Offshore technicians – cable and pipelay work for the oil and gas industry assembling equipment on the back deck of a ship ready to lay pipes subsea for oil platforms and offshore windfarms. They also recover and decommission pipes. They may also be known as offshore mechanical technicians. 

The Work

You could be:  

• working offshore putting together flexi pipelay equipment on the back deck of a ship to suit client needs  
• working with mechanical and hydraulic equipment such as carousels, winches and horizontal lay systems (HSL) 
• carrying out daily and weekly checks on equipment 
• fault-finding and carrying out routine repairs with equipment  
• maintaining and modifying existing equipment  
• complying and following health and safety legislation 
• occasionally working onshore in the company workshop. 

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:  

• where you work  
• the size of the company or organisation you work for  
• the demand for the job.  

As an offshore technician – cable and pipelay apprentices may start on the National Minimum wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024).  You will also receive an allowance for working offshore of almost £5,000. 

Salaries for qualified technicians increases with the amount of experience, with average salaries in the region of £55,000 to £65,000 a year. There may also be additional benefits such as private healthcare and a pension. 

Conditions

• You are mostly based offshore on the back deck of a ship. 
• You may have to stay out at sea for long periods of time while work is completed. 
• You will be exposed to all weather conditions (heat, cold, wet). 
• Working environment can be subject to high noise levels and often very dirty. 
• You will be exposed to heavy tools and high pressurised equipment. 
• You may do a lot of travelling all over the world, as you have to go where the project is. Companies often operate at a global level. 

Useful Subjects

• Applications of Mathematics
• Design and Manufacture
• Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
• Engineering Science
• Graphic Communication
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Practical Electronics
• Practical Metalworking
• SfW Energy
• SfW Engineering Skills

Getting In

• The main entry route is the APTUS Energy Technician Apprenticeship – Mechanical Maintenance route, run by the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Programme (OPITO). Entry requirements are a minimum of 4 subjects at National 5 including English and Maths. Chemistry, Engineering Science or Physics preferred. 
• You first complete an online application. If successful, you are invited to do an aptitude test, which includes a situational judgement assessment and a general ability assessment. If you pass, then you attend a formal interview. 
• If successful you will be given a conditional offer subject to passing an OEUK medical assessment. 
• Offshore survival training will be required.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

6102

1.6 %

RISE

2029

6199

  United Kingdom

2024

76614

2.8 %

RISE

2029

78788

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What Does it Take?

You should have:  

• excellent communication skills  
• good practical skills  
• problem solving skills  
• self-confidence and good judgement  
• a responsible approach to health and safety.  

You should be able to:  

• understand technical drawings  
• work under pressure and meet deadlines  
• work within a project budget  
• work remotely offshore
• work well in a team. 

Training

• The APTUS Energy Technician Apprenticeship – Mechanical Maintenance route can take up to 4 years. 
• You would attend college (North East Scotland College in Aberdeen or Forth Valley College in Falkirk) for the first 21 months, followed by 2 years of on the job training with a sponsoring company. You would be working under the supervision of experienced staff.  
• During the college phase, you complete an SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5.  
• During the second stage you complete an SVQ in the relevant discipline at SCQF Level 7. 
• After your apprenticeship or course, and further training with your employer, you can work towards registering as Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.  
• There are relevant postgraduate qualifications available at Certificate, Diploma or MSc level (SCQF Level 11).  
• You need to keep up to date with new developments throughout your working life. 

Getting On

• You could move on to be the lead mechanical technician or offshore installation manager.  
• There may be opportunities to work abroad. 

More Information

Find out more about the APTUS Energy Technician Apprenticeship on the APTUS website.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.