Oil and Gas

Author
Discussion

Pete102

2,042 posts

185 months

Tuesday 25th February 2014
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Not really, depends what level you want to work at. With HNC you would likely be responsible for first pass non-safety system coding, i.e. Not likely to be responsible for checking or approving, that said, each company is different smile.

I started out with a HNC and went on to do my degree part time as I wanted to work as an Engineer (read, earn more money), but I know plenty of guys who do perfectly well without a degree.

You'll also need a degree/masters if you ever want to be chartered.

ChemicalChaos

10,360 posts

159 months

Friday 28th February 2014
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I'm reading this thread with interest - I'm currently doing a chemistry degree and would like to get into the petrochemical industry. I also have a fairly extensive bit not formally qualified engineering background both from previous studies, and a lifelong interest in anything mechanical. So, something combining chemistry and engineering would be good for me.
Personally I wouldn't mind working on a rig - Im young, don't have a wife and kids, used to working in dangerous circumstances, dont mind solitude, and the money would be an extra bonus.
So are there usually any/many jobs involving actual science on a rig, or is that kind of stuff left to the onshore HQ?

Also, my parents are quite firmly against the idea as they are convinced I will be killed in a helicopter crash. What ls it actually like with regards to the condition of transport? Is it tire that some rig crews have been refusing to fly unless it's by Sikorsky instead of Eurocopter?

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Saturday 1st March 2014
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I applied on thursday for
http://uk.opito.com/learning-training/modern-appre...
Which is now closed.
It seems like it will be an incredibly tough application process, i read somewhere 3-4k people applied last time, for 100 places.

So i need to keep applying.

Im more than happy to clean toilets if it gets my foot on the ladder off shore. Who knows? From there i could work my way up to eventually empty the dustbins wink

My other option is to look for warehousing work with an oil firm.
Im currently working in a warehouse, and really enjoy it.

Most of my reading has read to the suggestion of roustabout being the best position to start in the industry, it seems it can lead to everything else.

I have a good contact in one of the main oil servicing companies, but he works on shore.

Any suggestions as to where to look, what to do etc? I dont mind spending some money on some training, as long as its genuinely helpful and likely to find me work.

And does my age work with, or against me? Im 21.

Thank you.

justin220

5,331 posts

203 months

Saturday 1st March 2014
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^That was the scheme I used to get offshore, 9 years ago. Probably the best way to get yourself offshore, but it seems these days everyone is applying for it..

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Saturday 1st March 2014
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It would seem that way.
I feel i put in a very good application, but then, i guess, no one would submit theirs if they didnt think it was good.
Are you sure your rig doesnt need someone to clean loos?

Edit to add: I should probably ask, do you every regret it?

justin220

5,331 posts

203 months

Saturday 1st March 2014
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No not at all, in fact I've just accepted a move onshore for a couple of years to see how the other side works.

Offshore is Great, but it's not for everyone. Time off is superb, but missing birthdays/Christmas etc isn't so good.

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Saturday 1st March 2014
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Thank you smile

Who Me

89 posts

121 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
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I have many friends who used to work in the building trades and when it slowed down suddenly decided they want to work offshore "Because the money is good".
For sure it pays a good wage, but when you work 2,3,4, weeks away at a time for 12 hour days, cant get home just like that, miss Family Birthdays, Christmasses etc, you soon find out why.
One of the reasons its hard to get into is because so many people apply and get a job and then 6 months later leave because they dont like it. So firms get a bit worried of new starts and sometimes go agency route for first timers which used to be good but now theres so many courses to do you can spend a fortune with maybe no job at the end.
Like any job there is a case of its who you know not what you know, even then its not easy.
As for jobs there is a vast range and you dont realise how many different types there are until you get within the industry. For all you electrical boffins you can work on platforms or rigs, Platforms have process chemists, Drilling rigs have Geologists. All places have catering staff and cleaners, Drilling rigs have drilling personnel who work the way up the ladder to better positions, Rigs have storemen who deal with the logistics and ordering, service companies need personnel to do periodic inspections of lifting equipment.
There are so many it hard to know where to tell someone to start, I know people say they would do anything just to get offshore but that doesnt paint a good CV, they like people to have goals.
Contact agencies, but im afraid you will probably be told there are already 50 more like you on the books, However if you had experience we could send you off tomorrow.....and you will leave cursing under your breath about how can you get experience if nobody gives you a start...frown

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Thursday 27th March 2014
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I need to do alot of reading and learning about the oil industry. Anyone got any suggestions where i should start?

