13-year-old becomes UK’s youngest qualified digger driver

Finlay Gallagher spent his faculty holidays studying methods to put a JCB digger by its paces and has now handed his Development Plant Competence Scheme examination with flying colors.

Finlay took the business customary proficiency check at Flynne Plant Coaching Centre in Rochford, Essex.

His grandfather began the enterprise again in 1973 with a single JCB 3C Mk2 and the Gallagher group now operates over 300 machines and make use of greater than 500 individuals throughout the South East.

Pat mentioned: “I’ve all the time mentioned I wasn’t a lot good behind the controls of a digger – so Finlay is already forward of me! I’m exceptionally pleased with Finlay and every part he has achieved.

“He has all the time proven an unbelievable ardour and curiosity for equipment from an early age, and this course has given him an opportunity to deepen his information and talent. I used to be blown away by how naturally he took to it, and it actually does give me nice hope for the longer term.

“Hopefully, this evokes many different younger individuals to present it a go and see the development business as a improbable profession alternative.”

Finlay mentioned: “I’ve beloved diggers since I used to be actually little – most likely round three or 4. My grandad Dave used to drive me round in his dozer, whereas he did the pedals and I sat on his lap. Then my grandad Pat bought me occupied with excavators and backhoe loaders, which began my love of JCBs.

“I undoubtedly see my future within the development business. My grandad Pat began the Gallagher Group, and it will imply quite a bit to me to play an element in serving to the enterprise proceed to develop. This qualification is a superb first step, and I’m eager to construct on it by studying to function extra kinds of plant equipment.

“I actually loved the coaching. I favored studying methods to use the JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader and understanding what was wanted to go the course.”