Trades on a Oil Rig?

Question

I want to work on a Oil Rig but obviously you need to learn a trade, what's a good trade to get on to to work on a rig. I've done a bit of lagging and stuff, is that any good on a oil rig?

Answer 1

become a cook -- on learn a lot of safety and become a safety engineer!!!

Answer 2

your best bet is welder if not rigger, get experience as a well driller. or welder

Answer 3

"If you do not have any experience, the best way to get started is to get a job on a land-based oil rig".

Your question is too vague.  There are at least 50 jobs one can do on an Oil Rig.  Then when the oil is in transport to land there are still more.  Then from land to 'location' still more.  

But - hope this helps:

Duties

Rig Technicians operate oil and gas drilling rigs. The Rig Technician 2 credential confirms the holder can also perform the tasks of a Rig Technician 1 credential. The job titles (i.e. tasks) commonly associated with each of the first two levels are Motorhand (Level 1) and Derrickhand (Level 2).

Motorhands (Level 1) are responsible for:

    * regularly maintaining drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical equipment

    * maintaining equipment logs and preventative maintenance records as required

    * monitoring inventories of fuels, oil filters, lube oils, greases and other service items

    * working under the direction of the Derrickhand and Driller

    * supervising, training and working with floorhands and labourers, ensuring they work safely and efficiently

    * participating in rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out).

Derrickhands (Level 2) are responsible for:

    * operating and maintaining drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling

    * mixing fluid chemicals and additives as required by the program

    * handling sections of drill string assembly from a platform on the rig derrick during tripping operations

    * monitoring and recording mud flows and volumes and fluid properties (i.e. mud weight)

    * working under the direction of the Driller and assisting the Driller with crew supervision, ensuring the crew works safely and efficiently

    * participating in rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out)

A drilling rig consists of a derrick, draw-works and other surface equipment that provide the forces needed for a drill pipe to bore a hole into the earth. The drilling rig drills the initial hole for the oil or gas well. After the drilling rig reaches the layer of earth that contains oil or gas, the rig is removed from the site.

Other equipment, such as service rigs and pump jack, operated by skilled workers from the oil field service industry, are used to complete the well construction and to access the oil and gas.

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Working Conditions

Working conditions vary with the performed services, rig locations and weather conditions. People in these occupations often work outdoors in remote locations. They are often exposed to extremes in weather as well as to the dirt, dust, noise and fumes that often exist around a rig. They may be required to lift items weighing in excess of 25 kilograms. Employees are often responsible for their own transportation to the work site and may travel widely throughout the province. Employment in these occupations may be seasonal. Winter is the busiest season for drilling activity.

The Rig Technician trade has minimal entry-level requirements, generous wages, attractive work and time-off schedules and opportunities for rapid advancement. It can be a stepping stone to variety of other employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry.



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Skills and Abilities

To be successful in their trade, Rig Technicians need:

    * the ability to get along well with co-workers

    * leadership and management skills

    * good communication skills

    * good organizational skills

    * physical strength and stamina

    * emotional stability

    * mechanical aptitude

    * manual dexterity

    * the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships

They should enjoy working with equipment and machinery, working in a team environment and compiling information and maintaining records.



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Employment and Advancement

Rig Technicians are employed by drilling contractors who own and operate oil and gas well drilling rigs and who contract with oil producers to drill wells. Work schedules for Rig Technicians vary with industry demand, but an example of a Rig Technician's work schedule is two weeks of work followed by one week off from work.

Rig Technicians may be promoted to Rig Managers, or to management positions within the drilling industry. Experienced Rig Technicians may also be hired by specialist companies for occupations such as mud technician, directional driller, or for service occupations. For example, they may go on to drilling-related equipment sales, employment as rig training providers, occupations in rig regulation, occupations in rig supervision, oil and gas well supervision or rig safety, or various other career paths.



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Working in Alberta

To work as a Rig Technician 2 in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice in the Rig Technician 3 program, be a certified journeyman, have a Qualification or Equivalenc