Gallagher Group Celebrates UK’s Youngest Qualified Digger Driver

At just 13 years old, Finlay Gallagher has officially become the UK’s youngest qualified digger driver – and we couldn’t be prouder. The Gallagher Group was founded over 50 years ago by his grandfather, Pat Gallagher, and it seems the passion for construction is alive and well in the next generation.

Finlay spent his school holidays mastering the controls of the iconic JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader, passing his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test with flying colours at Flynne Plant Training Centre (flynneplanttraining.com) in Rochford, Essex. He demonstrated a confident grasp of both theory and hands-on operation, including digging, loading, lifting and using machine attachments with precision well beyond his years.

A Legacy That Started with One Digger

Pat Gallagher, Chairman of Gallagher Group, started the business back in 1973 with a single JCB 3C Mk2. It’s fair to say the business – and the fleet – have grown a bit since then. We now operate over 300 machines and employ more than 500 people across the South East.

Pat couldn’t be prouder.

“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. Hopefully, this inspires many other young people to give it a go and see the construction industry as a fantastic career opportunity.”

Finlay’s dad, Stephen Gallagher, a Director of the business, also sees a bright future ahead. “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.”

Finlay’s Big Achievement

Reflecting on his achievement, Finlay 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."

"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.”

Finlay Gallagher being assessed in an excavator while doing his practical test for his CPCS.

Finlay impressed his instructor, Derek Mansfield of Flynne Plant Training, who commented:

“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. 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.”

To celebrate Finlay’s qualification, he was invited to one of the JCB Groundworker Days where he was presented with a special model gift from Lord Bamford to congratulate him on his achievement.

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.”

The Future

Now, Finlay hopes to build on his skills and eventually become a fully qualified plant operator across multiple machines. He’s even sharing his journey online through his Instagram account @digger_finngallagher, inspired by industry influencer Georgina Williams, a.k.a. @the_happydigger.

Finlay with his dad and the trainers at Flynne Training

We’re immensely proud of Finlay’s achievement and can’t wait to see where his passion and talent will take him next. He may only be 13, but he’s already digging into the Gallagher legacy – and doing it better than the man who started it all!

Top Photo: Finlay Gallagher youngest digger driver in front of a JCB Excavator