Drilling engineer
Construct wells to extract oil and gas which are effective, safe for people to operate and do not pollute the environment.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£900
Average
Monthly
£3,900
Average
Yearly
£46,800
Average
9,500
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
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.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
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Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Practical Craft Skills
Science
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You will need a relevant engineering or science degree (SCQF level 9/10).
You can enter a Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a Mechanical and Offshore Engineering or Petroleum Engineering Degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or above, some courses will require this in one sitting.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4).
To work offshore you must:
pass regular medical examinations
pass an offshore survival course
To be aged 18 years of age or over
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