Overview
Join us as a Trainee Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) & General Operative and learn a valuable specialist trade. HDD is a trenchless method of installing underground pipes and ducts without digging a continuous open trench. You’ll receive paid, hands-on training in HDD and plant operation as part of a small, experienced team.
Although HDD is an important focus, this is a genuinely varied practical role. Alongside drilling projects, you could be operating excavators, completing groundworks, maintaining machinery, organising the yard or helping with building and property-improvement projects. No two weeks are likely to be the same.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the setup, operation and maintenance of HDD rigs, excavators and other plant under supervision.
- Help prepare drilling equipment, rods, tooling and work sites.
- Learn the HDD process, including pilot boring, reaming and pulling underground pipes or ducts into position.
- Develop the skills to operate excavators and other machinery safely and efficiently.
- Assist with excavations, groundworks, reinstatement and general labouring.
- Help maintain machinery, vehicles, the workshop and yard.
- Support a broad range of construction, building and property-improvement work.
- Carry out routine equipment inspections and identify potential issues or hazards.
- Follow instructions and communicate clearly to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently, at times working with high levels of autonomy.
- Help transport plant, equipment and materials when suitably qualified.
Qualifications
- A full UK driving licence is essential.
- Previous experience with machinery, construction, agriculture, groundworks or mechanics is desirable but not essential.
- A practical mindset and genuine interest in machinery and how things work.
- Willingness to learn HDD, plant operation and a broad range of practical skills.
- Strong safety awareness and a reliable, proactive attitude.
- Willingness to work outdoors, undertake physical tasks and get involved wherever needed.
- Ability to work well as part of a small team.
- An HGV licence would be advantageous; for the right candidate, we may be willing to fund HGV training.
This role is ideal for someone seeking a long-term career involving specialist HDD work, machinery and plenty of practical variety. Comprehensive training and ongoing development will be provided.
Benefits
- Overtime paid in addition to salary
- Weekday overtime paid at 1.25 times the normal rate
- Weekend overtime paid at 1.5 times the normal rate
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Planned Christmas shutdown
- Workplace pension
- Paid training in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and specialist equipment
- Potential funded HGV licence training for the right candidate
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunity to take real responsibility and work autonomously
- Varied work across HDD, plant operation, groundworks, maintenance and building projects
- Long-term opportunity within a small and growing business
Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
