SOCOTEC Drilling Academy Celebrates New Milestone: Our Second Graduate has Completed the Programme

Phil Horton has become the second graduate from the SOCOTEC Drilling Academy to achieve the prestigious Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Land Drilling. This significant accomplishment highlights our commitment to excellence in the drilling industry and underscores the company's role as a leader in workforce development and training.

The Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Land Drilling is the highest qualification available for land drilling in the UK, introduced in 2021. SOCOTEC Drilling Academy is one of only three assessment centres in the country that offers this award. What sets us apart is its employment of two of the five assessors recognised by the British Drilling Association to deliver this qualification, making it a centre of excellence in drilling training.

Phil Horton, a highly skilled Cable Percussion Lead Driller with over 30 years of experience, is now the only known Level 3 Cable Percussion Lead Driller in the UK. His extensive knowledge, particularly in drilling deep and technically challenging boreholes in the London Basin, is unmatched, making this achievement even more noteworthy.

The Level 3 qualification is not just a theoretical certification; it requires practical, on-site assessment where candidates must demonstrate their abilities across seven complex modules. These modules cover a wide range of topics including complex drilling techniques, site supervision, process management, and health and safety protocols. The assessment process involves collecting a variety of evidence, such as photos, videos, and site-specific documentation, ensuring that the candidates meet the rigorous standards set by the qualification.

Phil was guided through this demanding process by Paddy Govan, one of our expert assessors approved to deliver the Level 3 Advanced Diploma across multiple drilling disciplines, including Rotary, Cable Percussion, and Sonic Drilling. This qualification complements the Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling, also offered by us, which is the recognised standard for land drillers in the UK.

With a growing demand for Level 3 qualified personnel in project specifications, we are uniquely positioned to meet these needs.  We plan to have at least two more candidates achieve the Level 3 qualification by mid-2025, further solidifying our leadership in the industry. Clients who choose us can be confident that they are working with drillers who possess not only exceptional technical skills but also a deep understanding of quality and safety standards. This ensures that every site investigation and the data derived from it are of the highest calibre.

Reflecting on his achievement, Phil Horton said, “I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback received from industry peers and colleagues, past and present, since completing my Level 3. I would like to thank Paddy Govan for all his hard work and patience with me whilst doing the award and the SOCOTEC Drilling Academy for the opportunity to complete it.”

Phil's success is a testament to our dedication to nurturing talent and maintaining the highest standards in the industry. As we continue to invest in the development of our employees, it reinforces its position as a trusted partner for clients seeking top-tier drilling services.

Our commitment to advancing the skills and qualifications of our employees through the SOCOTEC Drilling Academy not only benefits the us but also sets a benchmark for the entire industry. As more drillers achieve Level 3 certification, we will continue to lead the way in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality drilling services across the UK.

To find out more about our drilling and sampling services, click here or visit our careers page for information about our learning and development opportunities.