What sort of work does a technician actually do?

There are four different kinds of upstream oil and gas technicians working in the industry. The following is a snapshot of the kind of work they carry out. If you're interested we can tell you much more when you come for an interview or a chat.

Electrical Installation & Maintenance Technicians:

Do not confuse this type of technician with a domestic electrician! Their job is to look after high voltage power generation and distribution systems, motors, control systems and electrical equipment specially designed for use in hazardous areas.

Instrument & Control Technicians:

The role of these technicians is to calibrate and maintain measurement systems (for flow, level, pressure and temperature), electronic and pneumatic process control systems and fire and gas detection systems and analysers.

Mechanical Maintenance Technicians:

Mechanical maintenance technicians look after valves, pumps and transmission systems. In addition, they're responsible for prime movers such as diesel engines and gas turbines (similar to aircraft engines).

Production Technicians:

These technicians start up, control, monitor and shut down sub-systems. Their role is to maintain safe operations and achieve production targets. Production technicians who are competent in all aspects of their job may well become control room technicians. In this case they become responsible for the overall production process via computerised distribution control systems.

Who can apply?

The industry is offering training places to school leavers, students from further education colleges and any other person who has an interest in pursuing an apprenticeship within the oil and gas industry. Please see the entry qualifications in the apply section.

What does the training programme involve?

The programme consists of up to two years training at a college or training centre followed by approximately two years training in an oil and gas facility, either offshore, onshore or both.

What salary can I expect?

During the on-job phase (at the oil and gas facility) you will be paid an attractive salary of £12 - 20,000.

If the college you are allocated to is not at your home location, you will be given free accommodation and travel. Additionally, during the college training you will be given a grant.

Who manages the training?

The industry manages the training scheme through a strategic alliance between the ECITB and Opito.

So what qualifications will I achieve?

Trainees who successfully complete both the college and the on-the-job training are awarded with a National/Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3 and an HNC.

What might the future hold?

The UK engineering oil and gas industry is the largest in the EU, second only to the USA in the world, and our workforce is well respected. Around 250,000 work in the UK with the same number choosing to work abroad. The ECITB and Opito have formed a strategic alliance with the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) and Oil and Gas UK to secure a fully employed, harmonised training programme that operates across the whole industry.

What's the next step?

Take a look the apply section for more details.

Click HERE for the Technical Guides.