UpStream in UK

Once you are accepted into the UK upstream and oil gas training scheme, you will
begin your path to a future in the industry. The training is run through a partnership
between OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization) and ECITB
(Engineering Construction Industry Training Board).

The training scheme is four years long and is broken down into two stages. During the
first phase, the trainees will go to a college where they will learn the knowledge needed
for the industry. The industry is responsible for appointing trainees to a college. All
efforts are made to put trainees near their residence. If there is no college in a trainee’s
residence, then the trainee will be awarded free housing as well as expenses for travel.
During this college phase of the training scheme, trainees will not be paid. However,
they will be given funds through a grant so they may meet basic expenses in regards to
food and amenities.

The second phase of the UK upstream oil and gas training program takes place on a
facility. This is where the apprenticeship really begins and the trainees get hands-on
experience. The work is vigorous but the apprentices will find themselves as part of
a tight-knit team. They will also be given a substantial salary ranging from £12,000 to
£20,000.

After the completion of the four years training scheme, technicians in the UK upstream
oil and gas industry will be given the National or Scottish Vocational Qualifications
level 3 as well as a Higher National Certificate. From here, technicians will be able to
work in the UK or abroad. Thanks to ECITB and Opito’s partnership with the Offshore
Contractors Association, technicians will be able to secure positions in the industry.