The drilling sector drills and services oil and gas wells on contract to E&P companies. A drilling rig drills down into the ground to test the theory that an oil or gas deposit might exist in a specific location. Drilling rigs use very technical equipment, both computerized and mechanical, and are worth millions of dollars. After a drilling rig drills the initial hole for a well, a service rig is brought on site to prepare the well for production or to perform maintenance or modifications as needed.

Rigs operate around the clock, seven days a week, and the crews typically work 12-hour shifts for two weeks and then have a week off. The workers sometimes live in a temporary camp on site.

For more information on the drilling sector, visit:

• Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors  

To learn about careers in the drilling sector, visit:

• Careers in Oil and Gas – Drilling