Marvin OnumonuGallagher Group marked a milestone as 13-year-old Finlay Gallagher (pictured) became the UK’s youngest qualified digger driver.
Finlay, grandson of Pat Gallagher, founder of Gallagher Group, completed his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test during the school holidays at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex.
He trained on a JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader and passed both the theory and practical exams.
Finlay Gallagher said: “I’ve loved diggers since I was really little – probably around three or four. 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.”
He added: “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.”
Pat Gallagher said: “I’ve always said I wasn’t much good behind the controls of a digger – so Finlay is already ahead of me! I am exceptionally proud of Finlay and everything he has achieved.
“He has always shown 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, and it really does give me great hope for the future.”
Pat Gallagher added: “Hopefully, this inspires many other young people to give it a go and see the construction industry as a fantastic career opportunity.”
Stephen Gallagher, director at Gallagher Group, said: “Finlay’s had a passion for diggers since he could walk.
“He’s grown up with machinery all around him and has absorbed so much just by watching and asking questions.”
Derek Mansfield of Flynne Plant Training, said: “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 were far beyond what you’d expect at his age.
“He picked things up incredibly quickly and showed real natural ability.”
Mansfield added: “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 was invited to a JCB Groundworker Day and received a model from Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, in recognition of his achievement.
He also drove the JCB hydrogen-powered backhoe loader with the JCB demonstration team.
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.”
