With just under 200,000 UK employment supported by best paying jobs in oil & gas production, the sector provides much more than just working on a rig. A variety of options are available, including the chance to travel.
One of the largest industries in the world is the exploration of oil and gas fields, the extraction of natural resources, and the processing of those resources to make them usable. Oil and gas are still crucial for the production of many common items as well as for refuelling automobiles, providing heat for houses, and generating electricity.
careers in oil and gas
The oil and gas sector is home to many smaller businesses as well as some of the biggest and most recognisable multinational corporations in the world, including BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TOTAL, and Shell.
In actuality, the industry, together with its extensive supply chain, is dispersed throughout Britain, according to the trade organisation Oil & Gas UK (OGUK). Therefore, there are many options available, whether you wish to work offshore on an oil rig or in an office at a significant energy hub (such in the South East or North West of England).
Employers need graduates with a variety of interests and from a wide range of academic backgrounds for positions ranging from engineers and geologists to office-based positions in accounting and human resources (HR).
For instance, you might work as a chef on an oil rig to serve the crew, a chemist conducting research and development, an environmental adviser monitoring compliance, a subsea engineer developing and installing underwater machinery, or a chemist.
As an alternative, you may work for a large energy company like Scottish Power on climate change, sustainable energy futures, and global development.
See the following job profiles for additional details on the positions available in the oil and gas sector:
drilling expert
Qualifications and skills needed for oil and gas occupations
Once you’ve chosen a position, you can apply for one of the larger employers’ organised graduate programmes.
For instance, you can select a technical, commercial business, or corporate function pathway in the Shell graduate programme. At BP, graduates can pursue careers in business, digital, engineering, science, trade, and shipping.
To be accepted into a programme, you must already have a decent degree or be expecting one. There may be specialised requirements for your degree subject, especially for engineering and science programmes, depending on the specialisation you select.
For instance, graduate programmes in business management, commercial analyst, commercial and marketing, digital technology services – software engineering, and engineering are offered by Centrica, the parent company of British Gas. Typically, you’ll need a 2:1 degree in a pertinent field to qualify.
Some graduate programmes, like Shell’s technical paths, call for a postgraduate degree.
Look for oil and gas postgraduate courses.
The Oil and Gas Technical Apprentice Programme (OGTAP), which entails dividing your time between college and a sponsoring employer while receiving a salary, is an alternative if you’re looking for an apprenticeship.
You’ll need four GCSEs in four different subjects, including math, English, double science (or one from physics, chemistry, or a technology-related course), and one other subject, all at Grade 4 or above. Additionally, you must be 16 years old by May of the year you are applying. There is no maximum age.
Study up on apprenticeships.
Due to the worldwide nature of the industry, companies place a high emphasis on language abilities, particularly for occupations that are business.
You must enrol in a health and safety training that meets industry standards for offshore positions, such as the Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST).
The Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO), the world’s foremost skills organisation for the energy sector, is another place where you may learn more about oil and gas certifications.
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The oil industry’s way of life
Although engineers working on an oil rig is the common perception of these vocations, the majority of positions are located on land.
The majority of onshore positions are concentrate in so-called industrial “hubs,” like Aberdeen and London, where you’re most likely to work normal hours in an office setting.
Nearly 60% of positions, according to OGUK statistics, are in England, and approximately 40% are in Scotland (primarily in the Aberdeen area). However, because this is a worldwide sector, you may eventually have the opportunity to travel or even work abroad.
You’ll often work 12-hour shifts for two or three weeks at a stretch if you opt to work offshore, spending considerable amounts of time away from home. After that, you’ll get the same amount of time off work to make up for it.
Although the oil and gas sector can be a rewarding career choice, salaries vary based on the type of work you are doing.
The future of UK gas and oil
Even though the industry is still in a precarious situation, it is believe that the $2 billion in investments would aid in creating a long-lasting rebound.
With the help of its highly skilled workforce, the government’s Industrial Strategy for UK Oil and Gas seeks to secure production for many years to come while also fostering domestic and international supply chain growth.
The sector is pushing more women to seek jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics in an effort to diversify this traditionally male-dominated sector.
