Finding a job on an oil rig can be a difficult process, especially for those who have no experience in the oil and gas industry. The competition is fierce and the requirements are stringent, so it is very important to be prepared and to have an understanding of the industry. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a job on an oil rig. In this blog post, we will provide some valuable tips and advice on how to get a job on an oil rig. We will discuss the different job roles available, the qualifications and experience necessary, the types of interviews you may face, and the potential benefits of a job on an oil rig. We will also offer some practical tips on how to prepare for the application process. By reading this blog post, you will gain valuable insight into the rig workforce and understand how to best position yourself to get the job of your dreams.
- Ensure you meet the requirements. …
- Learn more about the oil industry. …
- Choose a path. …
- Gain relevant professional experience. …
- Explore apprenticeship opportunities. …
- Create a resume and cover letter. …
- Apply for entry-level positions. …
- Consider advanced education or training.
What are jobs on an oil rig?
Professionals can have many roles on an oil rig. These positions can include:
What is an oil rig?
A building that is situated above an oil well or drilling site is known as an oil rig. These buildings include unique tools and equipment for extracting and storing oil. On land or in the water, professionals can work on oil rigs. Oil platforms are floating oil rigs where experts work to extract oil from underwater wells as opposed to drilling rigs, which are oil rigs above land deposits.
Oil rig work environment
Professionals who work on oil rigs do so either on land or at sea. Because of the potential for danger in this workplace, all professionals in this field receive training to help ensure drilling safety. Oil drilling frequently occurs at night, and workers in this industry might put in alternating 12-hour shifts. For instance, they might put in 12 hours of work followed by 12 hours of rest. For the duration of their shifts, which typically last several weeks, this cycle is repeated.
People who work in this field frequently stay on or close to the oil rig. If they are employed in the land sector, they may commute to the drilling site, or if it is a remote location, their company may arrange for them to stay at a nearby hotel. Professionals typically spend the entirety of their shifts living on offshore floating oil rigs. They could take a boat to return to land if the oil rig is close to shore. They might fly in a helicopter if the oil rig is far from the coast.
How to get a job on an oil rig
Consider taking the following actions if working on an oil rig interests you:
1. Ensure you meet the requirements
To help ensure safety during the extraction process, oil companies may establish their own standards and requirements. When considering your career options, be sure to check the minimum requirements before applying. The following qualifications are typically necessary for professionals to work on an oil rig, though they may differ depending on the company:
2. Learn more about the oil industry
Researching the oil industry could help you begin your career. To learn more about the oil field and industry, think about researching information online, getting in touch with network contacts, enrolling in college courses, or finishing an online training program. This may assist you in locating the ideal position for you on an oil rig. By studying the extraction process, for instance, you might decide that you want to become an engineer or welder. Additionally, speaking with network connections who have worked on an oil rig before could help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
3. Choose a path
Think about picking a career path early to assist you in acquiring useful technical skills For instance, if you decide that you want to become an electrician, you can start a training course to hone your electrical abilities before submitting an application for a job on an oil rig. Some oil rig jobs also require additional education. A medic, for example, might need to have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in the medical field. Early in your career, you can help create a plan for your desired career path by researching various positions.
4. Gain relevant professional experience
Consider acquiring professional experience relevant to your role as you choose a career path. Working as a mechanic, electrician, or doctor, for instance, could enable you to acquire the necessary skills. Gaining experience in repairing or maintaining machinery could be beneficial to you as many oil rig workers use it.
5. Explore apprenticeship opportunities
Depending on the route you want to take, you might think about looking into apprenticeship opportunities. This is common for electricians and mechanics. A new professional’s training is overseen by more experienced or mastery professionals during an apprenticeship. Some oil rig workers complete their apprenticeships in fields unrelated to oil. For instance, you could finish an apprenticeship as an electrician with a residential electrician.
Other oil rig professionals complete apprenticeships on land-based oil platforms. These positions frequently require less training than those at offshore facilities, making them an excellent way for newly hired professionals to gain experience. If working on the mechanical or electrical systems on a rig interests you, look into apprenticeship opportunities in your area.
6. Create a resume and cover letter
Consider updating your resume and cover letter for the oil industry as you gain experience. A section highlighting your technical expertise, professional experience, and any pertinent education or training may be included. Consider researching job postings when drafting your cover letters. This can help you customize your letters for specific positions.
7. Apply for entry-level positions
You can start applying for entry-level positions on oil rigs once you’ve created your resume and cover letter. You can apply for jobs as a roustabout, cook, or medic. You may apply for these positions if you have specialized training, such as that of an electrician. Some oil companies offer on-the-job training so that new employees can gain experience while performing entry-level duties. Consider exploring opportunities online.
Perhaps you should apply for drilling rigs rather than offshore platforms first. To keep people safe on the water, advanced training is typically needed at offshore drilling sites. While pursuing additional training, working on an oil site on land could help you advance your technical skills.
8. Consider advanced education or training
You might transition into new roles as you gain experience in the oil industry. Some professionals, for instance, begin as roustabouts before becoming assistant drillers, then drillers. In some positions, you can advance your position and gain technical expertise while you’re still working.
Some roles require advanced training. For instance, you might require your Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certificate if you choose to work on an offshore rig. Professionals are trained in offshore safety protocols and procedures through this certificate program.
Advanced oil rig positions may also require an additional degree. Engineers, for instance, can help drill, store, or manage oil on an oil rig. It’s possible that you’ll need to go back to school to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree if engineering is what you want to do. When making your plans for your career and education, think about researching your ideal position.
Skills for working on an oil rig
Here are a few abilities that could be useful on an oil rig:
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How To Get A Job On A Drilling Rig With No Experience
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to work on an oil rig?
- You must be at least 18 and have completed training in emergency response.
- Apprenticeships are available but not compulsory for unskilled workers.
- Leadership roles often need engineering qualifications.
- Entry-level training for people with engineering degrees.
Is it hard to get a job on an oil rig?
Contrary to other career paths, there are numerous ways to apply for jobs on oil rigs. There are numerous entry points for working on an oil rig, depending on your level of education, experience, and skill set. Each of these positions has its own set of prerequisites and entry points.
Can I work on an oil rig with no experience?
You can apply for floorhand, derrickman, drilling, or roustabout jobs if you have a high school diploma but no prior vocational training. Professionals without experience may be hired for these positions, which offer on-the-job training
How much do you get from working on a oil rig?
If a beginning roustabout demonstrates a dedication to staying in the business, they can earn over $50,000 USD annually and receive training. Salary levels can reach as high as $200,000 USD for those with specialized training and experience, such as drilling engineers and underground pipefitters.
