A career in oil and gas can take someone from an entry-level leasehand position to drilling, well servicing, production, maintenance, supervision and specialist technical roles. But careers in this industry rarely develop by accident.

The people who build long careers tend to understand an important distinction:

Getting a job and building a career are two different things.

Australia’s energy and resources workforce continues to change. Employers need experienced people, but they also need the next generation of workers entering the industry with the right attitude, training and expectations. Queensland’s new Resources Workforce Plan reflects this challenge, with 29 workforce and training initiatives aimed at developing a skilled, adaptable and resilient resources workforce.

So, what can an individual do to put themselves in the strongest position? The best was is with the AWCC TURBO program.

For somebody entering the industry, qualifications can help open the door, but they don’t replace workplace performance.

Understand the fundamentals: hazard identification, risk management, communication, permit systems, emergency response and the basic operating environment you are trying to enter.

If you are applying for drilling or well servicing roles, learn the language of the rig. Understand the difference between a leasehand, floorhand, derrickhand and driller. Know what a BOP is, why well control matters and what is expected during a 12-hour shift.

Turning up to an interview having researched the industry immediately separates you from someone simply chasing a FIFO job.

One of the most common mistakes people make is believing that a wallet full of cards automatically makes them employable.

Training should have a purpose.

Ask yourself: What role am I targeting, and what competencies are actually relevant to that role?

Working at Heights, Confined Space, Gas Test Atmospheres, Forklift, First Aid and other competencies can be valuable, but their relevance depends on the position.

The same principle applies once you are established. Choose training that supports your next responsibility rather than accumulating qualifications with no clear career direction.

This focus on genuine workforce capability is increasingly important. Energy Skills Queensland identifies competency assurance, workforce readiness and industry-aligned training as key components of developing Queensland’s energy workforce.

Oil and gas is a surprisingly small industry.

Your reputation can travel between rigs, companies and basins faster than your résumé.

Be the person who turns up early, listens, asks sensible questions and completes the job properly. Look after equipment. Keep your paperwork right. Accept feedback without becoming defensive.

Most importantly, don’t pretend to know something you don’t.

A supervisor can teach an inexperienced worker. It is considerably harder to manage someone who is inexperienced but believes otherwise.

Some of the most valuable career development in oil and gas happens during a shift.

Watch experienced operators. Ask why something is being done, not simply what is being done.

If you are a floorhand who wants to become a derrickhand, start learning the mud system. If you want to become a driller, understand what the driller is monitoring and why. If supervision is your goal, start developing your understanding of well control, leadership, communication and decision-making.

The next position should begin being learned before you are promoted into it.

Experienced workers can also become complacent about training.

Don’t wait until mobilisation to discover that a competency has expired, your medical needs updating or an employer requires something you haven’t completed.

Maintain a record of your qualifications and expiry dates. Keep your résumé current and document significant equipment, operations and responsibilities you have been exposed to.

That becomes increasingly important as careers progress and competency requirements become more specialised.

Recruitment in oil and gas can move quickly.

A drilling contractor may not need you today, but that can change when another rig mobilises, a campaign receives approval or a crew vacancy suddenly appears.

Have your résumé ready. Know your availability. Understand your medical and licence requirements. Keep your phone number and email current with recruiters and companies you have approached.

And when someone does contact you, respond professionally.

Your Career Is Your Responsibility

There is strong emphasis across Queensland’s resources sector on developing workforce capability and improving pathways into industry. The Queensland Resources Council describes access to a highly skilled workforce and development of the future talent pipeline as critical to the sustainability of the resources sector.

But industry can only create the opportunity.

The individual still has to prepare for it.

Whether you are trying to secure your first position or working toward becoming a driller, supervisor or specialist, continue developing your knowledge, maintain your competencies and build a reputation people remember for the right reasons.

Don’t simply train for the job you have today. Prepare yourself for the position you want next.

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