www.studentscholarships.org
Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators
What they do?
Oil and gas well drilling workers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Assemble pumping equipment and attach pumps and hoses to wellhead
B. Operate hydraulic pumping systems to pump chemicals, gases, sand, cement or other material into well
C. Read gauges to monitor pressure, density, rate and concentration and adjust pumping procedure as required
D. May mix chemicals and cements.
E. Align and manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem from platform on rig derrick during removal and replacement of strings of pipe, or drill stem and drill bit
F. Operate and maintain drilling mud systems and pumps during drilling, and mix mud chemicals and additives
G. Record mud flows and volumes and take samples
Where they find work?
1. Support activities for mining and oil and gas extraction - 69.0%
2. Oil and gas extraction - 17.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is required.
2. Training of up to three months with an experienced operator is required for oil and gas well services operators.
3. One year of experience as a floorhand, assistant or labourer is usually required.
4. 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.
5. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Physics
2. Mechanics
3. First Aid
4. Industrial Arts
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators is $20.88/HR, which is above average for occupations in the primary industry sector and are above average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
7% of Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($20.88) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (7%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be average; however the high demand for energy products will continue and should create job openings.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (12%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Physical/outdoor work
2. Machinery
3. Safety procedures
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
2% of Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 11,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 56% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. The younger-than-average age (35) of worker will likely result in a below-average retirement rate to 2009.
