric rigs and green technology, through to the increase in automation, connectivity and data analysis. These systems help drive safety on site, reduce labour needs and lower carbon emissions, he said.

Project RECCE CEO Neil Houlihan and COO John Davies spoke about the programme and how it is challenging employers to think differently about the military veteran talent pool, and to create opportunities for military veterans and service leavers. They noted how individuals from this talent pool can be quick to learn and possess leadership and management skills. They are also health and safety aware, adaptable and resilient, and good communicators with high military values and standards. Project RECCE can help design and assure a "military talent programme" for businesses.

Causeway Geotech drilling manager Neil Gowdy spoke about "Cable percussion drilling in the 21st century – training the next generation of CP drillers". He listed some of the benefits of cable percussion drilling, noting that it is a versatile and cost effective method, with easily transportable equipment. He also discussed some of the challenges the technique presents, including difficult to source "new" rigs and attracting and retaining drillers. He suggested a pathway to tackle these challenges, speaking about the benefits of the NVQ Level 2 for lead drillers.

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