What will you do?
You are also known as a drilling machine driver, a drilling foreman or a well driller. You install the drilling structure, organise the workstation and carry out first-line maintenance on your machines and equipment. You also finish the drill holes, record your data and work safely and with respect for the environment.
- Install the drilling structure
- Organise the workstation
- Carry out first-line maintenance on machines and equipment
- Perform vertical ground drilling
- Finish the drill holes
- Record the drilling data
- Work safely and with respect for the environment
Skills to develop
- Experience operating heavy site machinery
- Feel for soil, depth and drilling technique
- Able to carry out first-line machine maintenance
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
Your foundation for this occupation
Ask whether drilling serves investigation, a well or another purpose. That determines records and finishing. Learn machine operation with planning and ground observation under an experienced crew. Machine skills do not replace project documents or applicable conditions.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Practise identifying the specified location and keeping a drilling log. Link observations to depth and time as instructed. Organise materials so the crew retains oversight. Report unexpected conditions before changing the method.
Check your work
Check that records match the correct location. Document changes and handover to the next operation. Report uncertain ground observations or equipment issues factually. The client needs to understand completed work, not merely see 'finished'.
How can you grow?
Progress from assistant to operator and coordination with experience and training. Compare applications, travel and the balance of operating, handling and records. Ask what supervised practice precedes independence.
Frequently asked questions
Is every vertical bore a water well?
No. Investigation and other technical or construction purposes also use boreholes. Assignments, records and finishing therefore differ. Choose by the employer's actual activity.