Today's oilfield challenges workers

Like everything else in the modern day, the energy industry has become more automated and expects more of its employees than ever before.

But the industry has kept its traditional practice of welcoming high school graduates into its workforce and giving them the training they need to succeed.

Odessa oilman Kirk Edwards, the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association and the Energy Workforce & Technology Council say safety is the No. 1 value in today’s oilfield.

“The service industry has changed dramatically over the last 30 years or so, as has most everything in life,” Edwards said. “The computer has become a staple, even in the oilfield, as it has easily made the workers far more productive.

“And from that it is now required that workers have some sort of computer savvy to be able to function well at their jobs. Frac crews and even drilling rigs are completely dominated by computing power as well as even when the wells themselves start producing.”

Edwards said new employees are therefore required to have some sort of skills in those areas if they want to advance in their jobs.

“Safety is always job No. 1 in the oilfield, so drug testing and safety training are always required for any job today,” he said.

TIPRO President Ed Longanecker said training is paramount and perpetual, especially considering the high safety standards, heavy equipment and new innovations being utilized in the oil patch.

“Producers provide on-the-job training and internships along with a multitude of courses that are available externally and cover many disciplines including oil production and processing facilities, artificial lift systems and well test design and analysis to name a few,” Longanecker said from Austin.

“The Texas oil and natural gas industry provides employment opportunities for all demographics and skill sets, which require different levels of training. In June, the Permian Basin had 2,384 unique job postings including roustabouts, oil and gas (153), maintenance and repair workers (100), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (82), laborers and freight, stock and material movers, hand (57) and electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (50) as some of the top occupations listed.”

According to TIPRO’s recent workforce analysis 53 percent of unique jobs postings in the Permian only required a high school diploma or GED, 29 percent had no education level listed and 22 percent required a bachelor’s degree, Longanecker said.

Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Molly Determan said from Houston that automation and digitalization have transformed various aspects of oilfield operations, leading to improvements in efficiency and safety.

“The industry remains committed to on-the-job training especially for new hires and employees who are transitioning to roles that demand new skill sets,” Determan said. “This commitment involves extensive training and reskilling throughout their careers in the industry.

“The oil and gas industry has traditionally offered opportunities for individuals to enter the workforce directly from high school, securing relatively high-paying jobs with routine training as they advanced.”

As the industry undergoes a technological revolution, she said, the importance of practical skills and on-the-job training remains vital.

“Simultaneously, formal education and certification are becoming increasingly important, complementing these skills and enhancing the workforce’s overall expertise,” Determan said. “One of the primary places that we see need is in automation and digitalization.

“For example, instead of having to climb to the top of a rig for observation and reporting, you may be required to obtain a drone license, allowing you to do the same reporting but in a safer, more efficient manner.”

At a higher level, Determan said, the industry is seeking those with technical degrees not just in petroleum engineering but in programming, data analysis and artificial intelligence as it continues to implement more technology.

“We continue to see companies providing role-specific training to ensure that employees are well-prepared for their assignments,” she said. “This technological shift is not unique to oil and gas.

“Across all industries the demand for reskilling and technological fluency is reshaping the broader workforce landscape. From a high school perspective, there are several pathways into the oil and gas sector. Entry-level positions are critical for those looking for a more hands-on field position. Companies provide on-the-ground training for these roles, allowing employees to learn the basics while gaining practical experience.

“Further, vocational and technical programs are a great place to spend a few years of on-the-ground training before entering the workforce. Many community colleges and technical schools offer specific programs for oil and gas.”

Determan said new imperatives in the energy industry are investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and establishing internship and apprenticeship programs.

“Without a concerted effort to pass on the specialized skills required for oil and gas operations, we risk losing invaluable expertise and institutional knowledge,” she said. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t also include industry certifications like Energy Workforce’s SecureWell program, a first-of-its-kind course that contains purpose-driven, comprehensive and practical training for cased hole well operations.

“Created by well control and well servicing experts, the course offers certification through classroom training, field assessment and skills verification. Programs like this are designed to enhance an employee’s qualifications and readiness for more specialized roles and are usually provided by employers.

“I like to say that this isn’t your grandpa’s oilfield,” Determan said. “The oil and gas industry is powering the modern society, revolutionizing the energy landscape though technological revolution and innovation.

“The energy industry opens numerous doors for those seeking to join for an unbeatable network and the opportunity to travel the world while making a considerable impact.”