How to Get a Job on an Oil Rig With No Experience?
The oil industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. There are many kinds of job opportunities on oil rigs. More and more people have been looking for oil rig jobs in recent years. The reason lies in the fact that these are different-level jobs with promising careers. If you’re the one looking for how to get a job on the oil rigs with no experience then keep reading!
You might be thinking that it is impossible to get a job in an oil rig without having prior experience. But you can work on oil rigs, no experience is required. An oil rig job depends on various things such as your education, skills, and certifications; experience is just one factor.
In this article, we will discuss four steps that you can follow to get a job on an oil rig with no experience. Some oil rig job options and tips to secure an oil rig job without any experience are also discussed. Read this guide till the very end to answer all relevant questions.
Steps to Get a Job on an Oil Rig with No Experience?
Follow these four simple steps to get a job on an oil rig with no experience:
- Meet the Criteria
- See Jobs that Suit Your Interest and Qualification
- Earn Training and Safety Certificates
- Apply with Relevant Application Material
1. Meet the Criteria
Oil rig factories demand some specific requirements from their employers. The basic criteria may vary depending on the company and the location. Check their basic requirements before applying. Typically these are:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Passing a physical exam in which applicants are asked to lift at least 50 pounds of weight
- Ability to travel and live in remote places for months
- Capacity to work 12 hours straight a day
2. See Jobs that Suit Your Interest and Qualification
After seeing the requirements, if you think you are a perfect fit for this job, the next step is to explore entry-level jobs. Check all the entry-level positions and see which one goes with your interest.
- If you have never taken any vocational training with a high school diploma, then you can go for drilling, derrickman, and roustabout positions
- If you have taken some training, then choose some skilled role as welding
- In case you don’t have a high school diploma, then find positions as steward, galley hand, or assistant
3. Earn Training and Safety Certificates
Take some oilfield vocational courses and training programs to find a good position. For instance, taking an electrician apprenticeship will pave your way to becoming a rig electrician.
Certificates are not mandatory, but they improve your chances of getting an oil rig job with no experience. Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety are two very common certificates that help to get this job.
4. Apply with Relevant Application Material
Gather all your application material before applying for experience oil rig jobs. The material basically includes an oil and gas resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, and personal statement but may vary from company to company. Write your skills, education, and volunteer work in your cover letters.
After doing all this, find relevant jobs on oil rigs – no experience – on websites and find agencies looking for aspirants. Apply to all possible opportunities to hook the one.
Entry Level Oil Rig Jobs That Require No Experience
No experience oil rig jobs are a bit hard to find but not impossible indeed. You can pursue different level oil jobs depending on your educational background.
See some types of entry-level oil rig jobs we have enlisted for you!
Professional Jobs without a High School Diploma
Here are some oil rig positions that you may get without having a high school diploma:
Galley Hand
The role of an offshore galley hand is to assist the cooks in running the kitchen. He helps them cook or serve food, wash dishes, and perform some relevant outside kitchen tasks.
Assistant
Assistance can be of many types, such as drilling assistants, roustabout assistants, etc. The role is to assist. For example, a drilling assistant helps to operate, move, and set up drilling equipment.
Steward
The stewards are responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the oil rig.
Professional Jobs with a High School Diploma
If you have a high school diploma, then it is better. You may check the following jobs on offshore oil rigs, no experience is needed.
Driller
An oil driller is in charge of the oil drilling team and operates drilling equipment. If you want to pursue a career as an oil driller but don’t know much about this filed then read our separate blog on how to become an oil driller.
Floor Hand
A floor hand performs many manual labor tasks and assists in setting up daily equipment. If you want to know more about Floor hand duties, skills, salary and many more than read our detailed blog regarding working as a Floor Hand.
Roustabout
A roustabout performs many peripheral tasks such as cleaning or inspecting the oil rig. They don’t need any specific skills.
Professional Jobs with Vocational Training
Those who have taken some specific vocational training can pursue the following jobs with no experience:
Mechanic
A mechanic is responsible for daily maintenance tasks. He repairs, installs, and maintains the equipment used in the oil company.
Welder
Being a rig welder requires extensive training in high pressure and high temperature (HPHT). He repairs and maintains the equipment by welding.
Cook
An offshore cook is responsible for preparing meals for oil rig crews.
Electrician
The rig electrician looks after the electric equipment and installations on oil rigs. He makes sure that no electric hindrance occurs during operation.
Tips That Can Get You a Job on an Oil Rig With No Experience
Here are some tips on “How to get an oil rig job with no experience”. They will help you secure your first job in the oil industry.
- Take some Professional Advice
- Apply for Multiple Jobs
- Study Oil Rig Lifestyle
1. Take some Professional Advice
The oil industry is very different from other industries. Sometimes, the work gets very daunting and technical. Therefore, it is recommended to take some bits of advice from rig professionals before entering the field.
You will find such individuals in apprenticeship programs and training. Taking their advice will help you choose the right job for your career.
2. Apply for Multiple Jobs
Apply to all the available jobs matching your skills and expertise. Even consider applying to relevant jobs outside the oil field to gain some hands-on experience. Find these jobs by searching on the internet; “how to get a offshore job with no experience”. You may start from entry-level jobs and then upgrade with time.
3. Study Oil Rig Lifestyle
Working on an oil rig is a unique job. Browse the internet and research the oil rig structure and life. Gather as much information as you can about the job roles and work environment.
All these things will help you in your interview. Rig managers will be more likely to hire a person who has relevant knowledge about the field.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- What qualifications do you need to work on an oil rig?
The educational requirements to work on an oil rig vary based on the role you would like to apply for. For instance, you will have to obtain a high school diploma or GED to secure a job as a roustabout. In contrast, if you want to pursue a position as a mud logger, you will need to acquire a bachelor’s degree in geology. Similarly, attaining a safety officer job also requires you to possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2- Are oil rig jobs worth it?
Indeed, oil rig jobs are worth it. Although this field is quite challenging, it still provides you with a ton of benefits like a handsome income, life, and medical insurance. In addition, as you will be living away from home for several weeks or months, the company will provide you with luxurious accommodation like a four or five-star hotel. Lastly, you can pursue numerous career prospects as an employee depending on the firm you work for and the abilities you possess.
3- How much money do you make on an oil rig?
The average salary of an oil rig worker in Canada is CAD 71,695 per year.
Entry-level oil rig positions have a starting salary of CAD 49,264 per year. On the other hand, the most experienced oil rig workers earn up to CAD 104,340 per year.
Conclusion
It was a complete guide on How to get a job on an oil rig with no experience. The oil industry is an evergreen industry, and there are hundreds of job opportunities for those who seek it. Everyone can find a job here according to his interest, skillset, experiences, and qualification.
Entry-level jobs like that of an electrician, cook, driller, steward, welder, etc., are good for beginners. Experience is not necessarily required to get an oil rig job. Just meet the basic requirements, learn relevant skills, gather some information, and apply for related jobs.
Follow the above-shared tips; hand the very best of luck for your first oil rig job!
The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.