Core Drilling Training: Master the Most Technical Ground Investigation Method
After completing this core drilling training course, you will gain a thorough understanding of the specific characteristics of this highly technical ground investigation method. Core drilling is widely recognised as one of the most precise drilling techniques, as the extracted core must be perfectly formed to allow accurate analysis of the soils and rocks encountered.
This training focuses on achieving high-quality cores, which are essential for reliable geotechnical, environmental and engineering studies.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Core Drilling
The core drilling training course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of this drilling method in the field. You will learn why core drilling is essential for detailed subsurface investigations and how it supports informed decision-making in construction and infrastructure projects.
Special attention is given to the importance of preserving the integrity of the core, ensuring it accurately represents the geological layers crossed during drilling operations.
Equipment, Parameters and Tool Selection in Core Drilling
During the training, you will become familiar with the different types of core barrels used in core drilling and their specific applications. The course explains the key drilling parameters, including rotation speed, feed pressure and flushing systems, and how they affect core quality.
You will also learn how to select the appropriate drilling crown based on soil and rock types, helping to optimise drilling performance while minimising core loss or damage.
Practical Application and Drill Rig Adjustment
A strong practical component is included in the core drilling training. You will apply your theoretical knowledge on site by carrying out core drilling operations under real working conditions. The course teaches you how to correctly adjust the drill rig, monitor drilling parameters and safely extract a core while maintaining optimal quality standards.
This hands-on approach ensures you develop confidence, precision and autonomy when performing core drilling tasks in professional environments.
Essential Training for High-Quality Core Drilling Operations
By completing this core drilling training, you will acquire strong technical and practical skills required to carry out reliable and accurate core drilling operations. You will be able to contribute effectively to high-quality soil and rock investigations, supporting precise analysis and sound engineering decisions.
This training is a valuable asset for professionals seeking to master a demanding and specialised drilling technique.
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Top hammer drilling – Ride-on drills – Improvement Top hammer – Construction drill rigs »
Top hammer drilling is widely used in quarries, especially for production blasting. It delivers high drilling rates, consistent blast holes and strong overall efficiency. To meet the extractive industry’s needs for performance, safety and profitability, Drill-i offers a complete, practical training course dedicated to top hammer drilling on carrier-mounted drilling rigs.
A specialist course to optimise your blasting operations
This Drill-i training programme is designed for quarry professionals who want to master blast hole drilling with top hammer drilling. You will go from understanding the equipment to optimising drilling settings in real conditions. Over 3 days, the course combines targeted theory with intensive hands-on practice, so you can build skills quickly and retain them long term.
Focused theory to build solid fundamentals
From the start of the course, you receive 3 hours of classroom theory. This phase helps you understand:
- How a blast hole drilling rig operates
- The mechanical and pneumatic principles of top hammer drilling
- Quarry-specific requirements for blast hole drilling
- How to choose the right tooling (rods and bits) based on rock type and production targets
These fundamentals let you approach the practical sessions with a clear view of technical and economic challenges.
Extensive field practice on a carrier-mounted rig
Most of the training is dedicated to practical work on a carrier-mounted drilling rig, which is essential to develop the right habits and improve performance on site. In particular, you will learn to:
- Drill blast holes in line with the blasting plan
- Set up the rig to achieve the best drilling efficiency
- Adjust key parameters (pressure, rotation and feed) to match ground conditions
- Reduce tool wear and minimise downtime
- Improve blast hole straightness and consistency for more accurate, effective blasting
This hands-on approach builds autonomy, improves safety and increases overall productivity at the face.
Training built for quarry environments
The drilling method covered in this programme applies exclusively to carrier-mounted quarry rigs used for blast hole drilling. It is aimed at operators, quarry managers and technicians who want to strengthen their expertise in top hammer drilling within a demanding production setting.
If your need involves top hammer drilling on construction or geotechnical drill rig , Drill-i also offers a dedicated programme: “Top Hammer Drilling – Drill Rigs in construction.”
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Down-the-hole hammer on micro-drilling rigs and geotechnical drill rigs (DTH) Core drilling »
You want to understand the advantages of this method, its applications, the necessary tools to use it right, the working process…
You want to be the next best down the hole driller of the world, then it’s easy, train with Drill-i !
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Pressuremeter test Top hammer drilling – Ride-on drills – Improvement »
This soil investigation method helps assess ground characteristics and derive the calculations needed for foundation design. It is an essential step in the construction of buildings, civil engineering structures, and other major works.
