Developing a Core of Safety with NDA’s Sam Connelly

On this episode, host Brock Yordy has a wide-ranging interview with Sam Connelly, president of the National Drilling Association. Connelly, who runs the drilling company Connelly & Associates Inc. in Fredericksburg, Maryland, touches on everything from the NDA’s 50-plus year history to the current skilled labor crunch. 

“It’s no secret out there what the labor demand is, and it’s everybody’s largest challenge,” Connelly says. “I don’t think you can talk to a single contractor, drilling manager or drill rig owner across any trade of drilling right now, and them not tell you that labor’s their biggest concern — not just finding drill hands or labor, but finding skilled operators.”