Oil and Gas Well Drillers and Servicers

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical pathway is to finish secondary school and focus on practical courses such as English, First Aid, Machine Shop and Physical Education. Many people then start in an entry-level field job with an oil and gas crew or in a related equipment-handling role to build hands-on experience around rigs, drilling tools and site safety. Employers may train workers on the job, and some roles may prefer experience with machinery, outdoor work and record-keeping. Requirements can vary by employer, province and the specific rig or service role, so students should check local postings.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Direct rig crew in setting up rigs and drilling, completing or servicing oil and gas exploration and producing wells
• Operate controls of drill or service rig drilling and hoisting machinery
• Train or arrange for training of crew
• Maintain records of drilling and servicing operations.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career