With the end of their university programmes on the near-horizon, many engineering students are already seeking employment opportunities in the north-east’s thriving offshore oil and gas drilling industries.
As was the case with their predecessors, being able to transfer the knowledge learned in the classroom to the day-to-day running of offshore drilling rigs is an essential skill for any prospective employee.
To this end, a group of fourth-year MEng and BEng mechanical and offshore engineering students from the Robert Gordon University’s school of engineering were recently invited to visit the N-Class Rowan Norway, a high-specification jack-up drilling rig, while it is in the shipyard in Dundee.
The rig is fully-manned and expected to commence drilling operations with Xcite Energy in the UK sector of the North Sea in February 2012.
RGU graduate Magnus MacLennan, a project engineer for Rowan Drilling Ltd with responsibility for the Rowan Norway, led the students on a full tour around the drill floor, including the state-of-the-art driller’s control cabin, demonstrating the control and precision required to complete the most challenging wells.
The students then walked the mud system throughout the rig from the bulk intake lines through the mixing and weighting of the designer drilling muds, ultimately ending with the shale shakers, which separate the cuttings from the mud before it is returned for reconditioning ready to be recirculated into the well.
The students were also impressed by the spacious, well-equipped living quarters and even enjoyed a three-course meal in the galley.
Magnus, who graduated in 2008 with a BEng (Hons) in mechanical systems, explains: “The tour gave the students a real snapshot of the daily tasks of a rig worker and the conditions on-board a jack-up rig.
“By providing an insight into the systems described in the classroom, students will now be able to visualise these processes and the scale of the operation.
“During my studies, I completed an industrial work placement with Rowan Drilling Ltd and it was those first-hand experiences and ability to transfer academic knowledge to offshore operations that led to my successful employment with the Rowan.
“As part of my induction and training, I was seconded offshore to work in various roles to help develop my knowledge and awareness of the installation.
“A sound understanding of the drilling operations on a rig enables me to work closely with the offshore staff on engineering solutions.
“New graduates need the ability to think on their feet and a core task offshore is the ability to problem solve, ensuring all issues are investigated fully and the most appropriate resolution reached and implemented.”
George Kidd, lecturer and course leader for the MSc in oil and gas engineering at the school, said: “Being able to learn from professionals like Magnus and gain an understanding of how processes are applied in industry gives students added potential when looking for employment.”
For more information on the MEng/BEng mechanical and offshore engineering and the MSc in oil and gas engineering courses at the Robert Gordon University, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/engineering
