UACCM Workforce Training

Underground Directional Drilling Training

Student operating a horizontal directional drill.

A Boring Job With Exciting Potential

This three-week program prepares participants for careers in horizontal directional drilling/boring. This is a process used by utility companies to install pipe, conduit, or cables underground without the need to dig trenches. The increased focus on expanding high-speed broadband access across Arkansas has increased the demand for qualified individuals with this specific skill base.

Utilizing curriculum designed by industry, participants have the opportunity to successfully complete the training needed to safely operate and maintain the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment.

The Underground Directional Drilling Training program is a two-part course that begins with a required 40-hour core class. The second part of the program is hands-on practical training. Pricing for the program is currently not finalized, but the first year of the program's students will have the cost covered by the Office of Skills Development.

Non-Credit

Core Class

    • 40 Hours
    • MTWRF | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    • Tech2
  • Program Overview
  • Inspection, Care and Use of Personal Protective Equipment
  • OSHA 10
  • First Aid/CPR/Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Hazard Assessment and Communication
  • RF Awareness and Safety
  • Underground Utility Locate Process, One Call
  • Reading Blueprint/Construction Drawings
  • DOT-Securement of Equipment and Load
  • Electrical Safety and Stray Voltage Detection
  • Lock Out/Tag Out
  • Material Handling and Storage
  • Responding to Emergency Situations
Non-Credit

Underground Directional Drilling

    • 120 Hours
    • MTWRF | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    • Tech2
  • Introduction/Overview/Expectations
  • Directional Drill Safety
  • HDD Basic Operation
  • Tracking Electronics
  • Jobsite Overview and Planning
  • Directional Drill Preventative Maintenance
  • Drilling Fluids and Mixing
  • Downhole Tooling
  • Excavation Planning and Safety
  • Vacuum Excavating
  • Four-Day, Real-World Jobsite Replication
  • Wrap-Up/Q and A/Employers/Etc.

Qualifications

Program participants must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a background check and negative drug screen.

Application Process

To complete the application and enroll in step one, contact the Office of Workforce Education and Training at workforce@uaccm.edu.