22 September 2025
A ‘hole’ new world for apprentice David
Build UK chair and D-Drill & Sawing managing director Julie White is passionate about bringing through the next generation of workforce in the construction industry. So much so, that Julie was recently appointed onto the Government’s Construction Skills Mission Board.
In this regular feature on the D-Drill website, 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 of careers on offer – with hundreds of jobs in the industry!
David Davies has had a ‘hole’ new outlook on his career since joining D-Drill & Sawing as a Diamond Drilling Apprentice in Bridgend, Wales last February, where he is working towards an NVQ2 qualification. The 29-year-old explains why he took the leap into an industry he had never heard of before, while providing an insight into how no two days are ever the same.
David said: “I’m the youngest of seven siblings and many of them started their careers working in factories so I naturally fell into that, but I wanted to try and follow a different path. After having initial ambitions to become a locksmith I applied for the Army, but was unsuccessful due to my asthma.
“I then saw an advert for an 18-month diamond drilling apprenticeship last February, and thought ‘that sounds different’ as I’d never heard of it before, and I’ve never looked back since.
“I’d done labouring before but this apprenticeship is on a different level and is much more ‘hands on’.
“I combine practical on the job experience with monthly training at the Drilling and Sawing Association in Nottingham, where I have already completed my drilling training, and I am currently in the process of completing my floor sawing training.
“There are also a range of other really interesting pieces of equipment there too, including remote demolition – which attracts a lot of attention!
“At the minute I am working on the site of a new sports bar in Cardiff opposite The Principality Stadium, which has involved creating a large 6 x 5 ft opening to house beer barrels – so a lot of drilling is involved. On other days there has been a lot of excess water to manage too as it has no escape route, so I have also been on wet vacuuming duty.
“The project I am currently on has also been an eye opener in seeing how more experienced colleagues work. A key thing I have learnt is to always plan three steps ahead, as this helps to mitigate against any complications and complete a job efficiently and to a high standard.
“It’s not until you get hands on with the equipment that you realise how different and cool the job is. When I talk to my friends and family about my job, I find that it is easier to show them pictures – as words don’t do it justice!
“It sounds straightforward drilling a hole to a certain depth, but there’s so much more to it than that. There’s also a risk assessment to consider and an escape plan if something goes wrong, and you always have to ask yourself ‘is this safe for me to do?’
“For me the best part of the job is being outside and doing a variety of tasks – which has really helped with my mental health.
“The rain can sometimes put a dampener on the day, but I wouldn’t change it for the world as I know that I am playing a part in creating infrastructure – whether that’s a sports bar, hospital or offices - that will benefit wider society and the economy.
“For anyone considering a construction apprenticeship – no matter their age or background – I would say definitely tell them to do it because it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills while earning.
“Before joining D-Drill & Sawing I thought apprenticeships were just for school and college leavers, but hopefully this will show to others that it is never too late to change your career.
“I think more job opportunities are now arising from word of mouth – so if you can show a business what you can do early on, then that will stand your career in good stead.”
Julie’s thoughts: “David’s story is a powerful reminder that apprenticeships aren’t just for those leaving school or college, but for those who are wanting to change career too.
“As an industry it is so important that construction shouts more about the variety of job roles that are out there – just like Build UK is doing with its Open Doors programme.
“After all, it was the intrigue of diamond drilling that prompted David to apply for the role he is in now – and I wonder how many more people like David could be tempted into our industry if they knew more about other niche jobs across hundreds of different specialist trades that make up the construction industry.”
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