January 23, 2025
The British Drilling Association (BDA) Training & Education Sub-Committee met on 16th January 2025 via Teams, focusing on enhancing training opportunities, advancing qualifications, and improving standards across the drilling sector.
Key Highlights:
- Land Drilling New Entrants Scheme: The current batch continues to progress, with two candidates nearing assessment readiness.
- Vocational Qualifications (VQ): Discussions centred on the Level 3 Advanced Drilling VQ. Challenges in evidence provision were noted as a barrier to uptake. A review of this qualification is planned, alongside an initiative to raise industry awareness of its benefits. A Level 2 VQ update is pending feedback from MP Awards.
- BDA Audit Process: Nine audits have been completed so far in 2025, with a steady pace expected throughout the year. The 2024 audit review highlighted a pass rate of over 90%, where an auditor intervention was included.
- BDA Training Videos: The “Core Handling” video is now live on the BDA website. Suggestions for new videos include sample quality, certification/documentation, and rig safety. The sub-committee is exploring collaboration with AGS to adapt existing materials.
- Dynamic Sampling Classification: An article clarifying BDA’s stance on machine types versus sampling techniques is under development for the newsletter.
- Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme: Progress continues with the draft Occupational Proposal for an Assistant Driller apprenticeship. A Trailblazer group, comprising at least ten companies, is being finalised. Collaboration with geothermal representatives is underway.
The next meeting will take place on 19th March 2025.
Members are encouraged to contribute ideas for articles, training initiatives, or improvements in standards. Please contact: office@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk