Posted By Bruce Battersby
I've recently completed my gen cert which I passed with credit and i've also done my BOSIET survival training but I can't get a look in anywhere! I am 26 and have two unrelated degrees but I have only seen about 2 trainee roles in 6 months!

I have had 1 interview in the last 3 months which was for a trainee rig safety officer which would have been ideal. It was kind of frustrating as I would have happily done the role for half the amount they were offering, money is not my motivation at this point! I was hoping some of you more worldly guys could offer me some advice on what to do next.

I had considered approaching some of the larger operators to try and get some unpaid experience but I don't know if this would be worthwhile or not.

If anyone wants further details or a CV you can get hold of me at b_battersby@hotmail.co.uk

thanks in advance Bruce

Posted By John Allen
Are you based in the Aberdeen area? At your age and background I'd look for an onshore job to start with, perhaps as a safety assistant in an HS&E department. Most of the main operators and contractors have large onshore departments. Once you've got your foot in the door and perhaps had a few offshore trips, an actual offshore posting becomes easier. Check the members page of UK Oil and Gas for potential targets.

Don't be discouraged, getting a job in the offshore industry isn't as difficult as some people make out. I get lots of CVs sent to me where people have come into the offshore industry with little or no relevant experience.

Posted By SC
"Don't be discouraged, getting a job in the offshore industry isn't as difficult as some people make out"

I'd beg to differ. It's often a case of who you know, not what you know.
If i look to the left of my desk, i have hundreds of CV's. They may well be good potential employees, but often to protect ourselves we will hire via agencies and take on on a permanent basis after a probationary period.

Given the fact that we have guys with (good) degrees, applying for positions at the very of the bottom of the pile purely to get a "foot in the door"..then it isn't that easy.

Maybe not the most positive outlook, but certainly the most realistic.

Posted By SC
I think my previous post has been misconstrued somewhat. I am not saying that it is impossible, merely that it can be difficult. That is speaking from my personal experience of "getting a start", that of friends and colleagues, my experiences professionally and after consulting my wife who deals with recruitment in the O&G industry.

As the poster above says, it might be a case of the right CV landing on the right desk at the right time. The general consensus is that this might take some time and require patience.

Be persistent and all the best...keep on plugging away!

Posted By Amanda Mitchell
Hello Bruce

I'm new to the oil, gas and renewable energy industry having only started my job about 10 weeks ago. I don't have any industry experience, I come from manufacturing and engineering so I hope that gives you some hope that there are opportunities out there if you can prove some potential to grow into a role and take a level headed and pragmatic approach.

I work for a fairly large consultancy - although I am not a consultant myself - I look after the consultants if that makes sense. We have a branch in aberdeen dealing specifically with health and safety for some of the larger operators (as well as some small ones) world wide.

If you have an email address I'll see if I can get some advice you. Many of our consultants started out working for the large operators.

Let me know if I can be of any help.