Drilling engineer

You would plan the construction of wells to extract oil and gas which are effective, safe for people to operate and do not pollute the environment.

You would plan the construction of the well, for example how deep it needs to be and how it will be lined.

You’d work out the best way to drill the well to ensure the process is safe and cost-effective. You’d decide what equipment and resources will be needed.

Working out the costs and how long the process will take would also be your responsibility.

Then you’d manage the actual drilling process. You’d organise the construction team, and make sure that the well is completed on time, on budget and works properly. To keep the team safe you’d need to be careful to follow health and safety regulations.

Throughout the planning and building process you would need to work with contractors, clients and other professionals such as geophysicists. You'd need to provide data about the site and prepare written reports to management.

You could work on an offshore platform or an onshore site. Increasingly, your skills will be used in energy transition, renewables and new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

• Tomorrow's Engineers - Careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering

• WISE - inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

• My Energy Future - careers information site provided by OPITO, the skills body for the energy sector

• ASET International Energy Training Academy - training courses