The training runs over 4 days and includes:
To meet all the expectations of this method in the field, train with Drill-i!
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Daily maintenance – Drill rigs Down-the-hole hammer on micro-drilling rigs and geotechnical drill rigs (DTH) »
The “Daily Maintenance of Drill Rigs” training course enables you to carry out routine maintenance on your drill rig directly on site. The main objective is to extend the service life of your drilling equipment by performing proper daily and weekly maintenance operations on the machine.
This Maintenance drill rig training lasts 2 days and is available at several of our training centers or can be delivered directly at your premises. It is designed for drillers and assistant drillers who operate drilling machines on construction or exploration sites.
During the training, you will begin by identifying the different components of your drill rig or drilling machine in order to understand how they interact. You will then carry out daily and weekly maintenance tasks on the machine. You will also learn how to replace wear parts to anticipate failures and reduce downtime.
Finally, the instructor will explain how to respond effectively to a breakdown, helping you avoid worsening the situation and ensuring a faster return to operation.
We also offer this training for operator-on-board drill rigs.
If you need more information about the “Daily Maintenance of Drill Rigs” training course, please contact us by email at formation@foraloc.com
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Daily maintenance – Initial – Ride-on machine Pressuremeter test »
A training programme dedicated to mastering maintenance on top hammer drill rig
The Drill-i – Daily Maintenance of Top Hammer Drill Rigs with Operator Cab training programme is designed to help you develop practical, job-ready skills in maintenance on top hammer drill rig, particularly for cab-equipped machines commonly used in quarrying and mining operations.
The main objective of this training is to help you maintain the reliability of your equipment, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend the service life of your drill rigs by applying effective and structured maintenance practices carried out directly by machine operators.
Who is this training for?
This training course is aimed at professionals who work daily with top hammer drill rigs, especially drillers and assistant drillers operating on mining and quarry sites. It is well suited to anyone looking to strengthen their skills in maintenance on top hammer drill rig, while improving safety, productivity and operational performance on site.
Duration and training locations
The Drill-i – Daily Maintenance of Top Hammer Drill Rigs with Operator Cab training course takes place over 2 days. It can be delivered at one of our training centres or directly at your premises, allowing the programme to be adapted to your operational constraints and working environment.
Training programme
The training programme is designed to combine technical understanding with hands-on practice on drilling equipment.
You will begin by learning how to identify the main components of a top hammer drill rig and understand how they interact. This essential step enables you to carry out effective maintenance on top hammer drill rig and to quickly detect potential issues that could impact drilling performance.
You will then be trained in daily and weekly maintenance operations, which include:
- Visual and functional inspections of the drill rig
- Safety checks before and after operation
- Cleaning, lubrication and preventive control tasks
These actions help prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal machine performance on site.
The course also covers the replacement of wear parts, enabling you to reduce unplanned stoppages. You will learn how to identify signs of wear and intervene at the right time to preserve the reliability of your drilling equipment.
Finally, the instructor will explain how to respond effectively in the event of a breakdown, by adopting the correct procedures to secure the machine and minimise downtime. In particular, you will learn:
- Immediate actions to prevent the situation from worsening
- Best practices for safe intervention
- Key steps to return the drill rig to service efficiently
Training also available for drill rigs and exploration rigs
The Drill-i training programme is also available for other drill rigs and exploration rigs, in order to meet the specific requirements of different drilling equipment used on site.
Why choose the Drill-i training programme?
By attending this training, you will gain practical skills in maintenance on top hammer drill rig that can be applied immediately in the field. This contributes to improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased service life and performance of your drilling equipment.
Need more information?
If you would like further information about the Drill-i – Daily Maintenance of Top Hammer Drill Rigs with Operator Cab training, please contact us by email at: 📧 formation@foraloc.com
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« Drilling discovery training Daily maintenance – Drill rigs »
Do you work in drilling — or want to enter the drilling industry? Need the basics: key concepts, terminology, and real-world applications? Our drilling discovery training course is the right place to start. It’s open to all roles and all audiences.
This one-day theoretical training introduces the main drilling methods, tools, and on-site applications. It also answers essential questions:
- Why drill and how does drilling work?
- What costs and constraints can you face on a jobsite?
