Water Well Driller
Water Well Drillers set up and operate mobile rotary, boring or cable tool drilling rigs used to drill residential, commercial or industrial water wells. In addition, they conduct environmental assessment drilling.
To find potable water that is clean and safe for drinking, Water Well Drillers must know the geological formations of the area in which they are working. They may assist customers in locating a well and estimating the cost.
After setting up the drilling rig, Water Well Drillers:
- operate the rig to bore a hole for the well and line the hole with well casings (steel or plastic pipes)
- record information about the geological formations encountered
- put screens and pumps in place to develop the well
- design and install a pumping system
- clean and disinfect the well in preparation for use.
Water Well Drillers also disinfect, re-construct and re-develop older contaminated wells and water pumping systems.
The demand for water well drilling services slows down somewhat in the winter. In the off-season, Water Well Drillers may:
- work for construction companies drilling holes for pilings or drilling test holes
- maintain and upgrade their equipment
- work with water purification and water pumping systems.
Water Well Drillers work outdoors and usually travel to various work sites. The work is strenuous, noisy and dirty, and there is some risk of injury involved in working with power equipment. Hours of work vary because some jobs must continue non-stop until completion.
Qualifications
To be successful in the trade, Water Well Drillers need:
- the strength and stamina required to lift heavy equipment weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- mechanical aptitude
- manual dexterity
- the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships
- the ability to work alone or with others
The work is most rewarding for those who prefer scheduling their own hours, enjoy working independently and take pride in seeing the results of their work.
Water Well Drillers generally acquire their skills through apprenticeship training or by learning informally on the job. Apprenticing for this type of work is mandatory in Alberta. To enter the Water Well Driller apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, applicants must have at least Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apparentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
To register, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres.
Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is two years (two 12 month periods with a minimum of 1800 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires six weeks of classroom training for each year. An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Water Well Driller trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.
The classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is only offered at Red Deer College. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Human Resources Development Canada may provide income support for apprentices attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Canada Employment Centre.
After successfully completing the required examinations and hours of employment, apprentices are awarded a Journeyman Certificate.
Employment and Advancement
Most Water Well Drillers are self-employed or employed by water well drilling companies. Many water well drilling operations are family-run businesses. Oportunities to advance to supervisory positions are limited in smaller organizations.
With additional training, Water Well Drillers may transfer their skills to related occupations in the petroleum exploration industry or the construction industry.
For more information about the Parts Technician Apprenticeship program, please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403.342.3100 or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403.340.5151.
You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.