12 February 2025
D-Drill & Sawing managing director Julie White is passionate about bringing through the next generation of workforce in the construction industry.
In a new feature, entitled The Real Apprentice – You Are Hired, Julie has been catching up with apprentices in the industry both within D-Drill and at other companies in the sector to show the breadth careers on offer – with more than 2,000 jobs in the industry!
Andrew Swan has just become a trainee manager with D-Drill after starting with the company as an apprentice driller and here he explains how he is taking the opportunity with both hands.
Andew said: “I’ve had quite a few jobs in the past, from Sky TV engineer through to my last job working in a funeral parlour.
“But I was looking for something different and my friend told me there might be some opportunities coming up at D-Drill as an apprentice driller. I had no past experience in the construction industry but he said they would train me up.
“I did my apprenticeship through the Drilling & Sawing Association and I was out on site with D-Drill doing all sorts of jobs to help me complete my NVQ2. One of my favourite jobs was at an airfield because that was quite cool. It is all very hands-on, using a range of drills and saws and doing work that supports the rest of the construction industry.
“It could be creating the holes for soil pipes in a new house or track-sawing the base in a new warehouse.
“We’ve also got the remote-controlled demolition equipment too and, honestly, I think kids would absolutely love to do it if they knew it existed – it’s so much fun to use.
“That’s what I would say to other people who want to come into this industry – there’s so much more to it than meets the eye and, as well as being out on site, there are other opportunities.
“I’ve found that out the hard way. I ruptured my Achilles playing football and it meant I could no longer work on sites and I thought that might be the end of my construction career.
“But Julie and the management team at D-Drill have invited me into the office and now I am in a trainee management apprentice role, which I am absolutely delighted with, while I’ve also been completing my diamond drilling and sawing apprenticeship.
“Now, I look after our clients’ need and, when any new jobs come in, I’ll price them up based on the individual requirements of the job. I’ll deal with the customer, answer any questions and then track the job to make sure it’s completed. Then I’m responsible for making sure they are happy and that the invoice can go out.
“I think I’m quite a good example of the fact there are loads of different jobs in construction – from being on-site to being in the office supporting.
“What I love about it is the really good atmosphere and team spirit that you get in construction. I had some funny times on site when a guy from another company we were working with got stuck up to his knees in mud and ended up losing his shoes!
“And there is also a great atmosphere in the office. We work hard and we also keep a smile on each other’s faces too.
“At the same time, I’m being given an opportunity to enhance my qualifications which will ultimately see me get my NVQ Level 6, which is great for me and fantastic that the company wants to develop me so much.
“I’ve got a young family and this is a real opportunity to build a career that will support them but also means I can be there for them too.
“What would I say to someone who wants to get into construction? Go for it! No two days are the same, the people are great and you’re making a contribution to an industry that provides every building imaginable!”
Julie’s thoughts: “Swanny is a breath of fresh air and is a great example of what the construction industry can offer. He came to us with one future plan in mind but has had to change and we have supported that.
“He’s a great example of how real passion and personality can help you on your way in construction and that there is something for everyone!”
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