The Drilling & Sawing Association (DSA) opened its training centre doors to offer an insight into how diamond drilling and concrete plays a major role in the construction process. It was part of Open Doors, a weeklong event delivered by Build UK from 18 to 23 March, which enables people to visit construction sites, facilities and workplaces across Great Britain and see the range of careers available in the industry.

Students, aged from 13 to 17, from Crisp Vocational Provision in Bulwell, and CP Riverside in Nottingham, were given a briefing on the opportunities available in the specialist sector including specialist applied traineeships before they were given the chance to have a go at drilling, as well as using a remote controlled demolition machine which has similar controls to games consoles. Julie White, the managing director of D-Drill & Sawing, chair of Build UK and chair of the DSA, noted that more than 5,000 people had booked on to visits during Open Doors 2024, with 220 events taking place throughout the week.