WorldWide Drilling Resource

28 DECEMBER 2015 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Ever have trouble finding competent help? Ever wonder why today's generation doesn't work like the one before them? Maybe we just haven't been able to appeal to what the new kids are used to. Technically, I would be a third-generation drilling professional. My mother married into the business when I was 13 years old, and my stepfather started when he was the same age, 13. It is what we knew. Technology has advanced leaps and bounds over the past two decades thanks to computers. I was fortunate enough to be able to cross over the gap between mechan- ical/clutch-operated machines to the computer-controlled machines of today. However, the next generation isn't like that. They are all computer savvy and understand things like HTML and C++ programming. They are “gamers” in the ultimate sense of the word and can manipulate a joystick and control pad with 16- button functions with their eyes closed. Unfortunately, only a small percentage have the desire to work with the me- chanical type equipment of days past. Now our industry is catching up. We are putting wired and wireless remote controls on equipment, and the machines all have hydraulic function. These controls are more appealing to the next generation, because they closely resemble the controls of things they are used to. These things being game consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. The drilling industry is becoming more advanced thanks to technology, and maybe this will help the next generation to be more involved in it. Now we have to keep that momentum alive and rolling. What could we do, as an industry, to make sure we keep up with today’s technology? There are many drilling schools across the country providing vast amounts of knowledge to students. I still believe working in the field behind the drill is one of the best ways to learn. Nothing can take the place of the fieldwork. We just have to accept fieldwork, thanks to modern technology, may not be quite as “hands on” as it used to be. Kevin michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Drilling Technology for the Next Generation by Kevin Thomas Southeast Drilling Specialist International Construction Equipment, Inc. !$ % ' ' ' % % %& &&# ' #" ""( ' " "( %+ & "" " #" % " "' % #! "( %+ ' "#! # "" " ! # " ! ! # # # !# # ' " ! ! $ "# # ) # & ! ! #! " " & " $"" " $## ) ! ! # !" # #% !#% " #%! ' #" ) & ' (& #" " *** "+* % % #% "( %+ ' ! "# $ # & # ! !" # ) ! $" !" ) ! & ) * # # # % & (+ # # # # !