08 Sep, 2021
Swap the Services for scaffolding and enjoy free training
Military personnel now have another incentive to swap the Services for the scaffolding industry – free and full scaffolder…
Careers
Embarking on a career in the UK's oil and gas industry offers a dynamic and rewarding path, challenging yet rich with opportunities for those equipped with specialized skills. This sector not only promises substantial rewards but also the potential for significant professional growth and development in both onshore and offshore capacities.
Despite the longstanding image of the oil and gas industry being heavily centred around offshore drilling operations, a significant portion of the workforce operates onshore. While historical data suggested that around 90% of roles were based onshore, this figure may have shifted slightly due to technological advancements and changing industry dynamics. However, the essence remains that the sector is not solely about remote and challenging offshore environments but encompasses a wide range of onshore roles in areas such as research, project management, logistics, and support services.
The oil and gas industry continues to play a pivotal role in the global economy, driving the production of everyday products, fuelling transportation, and contributing to energy production. Despite growing environmental concerns and the push towards renewable energy sources, oil and gas remain indispensable in the near term, necessitating ongoing exploration, extraction, and refining processes.
The UK's oil and gas reserves present both opportunities and challenges. The North Sea, in particular, has been a significant source of hydrocarbons but is characterized by its maturing fields and complex extraction conditions. This reality positions the UK as a high-cost environment for oil and gas production. Yet, innovation, technological advancement, and investment in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) have been critical in sustaining the industry's viability and ensuring energy security. The transition to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) from Oil & Gas UK reflects an industry-wide shift towards embracing broader energy perspectives, including renewables.
For individuals transitioning from the armed forces into the oil and gas sector, understanding the industry's current state, its challenges, and opportunities is crucial. The industry values the discipline, leadership, and technical skills that veterans bring. Roles in project management, logistics, health and safety, and technical disciplines can particularly benefit from the skill sets developed in the armed forces.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to improve the sector's environmental footprint, with increased investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS), methane leak reduction, and the integration of renewable energy sources into operations. These initiatives open new pathways for individuals interested in contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
The onshore segment of the oil and gas industry remains centred around key hubs, notably in cities like London and Aberdeen, where a significant portion of the workforce is employed in office-based roles. These roles encompass a broad spectrum, from administrative and financial functions to project management and strategic planning, maintaining regular working hours similar to other industries.
Innovation in energy efficiency and the development of cleaner fuels have become increasingly important. Scientists and technicians dedicated to renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biofuels, are playing a pivotal role in the industry's transition toward sustainability. Meanwhile, engineers, construction workers, and maintenance personnel continue to be essential for the development and upkeep of energy infrastructure, such as plants and pipelines.
The digital transformation of the energy sector has heightened the demand for IT professionals, including technicians, programmers, designers, and cybersecurity experts, to manage the complex and sophisticated ICT systems that govern energy supply and distribution. The logistics of transporting bulk fuels have also evolved, with a heightened emphasis on sustainability and safety, necessitating specialist transport solutions, licenses, and qualifications.
Offshore work typically involves rotational shifts, commonly two or three weeks on a rig or installation, followed by an equivalent period off. While the core crew size and working conditions described remain largely accurate, there's an increasing focus on improving living conditions, safety, and well-being for offshore workers.
The nature of work remains physically demanding, with tasks often involving the operation of heavy machinery, manual lifting, and maintenance work in challenging environmental conditions. However, advancements in technology and automation are gradually transforming some of these roles, making operations safer and more efficient.
Living quarters offshore have seen improvements, with efforts to enhance comfort, provide quality food, and offer a variety of recreational activities to support the mental health and well-being of the workforce. The commitment to safety and the environmental impact of offshore operations has never been stronger, with stringent regulations and practices in place to protect workers and the marine environment.
Both onshore and offshore roles are undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, the industry's pivot towards renewable energy, and the digitalization of operations. The sector's workforce is increasingly interdisciplinary, with a growing need for skills in environmental science, digital technologies, and renewable energy management alongside traditional oil and gas expertise.
As the industry navigates these changes, the opportunities for those interested in a career in oil and gas are broadening, promising a future where energy production is safer, cleaner, and more sustainable.
Generalist Skills: The military instils a strong foundation in generalist skills such as leadership, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure—qualities that are highly regarded across various roles within the oil and gas industry. Supervisory management and project management are two areas where ex-service personnel often excel, given their experience in leading teams and managing complex projects during their military careers.
Specialist Skills: Beyond generalist abilities, the Armed Forces also prepare individuals with specialist skills directly applicable to the oil and gas sector. This includes a wide range of professions such as engineers, who are pivotal in the design, operation, and maintenance of oil and gas infrastructure; divers, who play a critical role in underwater drilling operations; and cooks, who ensure the well-being of offshore crews.
Fuel Specialists: Specifically, the military often houses units with fuel specialists—individuals with expertise in handling, storing, and distributing fuels, a crucial skill in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, some personnel receive advanced training in fuel technology, making them well-suited for roles focusing on the innovation and efficiency of fuel use within the industry.
The transition from military to civilian life in the oil and gas sector is facilitated by the highly relevant and adaptable skill set that veterans bring. Their experience in structured environments, ability to lead and manage under challenging conditions, and technical skills, whether generalist or specialist, are invaluable assets. This underscores the potential for meaningful and successful career transitions for those who have served, into a sector that is evolving and plays a critical role in the global economy and energy landscape.
For veterans considering a shift to the oil and gas industry, leveraging these skills, alongside pursuing additional certifications or training aligned with industry needs, can significantly enhance employability and career prospects.
