Hi everyone

Just after some advice, I am looking at leaving the army in the near future and looking at different career options. Just wondering if anyone out there is working on the oil rigs or has worked on oil rigs. Just after some general info.

Cheers

MB

Been offshore for 9 years, since leaving. Absolutely loads of work going on, companies busting a gut to get hold of people willing to work 3 weeks on, 3 off, 12 hour shifts, free food and accom. The downside, having to haul your carcass to Aberdeen (generally) and home again.

I think there are one or two others on here (North Sea Tiger is one I know for certain). Give the main agencies in Aberdeen a bell, (Google RBGltd) they'll give you the low-down on requirements - basically, a medical to check all your bodily functions work, an induction course on first aid, fire-fighting (topical!), and how to escape a sinking helicopter. Robert's yer Mother's Brother. Any more Q's?

How long does the whole recruitment process take on average - if I rang Monday Morning for example???
Do you need prior experience in technical sh1t or is "above average intelligence, not being prone to fcking things up and being ex-military" generally enough???

What vacancies are there that do not require skills or qualifications

Do you need previous experience, if so what?, chicken and egg syndrome I am thinking. How does one get ones foot in the door. Is being ex-military generally a good start or do they want you to have other experience. A website seemingly dedicated to this mentioned they would take entry level with no experience I am therefore attempting to ascertain from someone within the industry, first-hand, if this is the case or not.

I have been working offshore for 5 years now since leaving the forces, it is very busy at the moment and every company is screaming out for good guys. Being ex forces is definately a benefit. all the companies know that ex regs can hack being away from home and dont mind the 12 hour shifts.
There is such a wide range of jobs available, give us some idea of your trade at the moment.
Health and safety officers are in short supply if you are that way inclined, the unskilled entry would be as a roustabout, which is the starting point on a rig, from there you will be trained in either the drilling side or as crane op. there is also vacancies as stewards, looking after the accomodation and galley.
if you are electrical or mechanical trained then there is a lot of jobs available to you.
nowadays you are more likely to find yourself in africa or baku, than aberdeen. but really it doesnt matter where you are the standard of accommodation is very high and you will love the month of to yourself.
give us a bit more info on your background and im sure someone will be able to point you in the right direction

forgot to say, it is possible to do your offshore survival as resettlement, having that would be a huge advantage. it would show the employer that you were serious and it would be one less expense for them and you would be one step ahead of any other new starts

My brother is looking for a job on the rigs, he is ex reg in the TA single but unskilled, he is a chargehand at the moment in Leeds and is used to hard work, where should he look and whats the money like

PokerPro - if by unhelpful replies you're having a pop at the genuine assistance and advice I posted, might I suggest that you may not be quite cut-out for life on the rigs?

The work is hard, and frequent bouts of banter are the norm. If you think squaddies are ace at ripping the pi55 out of each other, the blokes (and the girls) out here will eat you for breakfast.

If you weren't having a pop, the advice stands. Unless you've got a trade recognised by the offshore drilling sector (unlikely) or are a Medic, Radio Operator (with GMDSS) or NEBOSH Cert or Diploma holder, expect to start at the bottom, with the 18 year olds straight off the streets of Aberdeen. Despite there being a large number of ex-Service personnel out here, it won't count for much. Your ability to work long hours without too much complaint, and your experience of laughing off the banter from the old hands, just like when you joined your firsy unit as a nig, will soon show.

I have been informed that there is going to be a boom again .AMEC are a company that are always looking for people.

The industry is on a rise at the moment. it is getting busier so now is the time to get a start.
There is more to offshore than the drilling crew. ROV, controls, survey etc.
Many of the trades in the forces can easily be transfered to other trades. so i dont believe you will HAVE to start at the bottom, like i said earlier let us now your current trade. Amec are always looking for guys but they tend to lay off people when the work is finished then rehire for the next contract, but it is experience, just not as secure.