A 13-year-old schoolboy has reportedly become the UK’s youngest qualified digger driver.
Finlay Gallagher passed his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) exam with flying colours after taking test on a JCB backhoe loader at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex.
He had to demonstrate a strong grasp of both the theory and practical aspects of operating the machinery. This included safely controlling and operating the backhoe, digging and loading with precision, lifting and moving loads using the correct techniques, and confidently handling attachments and forks fitted to the machine.
Finlay’s grandad Pat Gallagher founded the Gallagher Group, a family-owned aggregates, groundworks, civil engineering and property development company more than 50 years ago with a single JCB 3C MK2 backhoe loader. Today, the firm has a fleet of more than 300 machines and employs more than 500 people. Finlay’s dad Stephen is a director and hopes Finlay will one day follow in the family footsteps and join the business when he leaves school.
“I’ve loved diggers since I was really little – probably around three or four,” Finlay said. “My grandad Dave used to drive me around in his dozer, while he did the pedals and I sat on his lap. Then my grandad Pat got me interested in excavators and backhoe loaders, which started my love of JCBs.
“I definitely see my future in the construction industry. My grandad Pat started the Gallagher Group, and it would mean a lot to me to play a part in helping the business continue to grow. This qualification is a great first step, and I’m keen to build on it by learning to operate more types of plant machinery.
“I really enjoyed the training. I liked learning how to use the JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader and understanding what was needed to pass the course.”
Flynne Plant trainer Derek Mansfield added, “Finlay was one of the most enthusiastic and capable young candidates we’ve had. His control of the machine and understanding of how it operates was far beyond what you’d expect at his age. He picked things up incredibly quickly and showed real natural ability.
“He’s now officially the youngest person in the UK to pass this qualification, which is a fantastic achievement. The Gallagher family should be very proud. We’d welcome Finlay back any time to train on more machines, and I genuinely look forward to seeing where his skills take him next.”
Finlay added, “The first time I used a JCB backhoe loader I couldn’t stop smiling. I loved using the controls and seeing how much I could do with it. JCB backhoe loaders are my favourite and they can do so many different things – digging, lifting, loading. It’s like having lots of machines in one so I can see why they call it the Swiss Army Knife of construction.
“One of my idols is Georgina Williams from JCB – @the_happydigger on Instagram. I love watching her on the backhoe loader, so I decided to set up my own account, @digger_finngallagher, to share my journey and hopefully encourage other young people to consider a career in construction.”
Gallagher Group cairman Pat Gallagher stated, “I am exceptionally proud of Finlay and everything he has achieved. He has also showed an incredible passion and interest for machinery from an early age, and this course has given him a chance to deepen his knowledge and ability.
“I was blown away by how naturally he took to it. This really does give me great encouragement for the future. Hopefully, this inspires many other young people to give it a go and see the construction industry as a fantastic career opportunity.”
To celebrate Finlay’s qualification, he was invited to one of the JCB Groundworker Days where he was presented with a model gift from Lord Bamford. He was then invited to debut with the JCB demonstration team where he drove the JCB hydrogen-powered backhoe loader as part of the opening routine.
JCB chairman Lord Bamford said, “I wholeheartedly applaud Finlay’s achievement. He is a talented young man who has demonstrated at a very young age just how simple and intuitive it is to operate today’s JCB diggers.”
