‘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
