Careers in the Energy Sector

Chemical Engineer

The chemical engineer inspects refinery and petrochemical plants to ensure safety of operations and adequate antipollution practices. He/she also checks and verifies operation costs and economics of plant operations as well as makes comprehensive studies on the control and accountability of petroleum products.

Training: B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering

Draughtsman

Prepares sight plans, geological drawings, maps etc.. He/She also interprets and plots field survey notes, enlarges and reduces complex plans as well as makes site surveys and mathematical computations.

Training: G.C.E  O'Levels and NEC in General Draughting. A knowledge of drawing office practices, construction methods and techniques of engineering and land surveying.

Geochemist

One who studies the chemical composition and changes in minerals and rocks to understand the distribution and migration of elements in the earth's crust.

Training: B.Sc. Degree in Geology or Chemistry and relevant training in geochemistry or a Masters degree in geochemistry

Geologist

One who studies the structure and composition and history of the earth's crust in order to locate natural resources, gives warnings of natural disasters, and ensures that buildings are constructed on firm foundations.  By examining surface rocks and drilling to recover rock cores, geologists determine the distribution, thickness and shape of the rocks beneath the earth's surface. They also identify rocks and minerals, conduct geological survey, draw maps, take measurements and record data. Geologists also explore for new sources of oil, other fuels and ores.

Training: B.Sc Degree in Geology.

Geophysicist

One who studies the physical properties of the earth or applies physical elements to geological problems.

Training: B.Sc. Degree in Geology, Physics or Mathematics

Mechanical Engineer

He/She directs investigation into accidents, pollution and/or complaints made by members of the public with regard to the operations of the oil companies. He/She also evaluates field equipment and installations, liaises with oil and service companies, ensures that the oil companies are operating within existing safety regulations and prepares and makes recommendations on all matters relating to the section in which he operates.

Training: B.Sc degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Petroleum Chemist

The petroleum chemist performs chemical and physical analysis of petroleum products, water, soil and rocks. He/she also conducts investigations into fiscalisation points to determine the best conditions for sampling and measurements of the particular type of crude and undertakes analysis of dispersant, sorbents and other substances suitable for use in Trinidad and Tobago. The evaluation of new laboratory and local and imported crude is also done.

Training: B.Sc. degree in Chemistry supplemented by post graduate qualifications in petroleum chemistry.

Petroleum Engineer

An engineer trained in oil and gas exploration, processing and transportation. He/She normally specialises in certain areas such as drilling, production, reservoir engineering. He/She also examines and appraises proposals for abandonment of wells, makes inspections of drilling and work over rigs in operation and other field activities. The petroleum engineer is required to make special studies and calculations in connection with estimation of reserves of oil and gas, and assist in the examination and appraisal of requests by companies.

Training: B.Sc degree in Oil Technology or in Petroleum Engineering.

Petroleum Engineering Assistant

The engineering assistant collects and compiles statistics from data submitted by oil companies, presents this data in graphic, diagrammatic, tabular and other illustrative forms and makes preliminary analysis of statistics as may be required. The data is collected and presented for publication in the annual report and also for use by the public.

Training: GCE/CXC O'Levels in five subjects including Math, Physics and/or Chemistry. Experience in work in clerical, technical or statistical nature.

Petroleum Geologist

The petroleum geologist is involved in the search for and recovery of oil and natural gas. Some petroleum geologists work near drilling sites and others correlate petroleum related geologic information for entire regions.

Training: B.Sc. in Geology and relevant training in petroleum geology or a Masters degree in petroleum geology.

Petroleum Inspector

An inspector checks the nature and amount of lease production of crude oil samples, fills and processes lab reports as well as monitors the quality and quantity of fuel and diesel oils shipped and pumped. He/She also supervises oil shipments with special emphasis on safety precautions and prepares monthly and annual gas production and disposal summaries.

Training: Experience in oil production and/or oil refinery experience; G.C.E WITH Advance Level in Chemistry and Physics or its equivalent. A knowledge of oil modern oil production methods, oil field refinery operations and he/she must be able to check lease production of crude oil and the quality of fuel and diesel oil.

National Energy Skills Center (NESC)

THE Ministry of Energy and Energy Affaris, in collaboration with a number of state enterprises and other organisations, embarked upon a project to indentify the skills needs of the sector and to develop strategies to fulfil these needs in the best interest of the industry. This project has resulted in the establishment of the National Energy skills Center.

The National Energy Skills Center was incorporated on July 15, 1997 to meet the human resource development and training needs of the country's industrial sector which, by definition, includes the energy sector. It is a modern dynamic, effective, proactive and responsive organisation which will promote and implement development and training programs at selected levels. It is also dedicated to ensuring a proper match between supply and demand for trained individuals while motivating its participants to sustain a high level of skill within their chosen professions.

The Center intends to achieve these objectives through training, extension, training and service while emphasising the need to preserve this country's multicultural heritage, to protect the environment and to foster a strong working partnership within the industrial sector. Initial contributions of cash and facilities for funding and operation of the NESC will come from Atlantic LNG, TTMC, Caribbean Ispat, NGC and Petrotrin.