UACCM Workforce Training

Underground Directional Drilling Training

Group of student learning how to operate a horizontal directional drill.

A Boring Job With Exciting Potential

The Underground Directional Drilling program is comprised of two course that begins with a one-week safety course, called Broadband Essentials. Some individuals coming from Industry may meet the requirements to receive credit for this course. The second course of the program is a three-week skills training. This skills training 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. 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. Each level consists of 40-hour, five-day weeks.

Currently, Arkansas residents may have course registration covered in part or in full by the Office of Skills Development.

Non-Credit

Broadband Essentials Course Offering

$300

    • 40 Hours
    • MTWRF | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    • Tech2

Course Content Areas Included in This Course

  • Theory of Basic Operations (8 hours)
    This covers introduction to safety, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and identification of HDD equipment.
  • Certifications (16 hours)
    Students will be exposed to and have the opportunity to earn an OSHA 10 Certification and CPR/first aid
  • Knowledge Training (16 hours)
    Topics covered include the inspection and care of equipment. Radio frequency (RF) awareness and safety; underground utility location procedures; blueprint reading and interpretation of construction drawings; Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for equipment and load securement; electrical safety and stray voltage detection; lockout/tagout procedures; material handling and storage are addressed at this time.
Non-Credit

Skills Training Course Offering

    • 120 Hours
    • MTWRF | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    • Tech2

Course Content Areas Included in This Course

  • Hands-On Skills (120 hours)
    Course consists of introduction, overview and expectations of operation of a Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) including drill safety. Hands-on operation of equipment covers tracking electronics, job site overview and planning, HDD preventative maintenance, drilling fluids and mixing, down-hole tooling, excavation planning, and vacuum excavating. The course ends with a four-day real-world jobsite replication.

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.