How to get a job on an oil rig...

[cps13]

Hi all,

is there anybody out there with experience in breaking into the O&G industry? I would like to work as an instrumentation tech/engineer on oil rigs.

I have over 5 years experience working aboard cable/pipe laying vessels as a service engineer (electrical), so this is like 50% office 50% on site working, on site is 1-2 day visits typically and up to 2 weeks maximum. I have the following qualifications:

- OPITO BOSIET + Escape Chute
- OPITO Basic H2S
- ENG1 Medical
- OGUK Medical
- Siemens PLC training
- HNC Electronic Engineering
- Currently completing HND in Control and Instrumentation Engineering

I have applied for a few jobs on rigs but either don't hear back or get the standard "Thanks but no thanks" responses.

I was wondering what the best way is to try and break into the industry? Are there any courses which would be good to do and look good on an application? Or is there specific training routes into the industry?

I'm currently 29.

Thanks

[cps13]

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses! Not the response I was hoping for but the suggestion of wind farm experience sounds sensible. I suppose I will continue with what I am doing for the time being and just get myself as experienced and qualified as I can in the meantime.

Just as a side note, how does salary work in offshore work? I have seen it stated as £350p/d and £60,000 per year for example Is this just the difference between permanent staff and contractors?

I assume contractors are paid for the days offshore and that's it, so on a 2:2 rotation you would only get paid for the two weeks you actually worked. Whereas permanent staff would be salaried?

thanks