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Saturday 12th April 2014
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Benbay001 said:
I need to do alot of reading and learning about the oil industry. Anyone got any suggestions where i should start?
Bump

Midshipracer

229 posts

181 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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I work offshore mainly in West Africa, as a diver technician. Just good pay but very hard to get into. I've only just got my foot in the door as my uncle has been in the business a while and gave me pointers, I'm 33.

One thing guys looking to do this need to know is, it ain't all fun and games I've been away since February which is tough for anyone especially with GF wife kids etc. Control freak would have have a hard time offshore if your job requires you to stay till the job is complete rather than rotation.

Food is ok but get used to having weak on some jobs to no Internet at all. Plus side is you spend no money, you can buy a nice car, since you don't need one for commuting smile Plus side to working in West Africa is the weather is always beautiful.

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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Midshipracer said:
I work offshore mainly in West Africa, as a diver technician. Just good pay but very hard to get into. I've only just got my foot in the door as my uncle has been in the business a while and gave me pointers, I'm 33.

One thing guys looking to do this need to know is, it ain't all fun and games I've been away since February which is tough for anyone especially with GF wife kids etc. Control freak would have have a hard time offshore if your job requires you to stay till the job is complete rather than rotation.

Food is ok but get used to having weak on some jobs to no Internet at all. Plus side is you spend no money, you can buy a nice car, since you don't need one for commuting smile Plus side to working in West Africa is the weather is always beautiful.
Did you have any related qualifications before you started?
Ive got a psychometric test for the OPITO Upstream oil and gas technician training scheme i mentioned earlier in the tread, and another for a similar apprenticeship with a big player in UK oil servicing.

Odds are still seriously stacked against me, as i must still be up against 1000s of other candidates. So i may end up starting at the bottom and working my way up afterall.
Roustabout maybe?

Juanco20

3,212 posts

192 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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If you've been doing logistics and managing a decent number of staff, why not look for similar roles with someone like G.E or FMC?


Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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Me?

Juanco20

3,212 posts

192 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
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Sorry, it was in response to the opening post

Maxwell90

99 posts

169 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
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Benbay001 said:
Did you have any related qualifications before you started?
Ive got a psychometric test for the OPITO Upstream oil and gas technician training scheme i mentioned earlier in the tread, and another for a similar apprenticeship with a big player in UK oil servicing.

Odds are still seriously stacked against me, as i must still be up against 1000s of other candidates. So i may end up starting at the bottom and working my way up afterall.
Roustabout maybe?
When is your test? I've already done mines and have an interview in two weeks! Its really bad odds though, think you have a 1 in 5 chance if you pass all 5 tests. I've already got a HNC in measurement and control engineering as well and this seems the only way in.

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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Maxwell90 said:
When is your test? I've already done mines and have an interview in two weeks! Its really bad odds though, think you have a 1 in 5 chance if you pass all 5 tests. I've already got a HNC in measurement and control engineering as well and this seems the only way in.
Thursday this week.
I am very concerned about the odds.
How did you find the psychometric test?
Ive had mixed results using online mock tests.

Best of luck!

Maxwell90

99 posts

169 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Benbay001 said:
Thursday this week.
I am very concerned about the odds.
How did you find the psychometric test?
Ive had mixed results using online mock tests.

Best of luck!
Good luck to you too!

Theres a thread on the student room which has some helpful advice with regards to the tests. The questions are easy, the time you get is the hard part! You need to be quick.

Do you have any engineering qualifications or experience?

Tell me about it, I'm really anxious about it as I it's something I've wanted to do for years and this seems the only way in.


Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Maxwell90 said:
Good luck to you too!

Theres a thread on the student room which has some helpful advice with regards to the tests. The questions are easy, the time you get is the hard part! You need to be quick.

Do you have any engineering qualifications or experience?

Tell me about it, I'm really anxious about it as I it's something I've wanted to do for years and this seems the only way in.
Thank you

I have very basic mechanical knowledge and experience, which is why i feel as though i am very up against it. Do you mind if i ask how old you are? Im 21. I came out of college and went straight into work.

I have a back up plan for getting into the industry which quite simply involves starting at the bottom and working my way up.
Were there many at your psychometric test? And where did you do it? Mine is in Rugby.
Have you applied for many other similar schemes?