Aspiring petroleum technicians should take as many math and science classes as possible and participate in college internships to gain experience in the field. Some technicians specialists obtain most of their experience via on-the-job training or through special training programs offered by the suppliers of petroleum industry materials, equipment, or services.
Petroleum technicians must have attention to detail because mistakes can be costly or hazardous to the technician and to others in the workplace. You should also be able to work both independently and as part of a team, display manual dexterity, mathematical aptitude, and be willing to work irregular and long hours.
Much of the work in the petroleum industry involves physical labor and is potentially dangerous. Employees must be able to work in extreme weather conditions, and be flexible about working conditions and hours. Drilling crews may be away from their home for weeks or months, while technicians on offshore rigs must be able to deal with a restricted environment for several days at a time. Petroleum technicians must also like working with machinery, scientific equipment and instruments, and computers. In addition, petroleum technicians must have good eyesight and hearing and excellent hand, eye, and body coordination.
Some petroleum technicians require additional safety training, including hazardous materials training and first-aid training. In some cases, special physical examinations and drug testing are required. Testing and examinations generally take place after technicians are hired.
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