Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is revolutionizing the utilities and civil engineering sectors, allowing contractors to install underground pipes and cables without the need for disruptive open-cut trenching. However, operating an HDD rig requires immense precision, an understanding of underground topography, and strict safety adherence. Our NPORS Horizontal Directional Drilling Rig (N130) course trains operatives to master the rig’s complex controls, execute precise boring and pullback operations, an
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Description
Course Overview
This comprehensive training program is essential for utility contractors, telecoms teams, and civil engineers tasked with trenchless technology operations.
Delivered by our expert instructors, this intensive course grounds operators in essential health and safety legislation (including PUWER, COSHH, and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974). Candidates will get hands-on experience with the complete drilling system, from anchoring and piloting to back reaming and rod loading. We place a heavy emphasis on utility avoidance, teaching operators how to conduct rigorous pre-drilling work area checks and identify underground services before the drill head ever breaches the soil.
What You Will Learn
Upon successful completion, candidates will be competent in:
Legislation & Risk Assessment: Understanding personal and environmental obligations, method statements, and codes of practice under current UK legislation.
Machine Components: Identifying and explaining the functions of complex HDD components, including the drill frame/head, shuttle, anchoring systems, back reamers, swivels, and tracking transmitters/receivers.
Pre-Operational Inspections: Executing meticulous checks on hydraulic systems, drill rods, drilling fluid pumps, and tracks/undercarriages.
Site Preparation & Safety: Walking the site to highlight underground services, setting out warning signs, and confirming electrical safety around overhead/underground cables.
Safe Drilling Operations: Preparing the rig for use, understanding ground pressure, operating on slopes/inclines, and executing precise pilot boring and pullback maneuvers safely.
Transportation & End of Shift: Safely loading/unloading the rig for transportation and executing correct shutdown, isolation, and site security procedures.
Course Durations & Eligibility
Novice Course Duration: 5 Days (Intensive training for beginners).
Class Ratio (Novice): Maximum 3 Learners : 1 Instructor : 1 Machine.
Refresher Tests: Maximum 3 tests per day.
Experienced Worker Tests (EWT): Maximum 6 tests per day (For highly experienced operators requiring re-certification).
Testing & Certification
Candidates must pass a rigorous NPORS theoretical examination and a highly practical test, demonstrating safe anchoring, pilot drilling, reaming, and hazard avoidance under the close supervision of our accredited instructors.
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an NPORS card and certificate endorsing them for Horizontal Directional Drilling Rig (N130).





