11 May 2025
One of construction’s ‘diamonds’ has been praised for the impact she has had on a specialist area of the industry after six years in a key role.
Julie White, the managing director of D-Drill & Sawing – which has offices across the UK – has stepped down as chair of the Drilling & Sawing Association (DSA) after leading the organisation through an unprecedented period for the industry.
During her six years, Julie put skills and training at the heart of her work with the DSA, leading to a series of notable achievements including more than 250 Level Two apprentices being trained through the association.
She was also instrumental in ensuring the DSA opened up its training centre in Nottingham to the public as part of Build UK’s annual Open Doors event, which sees construction sites, workplaces and training facilities open for visits by students and members of the public. In 2025, the event smashed through the 7,000 mark for visitors across the country.
Julie, who is currently chair of Build UK and will remain on the DSA board, has also used her time in office to help develop international standards around training and accreditation which have been adopted by the industry’s global body – the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers (IACDS).
Not only that, she helped to steer the DSA and its members through the uncertainty of Covid-19, chairing virtual meetings to help keep businesses informed on the latest guidance and legislation.
Joel Vinsant, the general manager of the DSA, said: “Julie is an industry diamond and we are delighted that she will be remaining on our board after six years as a tireless chair.
“Julie is passionate about skills across construction and particularly in our specialism of drilling and sawing, following in the giant footsteps her father, Peter, left behind.
“Over the past six years, she has done everything she can to drive up standards and to enhance the profile of our industry to encourage more people to join.
“It was also a very uncertain time and Julie provided positive leadership when businesses really needed it. It’s been an incredible stint as chair!”
Julie said: “I am proud and passionate of every part of construction but particularly diamond drilling and sawing. My dad was a pioneer in many ways when it came to recognising us as an industry and in starting to implement the standards we see today.
“I’ve tried to carry that forward and ensure that we are bringing through the next generation of our workforce so that the industry can thrive long into the future.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported and worked with me as chair, including Joel and Andy Wheeler – and I will continue to offer all of my energy and passion to the board as we move forward.”
Further initiatives that Julie has helped to lead are the introduction of a Tool Box Talks Directory, an online training portal, updating of the code of safety working practices and improving the administration of the CSCS card system.
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