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Daily Record 24 August 2006 LEARNING THE DRILL Firm launch pioneering training scheme to help meet demand for their expert services A SPARKLING opportunity to be at the cutting edge of the UK's construction industry is up for grabs. Diamond drillers have only been around for the last 10 years, but demand is so high that one company have decided to take matters into their own hands. Clyde Valley Drilling, Scotland's leading diamond drilling experts, want to recruit and train a new generation of drill professionals for the 21st Century.
Operating machinery worth around £20,000, the new recruits will be able to drill their way through concrete and steel with military precision. The company are keen to hire experienced workers who can cut it at the top. Managing director Owen Barrett said: "Over the years we've built up a niche market and now we're the biggest diamond drilling contractor in Scotland. "We're in demand because our drills can cut through concrete and steel very quickly in a clean and safe way. It's not like working with jackhammers, which can cause things like nerve damage because of the vibrations." Owen's diamond drills can cost up to £10,000, while a diamond grinder can be as much as £20,000. Using manufactured diamonds, the machinery is in a league of its own when it comes to construction drilling. Owen said: "Just recently we worked with Kelvingrove Art Gallery, reconstructing their basement, and we were very pleased with the results. The diamonds gave the floors a granite-effect finish, which really suited the building. "Our drills can use up to £1000 worth of diamonds a day, but it's a clean, safe way of working on buildings." New employees will be trained by current workers through a mix of computer-based study and an on-the-job buddy system. Based at Clyde Valley Drilling's training centre at their new headquarters at Eurocentral, the training scheme is the first of its kind in the UK. Training officer Kevin Arnott said: "I myself come from a construction background and originally trained up as a bricklayer. But after being made redundant, I made enquiries about diamond drilling and joined Clyde Valley Drilling in 1998. "Most of my training was on site, working one-to-one with a diamond driller, and the buddy system is going to be a big part of our new training scheme." He added: "Diamond operations using drills and grinders would suit someone with a trade background who already has some grounding in construction or mechanics and wants to take that knowledge a step further. "We're excited about taking on new people and developing the training scheme, because it will be the first of its kind in the UK." The company, who also help to decommission nuclear plants, are now on the verge of breaking into the Middle East. Owen said: "I figured out quite early on that I was better working with calculators rather than drills and set about employing the best team I could. "That's now paid off and soon we'll be working for companies in the Middle East market. We're becoming an international company and, because of that, we desperately need more drillers. "Workers with a 'can-do' attitude who are interested in furthering their skills would do well to give us a call." Anyone interested in becoming a diamond driller with Clyde Valley Drilling should send their CV to Mr L Barrett, Clyde Valley Drilling Ltd, Coddington Crescent, Eurocentral, Motherwell, ML1 4YF, email it to lbarrett@cvdltd.co.uk or call 0845 450 1701. |
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