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  3. Offshore drilling worker

Offshore drilling worker

Alternative titles for this job include Driller, assistant driller, derrickhand

Offshore drilling workers extract oil and gas from under the seabed, working from platforms and rigs.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course in engineering or construction, which would give you some of the skills needed to start as a trainee with a drilling company. 

Courses include:

  • engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • engineering technology
  • construction and civil engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an an Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You could also apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

  • Engineering Construction Rigger
  • Maritime Mechanical Fitter
  • Maritime Pipeworker
  • Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician

These combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a drilling labourer, roustabout or derrickhand (crane or hoist operator) on a rig, and learn on the job before becoming a drilling worker.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to offshore oil and gas companies if you've got experience in an industry like engineering or construction.

More Information

Career tips

Oil and gas workers work shifts, for example 10 to 12 hours a day over a 2-week period, followed by 2 weeks' leave. They might follow this shift pattern for several months at a time.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the energy industry from My Energy Future.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a derrickhand, you would:

  • operate the lifting machinery or hoist to guide drill sections into place
  • maintain the derrick or crane
  • control and monitor mud pumps, and work with mud pump operators

As a driller, you would:

  • supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling
  • assemble the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
  • operate the drill control equipment
  • monitor pressure build ups
  • keep records of the drilling process
  • make sure the team follows health and safety rules

Working environment

You could work on a rig.

Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding, at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work for oil and gas companies who have their own exploration and production licences, or for businesses contracted to operate and maintain drilling equipment on offshore rigs and ships.

With experience, you could be promoted from driller to tool pusher or rig manager, overseeing drilling operations.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Mechanical Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,809.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Moor Lane, Knaresborough

Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £19,198.40 a year Annually
  • Location: ORION WAY, ORION BUSINESS PARK, NORTH SHIELDS
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Engineering

  • Provider: RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: WIDNES

HNC Engineering (Manufacturing)

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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