FIFO advice

[Paull]

Originally Posted by EF_6

O.k so how would a diesel mechanic make his way into oil and gas???

You have a number of options (for WA)

1) Apply online. You can either look at brownfields or green fields employment.

Brownfields would be Woodside, Apache, Santos & MODEC. Woodside typically use contracting companies such as Transfield to supply trades (fitters, electricians, welders, riggers, scaffolders etc). There is also UGL.

http://www.transfieldservices.com/
http://www.ugllimited.com/people-career

When it comes to the oil companies, direct employment for a person outside the industry, can be a bit difficult. However, it does not hurt to try. They do in some cases employ trades directly

http://www.santos.com/careers/
http://www.woodside.com.au/careers/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.apachecorp.com/Operations...lia/index.aspx
http://www.modec.com/career/
http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/peop...s/default.aspx

In regards to the greenfields projects/companies, there are 3 main companies currently in the construction phase. These are Inpex, Chevron and Shell. As these companies are still building, they will continue to be employing over the next 12 to 24 months. In that, keep an eye out on their webpages.

http://www.inpex.com.au/projects/ichthys-project.aspx
http://careers.chevron.com/global_op...ons/australia/
http://www.shell.com.au/aboutshell/c...n-prelude.html

Note that these companies typically advertise on Seek as well.

The Inpex project will have two offshore assets (north west WA) and one land based asset in Darwin. Shell will be strictly offshore. Chevron will have 2 land based assets (Gorgon on Barrow Island and Wheatstone down stream plant in Ashburton (Onslow) and one offshore asset. Inpex are the big payers when it comes to the above.

One thing to know about the greenfield projects is that in some cases, there is a lot of external hiring. That is, the companies look for people who have never been in the industry. The reason behind this is that just because you have 20 years experience offshore, does not necessarily make you a good employee. Also, the typical onshore worker can be enticed by what they see as a good salary whereas an existing offshore worker would not accept some of the salaries being offered.

2) Look at getting a traineeship.

CCI are typically the first point of call for most of the brownfields companies in employing apprentices & trainees. As you are already a tradesman, your best bet would be to look at getting a Production Technician traineeship. These typically last for 2 years: not normally the best salaries (in comparison to the usual oil & gas salaries) but still ok.

http://www.cciwa.com/what-we-offer/a...ainee-services

When it comes to direct employment, being a Production Technician is perhaps the better way to go. In effect, there is no formal qualification, just on the job knowledge/experience. In the last 10 years though, companies have pushed for a minimum of Cert II but if you are keen, you can always do the Cert IV on your own prior to applying.

https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/PMA08

This course is offered Australia wide and accepted at all companies. You would also do this training course as part of the aforementioned traineeship.

There are other options but I think they will take too long to explain and the above are fairly straightforward ways of getting in.

3 points to take note of.

1) Attitude over aptitude everyday of the week. You may be the best and brightest but if you have a poor attitude to safety/work ethic, you will not get a look in. You can train for aptitude but not attitude.
2) If you manage to get an interview, research as much as you can about the particular company/project/field. The companies really love this stuff as it shows that you are keen. It will actually make a difference wen it comes to comparing candidates.
3) The most important by far - SAFETY, SAFETY SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!! In everything you do, safety is always at the forefront. Always keep that in mind.

Also know that with all of these companies/jobs, you can live anywhere in Australia. The usual roster is 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 2 weeks on and then 4 weeks off. Woodside are moving to 3W on, 3Woff, 3W on and 6 weeks off.

And lastly, best of luck.