A person who wants to work as a derrickhand at an oil and gas drilling facility usually starts as a rigging apprentice and progresses to this position. Entry-level positions in the oil and gas industry typically have low requirements, such as a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license. Personnel can progress into higher-ranking positions with more opportunities for pay and advancement, as well as increased access to benefits, as they gain experience on the job.
Traveling to remote locations and stationing on offshore rigs to provide services to crews are both common occurrences in the oil and gas industry. A person who wants to work as a derrickhand should expect to travel far from home and, in some cases, have limited contact with friends and family. The job also necessitates a high level of physical fitness and the ability to tolerate harsh conditions such as extreme heat.
Oil and gas companies post job openings on a regular basis. Anyone interested in working as a derrickhand can look for job openings and apply for entry-level positions. An interview is usually conducted to determine if an applicant is a good fit for the job, and evidence of physical fitness for the job may be requested. If the applicant is liked the company, it may extend a job offer. Assignments vary, and in some cases, applicants can request specific job assignments.
It is critical to pay attention to supervisors while learning on the job as an entry-level employee or apprentice, especially when discussing safety issues. People can take on more complex tasks as their experience grows. They can eventually be assigned to watch and eventually take over the derrickhand position’s responsibilities. After becoming a derrickhand, a person’s job entails assisting the driller with the control of drilling fluids and the drill’s lines.
Before looking for work or while in training as an entry-level employee, a person who wants to become a derrickhand may find it beneficial to obtain some safety certifications. These can include safety harness training, working at heights, first aid, and dealing with oil and gas emergencies. These credentials can make a job applicant more appealing, and they’ll come in handy when it’s time to promote someone. People with more training are more likely to be hired, especially if the training demonstrates that oil and gas workers are committed to continuing their education in order to work as safely and effectively as possible.