To work as a construction and well driller, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have one to five years of related work experience; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

A few construction and well drillers gain skills for this job through formal training. You can take courses at professional-technical or two-year schools. Courses in shop, general math, and drafting may be helpful. A few community colleges offer programs in drilling.

Work experience

You need several years of experience working in construction to get a job as a driller.

On-the-job training

Most construction and well drillers learn their skills informally on the job. You may start as a helper and learn skills from an experienced worker. Training usually takes a year or longer to complete.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction equipment operators. This occupation includes well drillers. Training lasts from four to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.