Service leavers looking to transition into the oil and gas industry in 2024 have promising prospects. The industry is recognized for offering challenging, highly skilled, and well-rewarded jobs, both onshore and offshore, across the UK. According to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), there are projections of significant employment opportunities in the near future, including major projects requiring thousands of new hires to support offshore activities. The sector is keen on leveraging the diverse skill sets that service leavers bring, particularly in leadership, organizational skills, and technical knowledge, with a wide array of roles available in engineering, project management, health and safety, and skilled trades.
The industry supported over 213,600 jobs in 2022 and is expected to see 10,000 new entrants by 2025, with many roles emerging that do not currently exist, suggesting a dynamic and evolving sector. Opportunities span from traditional oil and gas roles to positions in the renewable energy sector, underscoring the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Employment prospects are not limited to technical and operational roles but also extend to support functions such as HR, accounting, and logistics, making it a versatile field for individuals with varied backgrounds and interests (Prospects).
For service leavers specifically, partnerships between the Forces Employment Charity and the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offer substantial support, ensuring that the skills and qualifications acquired during service are effectively translated into civilian careers. This collaboration highlights a dedicated pathway for service leavers into the oil and gas industry, among others, empowering them through practical tools, advice, and access to job opportunities. The sector's acknowledgment of the unique attributes service leavers contribute signifies a welcoming environment for those transitioning from military to civilian life (Forces Employment Charity).
This integrated approach to recruitment reflects the industry's broad scope and the myriad opportunities it offers to those looking to transition from the armed forces into civilian roles, particularly within an industry that values the discipline, commitment, and technical proficiency that service leavers are known for.
The oil and gas industry is a significant employer of divers, who play a critical role in underwater operations. These professionals are supported by life support technicians, crucial for managing divers' health in decompression chambers post-dive. Additionally, ROV technicians operate two main types of remotely operated vehicles for work and inspection, further highlighting the diverse skill sets required in underwater operations within the industry.
Searching
Exploration
Drilling
Well services
Production
General operations
Business support
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDUSTRY
To work in the oil and gas industry, the basic entry requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, with a preference for candidates aged 21–30. Physical fitness and a certain minimum height may be required for specific roles. Jobs that involve colour-sensitive tasks require normal colour vision. While relevant work experience and a strong service record are advantageous, specific qualifications can vary based on the role and company. It's advisable to check with potential employers for detailed criteria and any additional requirements.
Get Qualified
For offshore workers in the oil and gas industry, meeting specific safety training standards is essential. These standards include:
These components ensure the well-being of individuals and the safety of operations in challenging offshore conditions.
To find out more about LOGIC’s VantagePOB system click here
Passing an OPITO-approved Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) course is a minimum requirement to work offshore. It consists of four modules:
BOSIET is required for cold-water areas and includes additional training in the use of survival suits and emergency breathing systems during the HUET module. The course is OPITO accredited and successful completion results in an internationally recognised certification.
Those with degrees in geology, chemistry, engineering and logistics, and experience in project management, are highly sought after. AS-levels or equivalent are required to enter as a technician, while GCSEs or equivalent will give you a start at craft level. According to Cogent Skills (the UK’s strategic body for skills in the science industries, led by sector employers), there is a significant under-supply of people qualified at S/NVQ levels 2 and 3, so you might want to think about using your ELC to secure relevant qualifications at level 3 (or above, of course). As occupations that employ people qualified at this level account for well over half of the oil and gas industry, this is a significant shortfall – and one that the industry is aiming to address. There are a large number of relevant S/NVQs to be gained, in subjects including:
Cogent Skills continues to work with the industry to develop standards, qualifications and training. Energy & Utility Skills (the UK authority on skills and workforce development in the energy and utilities industries) is also developing occupational standards and qualifications for those involved in mains laying and service laying.
OIL AND GAS APPRENTICESHIPS
The Oil and Gas Technical Apprentice Programme (OGTAP) is offered in four key disciplines: electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance, process operations, and instrumentation and control maintenance. It is managed by OPITO along with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, ECITB (apprentices will be part of the programme under either OPITO or ECITB). Although applications have closed for 2022, details of how to apply for the 2023 intake will be posted in early 2023, so keep an eye on this page for the latest info: www.ogtap.co.uk.
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on this website.
AN ONLINE INTRODUCTION TO THE INDUSTRY
OPITO’s Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry e-learning course is designed to support the induction of newcomers to the industry, giving those looking to work in technical and commercial roles the opportunity to explore the world of oil and gas in an interactive and stimulating environment.
The programme gives an overall picture of industry-specific functionality, together with an appreciation of the challenges involved in the production of hydrocarbons and an understanding of the different job roles involved.
The course, which takes between two and four hours to complete, is designed to offer an opportunity to explore the oil and gas industry in its entirety, from the formation of hydrocarbons to the decommissioning of installations.
Entry requires no academic qualifications, skills or experience. To find out more, click here.
The oil and gas industry values relevant skills and experience, with a particular appreciation for the discipline and expertise of ex-Forces personnel. This sector offers competitive salaries, with experienced operators earning upwards of £30,000 annually. For job seekers, especially those with engineering and design skills, staying updated on technological advancements can be beneficial. To find employment opportunities, platforms such as Energy Jobline, Oil and Gas Job Search, and Rigzone are recommended for specialized vacancies in this dynamic job market.
You can search for vacancies on specialist recruitment websites like:
Visit MyEnergyFuture to discover what it's like to live and work offshore
Former Royal Corps of Signals electrician Dale Thompson joined technical education provider CNet Training as an instructor in December 2022, in his first civilian job role following more than 25 years…
Read more »
