This is what you typically need for the job:

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Training of up to three months with an experienced operator is required for oil and gas well services operators.
• Completion of petroleum industry-approved training courses may be required.
• One year of experience as a floorhand, assistant or labourer is usually required.
• Certificates in first aid, hydrogen sulphide awareness, blowout prevention, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), cryogenic safety or in other safety concerns may be required.
• Rig technician certification for motorhands and derrickhands may be required by some employers.