Next steps after your drilling discovery training
If you want to become a driller, we recommend continuing with the Learn to Drill pathway.
If you already know which activity area you want to move into, you can go straight to:
If you don’t want to become a driller, we recommend continuing with the Drilling Initiation course. This 2-day hands-on practical training will help you better integrate the theoretical knowledge.
Need help choosing the right course?
Not sure which training best fits your needs? Contact us at formation@foraloc.com to learn more.
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« CACES R482 Category B2 – Drill rig Improvement Daily maintenance – Initial – Ride-on machine »
This training is perfectly suited for experienced drillers who do not yet hold a CACES® certification.
Since January 1st, 2020, a specific CACES® certification for drillers and sondage operators has been introduced. The CACES® R482 Category B2 is dedicated to drill rigs and sequentially moving drilling machines.
Have you obtained a CACES® certification before 2020? Several situations may apply:
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If you hold a CACES® R372m Category 2 that is still valid and was obtained on a drill rig, it remains valid for operating drilling equipment.
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If your CACES® exam was taken on an excavator, it can no longer be used to operate a drill rig. In this case, you can register for this training.
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If you obtained a CACES® certification in another category less than 12 months ago, there is no requirement to retake the theoretical test. Please note: the price remains unchanged.
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If you have never obtained a CACES®, please enroll in the CACES® R482 Category B2 Initial training to obtain your first CACES drill rig certification.
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If you fail only one part of the exam (theoretical or practical), the successfully completed part remains valid for 12 months. You may retake the missing part only and obtain the CACES B2 certification with Drill-i.
In 2024, this training achieved a 100% pass rate.
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« CACES R482 Category B2 – Drill rig Initial Drilling discovery training »
Would you like to obtain a certificate that allows you to operate a drill rig on all construction sites? Then enrol in the CACES® R482 Category B2 training.
The New CACES® R482 Category B2 for Drill Rigs
Since 1 January 2020, a specific CACES® certification for drillers and drilling machine operators has been in place. The CACES® R482 Category B2 is dedicated to drill rigs and sequentially moving drilling or sampling machines.
Did you obtain a CACES® certificate before 2020? Here are your options:
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If you hold a valid CACES® R372m Category 2 obtained on a drill rig, it remains valid for operating drilling equipment.
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If your CACES® was obtained on an excavator, it can no longer be used to operate a drill rig. In this case, you must obtain the new CACES® R482 Category B2. We recommend enrolling in the CACES® R482 Cat. B2 Drill Rig – Advanced Training.
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If you obtained a CACES® R482 in another category within the last 12 months, you are not required to retake the theoretical test. Please note: the price remains unchanged.
How the CACES® R482 Category B2 Certification Works
During the 3 days of initial CACES® R482 Category B2 training, you will practise operating the machine and learn the required theoretical knowledge. The CACES® test then takes place over one full day.
Because safety is a priority and drilling is highly specialised, all our CACES® instructors are drilling experts.
Please note: this CACES drill rig beginner training enables you to operate the machine safely. However, if you wish to become a driller or learn drilling techniques, we also recommend completing the “Learn to Drill” training pathway.
If you fail only one part of the test (theoretical or practical), the successfully completed part remains valid for 12 months. You may retake only the missing part to obtain your CACES® certification.
In 2024, this training achieved a 100% success rate. Register now!
(This training allows you to use your CPF)
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
« AIPR CACES R482 Category B2 – Drill rig Improvement »
Since 1 January 2017, the AIPR (Authorisation to Work Near Networks) has been mandatory for all construction sites in France, including drilling and borehole sites.
Thanks to this one-day training course, you will learn how to identify the different types of underground networks and understand the consequences of striking a network. You will also learn how to determine levels of responsibility on site and apply the relevant regulations depending on each situation.
Working near underground networks requires careful preparation. During the training, you will master the key checks to carry out before, during and after works. If you encounter a high-risk situation, you will know how to apply the correct safety procedures.
Three AIPR Certification Levels Available
You must choose your level before the training:
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Operator: for drillers or assistant drillers who operate drilling machines
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Supervisor: for team leaders or managers responsible for worksite decisions
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Designer: for project managers involved in the preparation or monitoring of works
Short on time? This training is also available in e-learning format.
In 2024, this training achieved a 97% success rate with Drill-i — register now!
7 May 2019
Marie-Eve Pecatte
CACES R482 Category B2 – Drill rig Initial »
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