Train ND Northwest is bringing back a program to train a new generation of workover crews how to safely operate this vital stage of the oil production process.
According to Kenley Nebeker, executive director, TrainND Northwest, the Floorhand Certification Program will address the lack of workover crews that currently exists in the Bakken. The training program had been retired five years earlier but the structure for the program still existed.
A skilled and dedicated individual who works on a workover rig is an essential player in the world of oil and gas extraction. As a workover rig operator, their role revolves around the meticulous maintenance, repair, and optimization of existing oil wells, ensuring their continued productivity and operational efficiency.
Clad in protective gear and often working in challenging outdoor environments, the workover rig operator exemplifies unwavering commitment to safety protocols and operational excellence. Their expertise lies in disassembling and reassembling various well components such as tubing, casing, valves, and pumps. They possess a deep understanding of hydraulic systems, mechanical components, and power equipment, which enables them to seamlessly orchestrate the intricate processes required for well intervention.
Whether tasked with cleaning out wellbore obstructions, performing routine maintenance, installing production-enhancing equipment, or remedying mechanical issues, the workover rig operator's role demands adaptability and swift decision-making. Their analytical skills come to the forefront as they diagnose problems, troubleshoot glitches, and develop efficient solutions that minimize downtime and optimize production.
Teamwork is pivotal in this role, as workover rig operators often collaborate with other rig crew members, engineers, and geologists to ensure the well's condition aligns with production objectives and safety benchmarks. Communication skills are thus vital, as they need to convey critical information and progress updates to team members both on and off the rig.
This profession necessitates physical stamina, as the workover rig operator is frequently required to work long hours in demanding conditions, lifting heavy equipment, maneuvering around complex machinery, and enduring fluctuating weather conditions.
Their dedication to their craft ensures that oil wells continue to produce valuable resources efficiently, contributing significantly to the energy industry's overall success.
In essence, a workover rig operator is a linchpin that upholds the ongoing vitality of oil wells through technical expertise, unwavering commitment, and a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the extraction process.
This training program has one main priority however: safety. Kenly Nebeker at Train ND NW can’t stress enough how important teaching people how to do these jobs safely really is.
“This program is about giving people the skills that they need to be confident when they go to work, be safe at work and most importantly, come home at the end of their shift. We’re really going to be focusing on safety and how to keep everyone around you safe too.”
This program isn’t limited to recent high school graduates, anyone displaced in the job market from COVID or just looking to change career paths are encouraged to apply for the program.
TrainND Northwest meets the workforce training needs of northwestern North Dakota as part of TrainND’s statewide workforce training network.
TrainND Northwest believes that partnerships with business and industry foster an environment of continuous improvement to provide North Dakota with a competitive workforce.
TrainND Northwest works with business, industry, government agencies, and non-profits to assess training needs and deliver timely, relevant, training that maximizes employee productivity and improves entity performance.
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TrainND NW Gives Workover Rig Training a Workover