Roustabouts Still in Great Demand in 2014

“Demand for workers is really high, particularly since the Baby Boomers are retiring,” MacDonald said. “If anything, the shortage of workers will get worse as lots of new projects open up globally, including offshore eastern Canada.”

The eastern Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have been seeing record investments by major oil and gas companies with seismic activity being continually performed, MDS said in a Jan. 14 press statement.

Roustabouts also will be in greater demand as new areas of the world such as east Africa open up to oil and gas exploration. Demand for workers on rigs also has increased as this year’s cold winter season, the worst in 20 years, has boosted natural gas demand.

Once they graduate, Maritime Drilling’s students can draw a salary of between $70,000 and $100,000 a year or a per week average of $2800 to $3200, plus subsistence funds of $150 day. This kind of starting salary offers a great opportunity, particularly given the costs of attending university or trade school. Instead of spending $100,000, a student can spend $4,200 for a course and pay off the cost quickly, MacDonald said.

To meet demand, oil and gas employers are considering potential candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including former military veterans, women and members of aboriginal groups in Canada. The only prerequisite is the ability and desire to perform physical labor, and willing to work away from home one week to a month at a time, depending on the job location, MacDonald said.

MDS is seeing many former military veterans returning from tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq who are seeking training for a well-paying career as wars in both countries wind down.

“Among these soldiers are the suppliers and truckers who have been delivering goods to several bases located in both countries,” according to a Jan. 5 MDS press release. “Employers have been eating up on this new intrusion of personnel as they seem to fit the drilling contractors’ requirements.”


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WHAT DO YOU THINK?


Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

Lee Woody  |  July 10, 2014
I researched this school in the past and hear its one of the best training schools out there. They seem to produce a lot of Drillers and Rig Managers out of that school who are working all over the world. Getting a career skill and starting off making that kind of money out of the gate is very attractive indeed. I didnt realize they put that many people through their program. Well I guess getting all those certificates over 20 days plus accommodations is a deal when you look at the cost of University or trades.
d.blassingame  |  June 19, 2014
I like this article. Something positive for hard workers. Just wish i still had more time and exposure. Im suppose to be slowing down but cant help to get excited about the Energy projects here in Texas.
phil reade  |  June 10, 2014
like this alot, great idea--we need this in the uk sector.


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