The Aberdeen Drilling International team in Saudi Arabia recently launched 3 variations of a new Drill Crew Progression Programme designed to meet the needs of drilling contractors seeking to fast-track drill crew personnel.

Welcomed by drilling contractors, these bridging programmes take place for the most part on the purpose-built training rig where candidates can safely perform live tasks and react to simulated scenarios which they are likely to encounter during their intended progressed role.

The very first of these programmes delivered in partnership with SPSP (Saudi Petroleum Services Polytechnic) has already proven popular as four candidates travelled from Kuwait and one from Bahrain to join nine Saudi nationals on the 19th of November, 2017.

This realistic hands-on training is supported by rig-floor drilling simulator exercises, underpinned by classroom theory. Designed to prepare existing Floormen for promotion to Derrickman, Derrickmen for promotion to Assistant Drillers, and Assistant Drillers for promotion to Drillers, all 3 versions of the 4-week (140-hour) programme focus on the duties and tasks which the promoted candidate is expected to competently undertake in their new role. Training covers routine and non-routine operations, unscheduled events prevention, rig equipment, rig maintenance, supervisory duties, leadership skills, and HSE responsibilities.