Process operations
Production Technicians operate equipment and systems which process oil or gas. Technicians are responsible for maintaining safe operations and achieving production targets.
Up to 48 months
Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) (discipline specific) SCQF Level 7
| Year 1 | £11,648 |
| Year 2 | £15,652 |
| Year 3 | £21,840 |
| Year 4 | £24,340 |
Please note these are approximate figures and not confirmed salaries.
- North East Scotland College, Aberdeen (21 months)
- Offshore (2 years)
- Lead Production Technician
- Production Supervisor
- Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
- Plant Manager
- Coach or Technical Trainer
This role is vital to the safe and effective delivery of production in the Oil and Gas Industry. This role can be based at an onshore based oil and gas processing facility or an offshore production facility.
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The job of an Process operator
Process operators are the primary decision makers for day-to-day operations. They balance production targets with safety constraints and coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability. Process operators have a detailed understanding of process chemistry, thermodynamics and control systems. They work at both offshore rigs and onshore processing facilities.
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What does a typical day look like?
- Start up and shut down pumps, compressors and other equipment
- Monitor flow rates, pressure and temperature to ensure efficiency
- Fix or report equipment issues
- Prepare systems for maintenance by shutting down and isolating equipment
- Follow and enforce safety protocols
- Communicate with control room operators and handle emergencies
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Who can apply?
APTUS is open to anyone over the age of 16 with the following school qualifications. If you're excited about a career in energy and want to be part of an innovative and rapidly changing industry, our apprenticeships are for you.
- Age: You must be 16 or older by May of the year you're applying. There is no upper age limit.
- Location and work eligibility: You need to live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
Qualifications needed:
For Scotland:
- Required: Four National 5s (grades A-C) in Maths and English
- Helpful but not required: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, or another subject
For England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
- Required: Four GCSEs (A-B) in Maths and English
- Helpful but not required: Double Science, Physics, Chemistry, or another tech-related subject
We value diversity. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives will help us to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
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What will I learn?
- Theory of process chemistry, thermodynamics and control systems
- How to operate and monitor processing equipment, managing flow rates, pressure and temperature
- Organisational and project management skills
- How to handle safety documentation
- How to respond to process emergencies to keep production running smoothly
“Being on the APTUS program I've enjoyed so much of it especially the practical skills. You spend three days in college doing your NC and HNC and then you'll do two days practical over the range of disciplines, but you'll mainly focus on your chosen discipline.”
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