There is an enormous range of work opportunities for you in the oil and gas industry where nearly every occupation found in the UK is required. But, as you might expect, at any one time the industry has more demand for some jobs than others. Many of the jobs require you to work offshore on a rig or production platform. (Click here for a description of the different types of "Oil Rig").

Currently, the industry is interested in hearing from people who may have transferable skills and experience (perhaps gained onshore in other jobs) suitable for the various roles available in the oil and gas industry. Click on the relevant company description below and you will enter a page explaining the various job roles within this sector. You will then have the opportunity to take an online test to see whether you have the relevant transferable skills for the job. If you successfully complete the test, you will be automatically directed to a list of companies that have vacancies. From there, you can upload your CV and make online applications.

Operating Companies

Operating companies hold the exploration and production licenses and operate the production facilities. Some of them are household names, but others are less well known. Most of them are international companies, working in many different parts of the world. They are represented by Oil & Gas UK who is the leading representative body for the UK Offshore Oil & Gas Industry. Its members are companies licensed by the Government to explore for and produce oil and they form part of the industry supply chain. Membership is open to all companies active in the sector.

Contracting Companies

Contractors provide integrated operations and maintenance services to the operating companies. They employ 90% of the workforce in the oil & gas sector and operate within extremely narrow profit margins. On some installations they employ almost all the regular offshore personnel (the 'core crew'). Some of these contractors are huge international companies, while others are small by comparison. Some also hold ‘duty-holder' responsibility which involves both operating and managing facilities for their clients. They are represented by the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA).

Click here for job roles and online tests

Marine & Underwater Engineering Companies

These include those companies active in the offshore, marine and underwater engineering industries, ranging from contractors, vessel owners, suppliers of equipment or services, and oil/gas companies. They are represented by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). Membership can be taken under four divisions: Diving, Marine, Offshore Survey or Remotes Systems and ROV.

Click here for job roles and online tests

Drilling companies

Drilling companies are contracted to undertake the drilling work, and often operate and maintain their own mobile drilling rigs. Like the operating companies, they tend to work globally. They are represented by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

Click here for job roles and online tests