You could do an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship before applying to work on offshore rigs.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Roustabout
Alternative titles for this job include Oil rig worker, oil and gas worker
Roustabouts work on oil and gas rigs, maintaining equipment, unloading supplies and helping the drilling team.
Average salary (a year)
£18,000 Starter
to£30,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41 to 43 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
How to become a roustabout
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct application
You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you've got experience and qualifications from engineering, construction or other areas of the oil and gas industry.
More information
Further information
You can find more details about working in the energy industry from MyOilandGasCareer.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- complete basic offshore safety training
- be over 18 years of age
- have an offshore medical certificate
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- cleaning and maintaining the deck and equipment
- using lifting gear to unload supplies from boats
- moving supplies and equipment to storage and work areas
- repairing pumping equipment
- preparing the drilling equipment
Working environment
You could work on a rig.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and at height.
You may need to wear protective clothing and safety clothing.
Career path and progression
Your employer will put you through safety training. With experience, you could become a crane operator, or a roughneck, who helps with drilling operations.
With further training, you could progress to be a derrickman, assistant driller or driller.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Engineering Operative
- Wage : £176.00 Weekly
- Location: Shrewsbury SY4 5SD
Apprentice Turbocharger Dismantler - AET Turbos - Level 2 Engineering Operative - Normanton
- Wage : £156.00 Weekly
- Location: Normanton WF6 1TE
Courses In England
Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) (HNC)
- Provider: West Kent and Ashford College
- Start date: 15 September 2020
- Location: Ashford
BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering
- Provider: Archbishop Holgate's School, A Church of England Academy
- Start date: 07 September 2020
- Location: York
JobsIn the United Kingdom
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Skills assessment
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
Get help using this service
Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week
More ways to contact us