Planit


Driller

Credit to Valaris Limited



Drillers are crew members on offshore oil or gas rigs. They set up, operate and maintain the equipment for drilling wells in the search for oil and gas. They supervise the other members of the drilling team: roustabouts, roughnecks and the derrickhand.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries vary, depending on:

The salary for assistant drillers can be between £24,000 and £35,000 a year, and experienced drillers can earn in the region of £39,000 to £50,000 a year. (In addition, employers provide accommodation and food, as well as warm and waterproof clothing).

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

The UK oil and gas industry is located mainly off the east coast of Scotland and England, although there are also fields west of Shetland and in the Irish Sea. Employers in the industry include operating companies (usually oil companies) that hold exploration and production licences, drilling companies with contracts to do drilling work and a wide range of other major contractors and companies offering specialist technical services. The main recruitment contacts in Scotland are in the Aberdeen area.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
2251
2.6 %
FALL
2029
2194
  United Kingdom
2024
10355
2.8 %
RISE
2029
10647

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What Does it Take?

You need to have:

You need to be able to:

Training

Getting On

More Information

Although some workers spend only a short time on the rigs, many others spend most of their careers – often 20 years or more – offshore.

Most of the major oil and gas reserves in the North Sea have been worked, but new technology is allowing the exploitation of smaller and more marginal fields.

There are also good opportunities for skilled and experienced workers in other parts of the world.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Cogent
Tel: 01925 515200
E-mail: info@cogentskills.com
Website: http://www.cogentskills.com
Twitter: @cogent_skills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CogentSkills

Cogent is the Sector Skills Council for the science industries.

Energy Institute
Tel: 020 7467 7100
E-mail: info@energyinst.org
Website: http://www.energyinst.org
Twitter: @EnergyInstitute

OPITO - My Energy Future
Tel: 01224 787800
E-mail: reception@opito.com
Website: http://www.opito.com/future-skills/my-energy-future
Twitter: @OPITOGlobal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPITOglobal

OPITO provides services to the oil and gas industry relating to health and safety, education and skills training.

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Engineering

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