Working in the Oil and Gas Industry

The New Zealand oil and gas industry provides a diverse range of jobs and careers, with global opportunities and pay rates that often rank well against other industries.

Jobs within the industry range from entry-level field workers to specialized careers in geosciences and engineering to corporate positions such as accountancy and marketing. 

Looking for a job

A number of online recruitment web sites offer the ability to specifically monitor and search for job opportunities in the industry. A selection of these sites are listed below:

For current Taranaki job opportunities, including those in the oil and gas industry:  

• Venture Taranaki jobs site

A number of private recruitment agencies have a focus on the oil and gas and supporting industries:

• Dare Contract
• Inspirec
• Programmed Integrated Workforce

More general recruitment site can also offer an insight into jobs in and around the industry:

• Trade Me Jobs
• Seek

Recruiting

Vacancies in the oil and gas industry can be listed on the above recruitment sites, and Venture Taranaki can promote your Taranaki-located jobs for free.

Industry case studies

Shell Todd Oil Services have a series of articles about some of the differing roles available in the oil and gas industry. You can view these articles here.

Information about the range of jobs in the New Zealand oil and gas industry can be found at the New Zealand Petroleum Skills Association site. The site also features information on a range of career possibilities.

Industry qualifications and training

Courses and training for the oil and gas industry can vary by occupation, so it is advisable to research education options well in advance of starting a career in the industry. The right training and education can fast-track an exciting career in this progressive industry.

• Developing skills and qualifications at secondary school level.
• Developing skills and qualifications at tertiary level.   
• The Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) offers certificates in process operations (oil and gas).
• On the job learning and qualifications can also be gained in the industry.
• EXITO is the explorative industry training organisation.  

A number of scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities exist, including:

• Auckland University Business School
• Massey University
• Waikato University

International recruitment

New Zealand operates a centralized Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and an Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL). Working in New Zealand and meeting the LTSSL requirements, may improve eligibility for residence through the Work to Residence (Long Term Skill Shortage List) policy, or the Skilled Migrant Category. The ISSL is only used in relation to temporary work policy. The lists can be searched here.

For further support and advice

The Petroleum Skills Association takes an active role in fostering talent in the industry, attracting skilled people to New Zealand and encouraging youth to consider a career in the oil and gas industry.

EXITO is the New Zealand industry training organisation focusing on the extractive industries including aspects of the O&G industry.

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is the Taranaki region’s tertiary training institution.  http://www.witt.ac.nz/content/100016044.aspx

General careers advice is available from Career Services.

General immigration advise is available from Immigration New Zealand.

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