Entry Level/Getting Offshore
Oil rig careers can be difficult to break into, getting offshore for the first time requires perseverance, relevant industry experience, good qualifications and a good CV. Entry level oil rig jobs can be hard to come by, and trying to your first trip offshore can often be frustrating.In the UK, unless you have found an oil rig job with a company that will sponsor you to go through your offshore survival and medical, no employer will consider your application unless you have a valid offshore survival and medical. Obtaining these must be the first step in pursuing your new career on an oil rig. You will almost definitely need trade specific and rig training, like Helideck refueling and landing, banksman slinger training, NVQs, LOLER, Compex and an apprenticeship in your trade, however occasionally there may be requirements for general labouring on the oil rig such as a greenhand or roustabout.
The best advice in starting your career offshore is to get the relevant experience onshore in oil and gas and petrochemical industries. Make the most of the courses and qualifications available, talk to offshore industry training providers. Make sure you write a good CV, take advice on writing your CV from recruitment agencies. Time spent on your CV will always be a good investment. You will not be accepted into a skilled role if you are a “green hand”, so the best strategy is to start at the bottom and work your way up, get your qualifications and experience as the competition is tough for oil rig jobs and only those with the best qualifications and experience will be able to secure one of these highly paid jobs.
Oil companies and energy service providers, who keep the rigs manned, are the most likely candidates for providing entry level oil rig jobs. They may employ you on a staff basis and provide you with training if you have the right entry level qualifications and experience. You may also be hired for ad hoc contract work offshore, which tends to be seasonal in line with the offshore shutdowns.
Entry level oil rig jobs are notoriously difficult to find, you might try for a job as a deck hand or roustabout, but again these jobs are in demand so a good CV is key. Once offshore, your oil rig training and experience will allow you to progress to more senior roles, however only those with recognized trade apprenticeships will progress to the level of skilled offshore trades. Try applying directly to oil companies and energy service providers, as they prefer to train employees with safety procedures for all their rigs.