Oil and Gas Courses

Oil and Gas: Overview

Currently, the UK oil and gas industry is basically self sufficient. The process of recovering oil and gas is dangerous, highly technical and expensive. The UK still has substantial reserves of oil and gas, exceeding the amount already produced. However, many existing, large producing fields are falling into decline and discoveries are becoming fewer and smaller.

For this reason, the skills in the Oil and Gas Sector are highly sought. As we run lower on fuel, although other recourses are being explored, the need for capable workers in the industry increases. This does, however, mean there is more pressure for the workers to have a good variety of skills.

Expected Salary

Saleries can be high and depend on experience and qualifications.

£29,000 – £35,000 – expected starting salaries.

£52,000 – £90,000 – expected salaries with experience.

Training

Large organisations will often recruit candidates annually onto graduate training programmes. Trainees in large organisations based in the UK have the opportunity to work on projects in other countries as part of their training programme.

Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) is highly recommended.

Underoak  lists many short courses to aid you in your career progression. These may be funded individually or through your company (please check the prices with the trainer, as sometimes they often offer a lower price for self funded training). To search these courses, simply type the relevant key words and click on 'request further information' to send your enquiry direct to the trainer.

Other soft skills may be useful, such as assertiveness or interpersonal skills, first aid and health and safety.

Related Careers

The Oil and Gas industry is highly skilled and there is plenty of potential to reach the top levels with training and experience.

Related careers:

• Distribution/logistics manager
• Engineering geologist
• Environmental manager
• Geophysicist (field seismologist)
• Geoscientist
• Mudlogger
• Petroleum engineer
• Seismic interpreter
• Wellsite geologist
• Cartographer
• Drilling engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Process engineer

Useful Links

Oil & Gas – UK

Offshore Technology

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE)

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Core Skills

A degree in physical/mathematical/applied science or engineering  is preferred, but you may also think about experience in the sectors below:

• Aeronautical engineering
• Astrophysics
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Earth sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical engineering
• Petroleum engineering

Postgraduate study and pre-entry experience  is not usually essential, although it may increase your chances, as it is a highly competitive field.

Job Sites

Oil and Gas Job Search

Oil Careers

Average working hours per week

Variable – Averaging at 37 hours per week.

Job Spotlight

Petroleum Engineer

The Role
Petroleum engineers apply technical skills and knowledge to solve engineering challenges. The main role is as an integrator, connecting subsurface and topside engineering activities to bring oil or gas from the reservoir to the surface. Ideally, this will be done economically, safely and with minimum damage.

You may also be asked to manage material resources and contractor relationships and supervise drilling personnel.

Tasks may include:

• Liaising with geoscientists, production and reservoir engineers, and commercial managers in interpreting well-logging results and predicting production potential
• Compiling detailed development plans of reservoir performance
• Selecting optimal tubing size and the variety of suitable equipment within the well for different functions
• Designing the completion - the part of the well that communicates with the reservoir rock and fluids
• Designing systems that help the well to flow, for example using submersible pumps
• Managing problems of fluid behaviour and production chemistry
• Evaluating and recommending flow rate enhancement
• Managing and controlling wells with branches at the bottom horizontal and multilateral wells
• Using well and reservoir surveillance data to manage the value of the reservoir and decide on appropriate engineering interventions;
• Understanding and managing how a set of wells interact
• Managing contractor relationships in relation to health, safety and environmental performance;
• Supervising well-site operations personnel and managing staff at all levels, including the training and supervision of crew members
• Liaising with separate departments to ensure correct progress with projects
• Taking responsibility for the maintenance of equipment
• Liaising with clients to keep them informed of progress

Salary:
£35,000 - £50,000 dependent upon sector and location

Career Development

Most recruitment takes place internally in the Oil and Gas Industry.

You may find a postgraduate qualification is useful, if you are looking into a technical role.

Once you have found a job, most companies offer on-the-job training. This will give you an opportunity to move up the ladder in your career. If you are in engineering, then you are likely to be encouraged to gain chartered status and if you work in a commercial role you may be encouraged to gain relevant professional qualifications.