‘I really didn’t know where to start after I finished University. I had a mechanical engineering degree and wanted to work in engineering, ideally abroad in Oil and Gas. I’d already sat some non-OPITO offshore courses like BOSIET but wasn’t having luck getting a role overseas, that’s when I spoke with the Learning Advisor at GSS. They explained several careers, and linked me with some recruitment companies but most importantly they guided me in what training I needed.

GSS explained the benefits of accredited training with OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation), it was then I realised I’d wasted a lot of time and money on courses that weren’t helping me get a role overseas.

GSS advised and helped me complete my BOSIET again but with OPITO accreditation, so my qualifications were valid globally. I then chose to sit my OPITO H2S, Rigger Initial Training and an ECITB Bolt Technician course (MJI). The recruiters they linked me with did a free CV review, and within 3 months I had first role in Dubai working as a Rigger.

Since then, I’ve worked as a Rigger in Qatar, Mozambique and Abu Dhabi. I have clear career plan in place, and I know what courses I’m going to be doing in the next few years as I gain more experience and I hope I can get to be a chargehand or foreman.

Speaking with GSS has made a huge difference in my direction, I just wish I had done it sooner and not waisted money on courses that were never going to help me find overseas work.’

Sanjeev Kumar, Oil and Gas Rigger