Diamond Drilling Operative

What does a diamond drilling operative do?

A diamond drilling operative is primarily responsible for cutting through concrete and steel reinforced concrete on various construction projects. The role also involves conducting a health and safety assessment, and estimating how much time the work will take before communicating this with the site manager. 

Other duties of a diamond drilling operative include: 

• Drilling through various materials using specialist tools and machinery
• Planning and carrying out work to the highest levels of safety
• Floor, hand or wire sawing
• Following detailed plans and instructions
• Working to strict health and safety guidelines
• Inspecting equipment to ensure it’s working properly
• Working on a construction site.

How to become a diamond drilling operative

There are several routes to becoming a diamond drilling operative. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a diamond drilling operative, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a diamond drilling operative, having GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English at grade 4 or above would be beneficial for anyone considering this as a career.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could become a diamond drilling operative by completing a drilling and sawing apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have five years of industry experience and are looking to become a diamond drilling operative, you could take the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) which combines the key parts of the Level 2 course in Drilling and Sawing into one practical assessment, along with work-based evidence and employer endorsement. 

Alternatively you can do On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) in order to get a job as a diamond drilling operative. 

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a diamond drilling operative. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Desirable skills for a diamond drilling operative include:

• A good level of physical fitness 
• Practical skills 
• Ability to follow written and spoken instructions
• An awareness of health and safety on-site
• Ability to problem solve 
• Good levels of teamwork.

How much could you earn as a diamond drilling operative?

The expected salary for a diamond drilling operative varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained diamond drilling operatives can earn £24,000
• Trained and experienced diamond drilling operatives can earn up to £42,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.