Surge in job opportunities as 2010 forecasts rise in drilling exploration

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Recruiters in the UK went through the worst time ever with 2009 being exceptionally turbulent for the world’s richest industry - oil and gas. As its tentacles run deep into many other businesses, organisations working alongside this sector too experienced the knock on effects of dwindling oil prices.

However, while the oil and gas industry continues to be highly volatile, the New Year brings with it an extremely optimistic industry forecast. According to The World Offshore Drilling Spend Forecast from Douglas Westwood, 2010 is predicted to be a soaring year for global drilling. Rig spends will dramatically increase and drilling exploration is expected to rise 7% over the period 2009 – 2013.

According to market reports, spending from 2009 – 2013 is projected to rise 32% compared with 2004 – 2008 and despite a sharp decline in 2009, there will be faster resurgence from 2010. This is great news not only for the global economy, but also for the large numbers of small medium enterprises providing related services to the oil and gas industry. The recruitment industry, in particular, is bound to take a big leap forward with many opportunities, both local and international, coming to the fore.

Leading oilfield resource solutions consultancy, Prodrill, has had a steady stream of job opportunities owing to ongoing demand from their extensive client list comprising of industry majors, oil operators and independents throughout the world.

Analysis of the oil and gas survey undertaken by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) revealed rising confidence in this sector, especially with the contractor community looking at opportunities in international markets.

“It may seem a little paradoxical to link deterioration in oil and gas trading conditions with a growing number of global opportunities for the industry”, says Louise Wood, managing director of Prodrill.

“Prodrill has a long established trading history spanning 25 years because of which we have developed close working relationships with each one of our clients. Today, we are known to be experts in the provision of top calibre consultants to the energy industry.

“Judging from the experience we’ve had over the past year, employment trends within the industry have been difficult to forecast. Many clients have suspended oil exploration, however individual skills are still required to undertake these projects in future quarters. Our newly launched website is testament to a renewed interest in recruitment and the demand for oil and gas specialists and consultants continue to grow. The website is also linked to oil and gas publications worldwide, picking up on latest news and updates that are relayed live, allowing industry professionals to be well informed of endeavours around the world,” said Louise.

Prodrill Chairman Steve Redgrave, who has over 35 years experience as a drilling professional, said, “We are now moving into a higher oil price and lower rig rate environment, so we expect to see a surge in drilling activities.

“However, oil companies are cautious about investing too much in this type of market and want to see a trend before they can start spending again. Oil prices are higher than a year ago but gas prices are lower. We hope to see an increase in oil exploration and development drilling by Q2 and Q3 of 2010, mainly led by the smaller entrepreneurial companies.

“Countries with known large unexplored hydrocarbon reserves and easy markets will become more active and we expect to see increasing activities in places like the former Soviet Union states, North Africa, West Africa and South America,” said Steve, “A lot of interest is also anticipated in East Africa, where again, small entrepreneurial companies are starting to find some interesting fields. It’s almost certain that the bigger companies will follow suit.”

“According to the AGCC oil and gas report, 50% of contractors are expected to increase employment opportunities over the next three years,” said Louise.

“This is truly great news for anyone looking for oil and gas opportunities in the UK and throughout the world. Prodrill currently attracts over 300 applications per month, building on our already strong database of over 5,000 quality personnel from over 25 different countries. Additionally, we work with a broad range of consultants whom we deploy into various drilling and well engineering projects worldwide.

“Our work scopes are advertised both in the UK and internationally, including emerging markets. This allows us to source the best consultant for the job, around the globe. Because we are a people's business, we believe in keeping our recruitment process simple. We aim to make your search as quick and easy as possible, working with our global clients and responding to your application within 24hrs. Successful registration gives you immediate access to a wide range of international opportunities.

“We have a dedicated team of resource specialists who will discuss your preferred oil industry positions and gain a thorough understanding of your experience. This enables us to advise you of current and future vacancies, as well as give you an overview of our client’s operational requirements,” added Louise.

“There are a growing number of global opportunities in locations where people want to work - so for these people, Prodrill acts as the middle man, providing a range of opportunities,” said Steve. “With rig rates softening in Europe, there is an emergence of small companies coming into this territory and we look forward to offering these companies the technical support and local expertise that they will need.”

For further information on Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions, visit www.prodrill-ers.com or call 01224 261920 to speak to one of their recruitment consultants.