How to become a rig operator

Are you passionate about working in the oil and gas industry? Are you unperturbed by the possibility of having to be hands on with your work that tends to be physically demanding as well? In that case the work of a rig operator will be the right option for you.

Obtain the necessary education
You do not necessarily need formal education in order to be a rig operator but you must have at least completed your high school — this is usually a minimum requirement in these cases. However, if you have some post-secondary education in a relevant domain it always comes in handy.

Gain relevant experience
If you wish to work as a rig operator you will need to have practical experience of having worked in the oil and gas industry. The commonest starting positions in this case are entry-level positions such as a roughneck or a roustabout.

Obtain required certifications
A lot of companies in the oil and gas industry that hire people to work as rig operators want them to have certain specific certifications. The commonest certification among them is one which denotes that you are capable of controlling well pressure at the time of drilling operations.

Develop technical skills
As a rig operator you must have a strong understanding of the machines and equipment that are employed in drilling rigs. This includes knowing the components of a drilling rig, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and troubleshooting. You must also have the skill to operate drilling equipment.

Focus on safety
In the canadian oil and gas industry safety is of the highest importance and rig operators play a major role in making sure that the work environment is a safe one. You need to be well-versed in safety protocols, proper usage of PPE (personal protective equipment), and emergency procedures.

Build soft skills
Along with technical skills as a rig operator you will also need strong skills in critical areas such as teamwork and communication. In this job you often need to work in close conjunction with other professionals and so you must be able to collaborate efficiently.

Apply for rig operator positions
Once you have gained the education, certifications, experience, and skills that are necessary to work as a rig operator you need to start applying for said positions. You can search for the latest job openings at drilling companies, exploration companies, and oil & gas companies.

Continue learning and advancing your career
Finding work as a rig operator is a major achievement in itself but remember that your journey must not stop here. The oil and gas industry is always getting better and you do have a lot of opportunities to take your career ahead.

So, in the end, as you can see for yourself, this is one career choice where you need a fusion of education, certifications, hands-on experience, and technical skills. The profession itself is challenging but it is rewarding as well, and immensely so!