From education to employment

How to get a Job in the Oil and Gas Industry

Working in the oil and gas industry can be highly lucrative and, as a result, attracts heavy competition for jobs. It can also be very dangerous work, dealing with volatile materials, and, in some cases, particularly offshore work, in volatile environments. 

This means that there are tight restrictions around the entry requirements for many of the jobs in the industry. Whether you’re looking to break in to the world of oil and gas or for you’re preparing for your next opportunity within it, here we take a look at some of the top tips for getting your chance in the industry.

Qualifications

There are many qualifications that you’ll need to have depending on the role that you’re interested in taking up. From a degree to a Masters and beyond, it’s a highly specialised area with the qualifications to match. 

One course that would be worth taking is the NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate, which will provide you with the necessary skills to carefully navigate the health and safety procedures associated with the industry. It covers international standards and management systems, enabling students to effectively discharge workplace safety responsibilities both onshore and offshore, as well as highlighting the importance of process safety management in the oil and gas industry.

The course costs around £400 and there are no entry requirements other than a good grasp of the English language but a level 3 or IOSH qualification is preferable. The course is spread over five modules and operates on an e-learning platform, which allows students to fit the work around existing commitments. This is particularly useful for those who are already in full time employment, as it gives them the flexibility to work on evenings and weekends. 

Know where to look

In the modern world, individuals looking for a job immediately turn to a company’s website when applying for a position. The reality of this industry is that much of the work on oilrigs and wells is sub-contracted out, so going directly to the firm’s site is unlikely to bring up a list of available opportunities. Instead, working with a specialised recruiter, who understands what’s out there, may be a constructive way to move forward. 

Perfect timing

The last couple of years have actually been something of a perfect time for people to get new jobs or promotions within the industry. A combination of the previous generation retiring, the middle classes generally opting for more office based work and the growing demand and price ofoil have all created an industry that is suddenly rife with job opportunities. 

This has, as you might expect, been noticed by others and is creating a very competitive market. In order to get your foot in the door you need to set yourself apart when submitting a resume and show why a company should chose you ahead of the many other applications they’ve received. Having additional qualifications, such as the aforementioned NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate, can help do this.

Educate yourself in a rounded way

Whilst learning industry specific techniques are very important and should not be forgotten, there are additional things you can do to further educate yourself in preparation for the role and for success when you land it. Finding a mentor within the industry will be invaluable for inside information, getting a feel of the role and they may even be able to provide a foot in the door when an opening does come up. 

A public speaking or communications course might be useful too, particularly for those aiming for senior jobs. Communicating effectively is key to thesmooth execution of a job, especially if you’re managing a vast team of people. 

It goes without saying that the oil and gas industry is an illustrious but highly competitive market. There are some things that you can do to set yourself out from the crowd, which will be imperative if you are to be successful. By following our simple guide you can set yourself on that path!


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