Changes to the Rig Technician Program

Please be advised that the Industry Training Authority (ITA) has revised the certification model for Rig Technician programs. Previously the Rig Technician trade was a progressive credential. The new Rig Technician training program structure now consists of one apprenticeship program that includes three levels of technical training.

For additional information please refer to the apprentice/employer information letter.

Description

"Rig Technician" means a person who operates oil and gas drilling rigs, with job duties as follows:

Rig Technician (Level 1 - Motorhand):

• maintain drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical equipment,
• maintain equipment logs and preventative maintenance records as required
• monitor inventories of fuels, oil filters, lube oils, greases and other service items
• supervise training and activities of floorhands and laborers, ensuring they work safely and efficiently
• participate in rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out).

Rig Technician (Level 2 - Derrickhand):

• operate and maintain drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling
• mixi fluid chemicals and additives as required by the program
• handle sections of drill string assembly from a platform on the rig derrick during tripping operations
• monitor and record mud flows and volumes and fluid properties (i.e. mud weight)
• work under the direction of the Rig Technician and assist with crew supervision, ensuring the crew works safely and efficiently
• participate in rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out)
  

Rig Technician (Level 3 - Driller):

• operate the draw-works, rotary equipment and pumps and supervise the assembly of drill string
• ensure that safety and support equipment is functioning properly
• monitor the progress of the drilling operation and communicate with well-site supervisors
• keep a current record of drilling progress
• train crew members
• introduce procedures which may help the crew to work more safely and effectively
• supervise rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out)

Program Profile
Rig Technician Profile

Program Outline
The technical training content for Rig Technician apprentices in BC is aligned to the Alberta “Rig Technician Course Outline” available online at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

Training Institutions
Click here for a list of ITA-approved institutions

Certification Challenge Application
CS011.3 Rig Technician Challenge Package

Application for Sign-Off Authority (formerly known as Equivalency Status Application)
No Program Sign-Off Authority Application is available for this program at this time.

Prior Work-based Training Credit Application
CS002.1 Rig Technician

Information Guide: Preparing to Write an Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
This published information guide provides study techniques which can be used to prepare for writing the Interprovincial Red Seal examination for this trade. Topics which are discussed in the guide are: the National Occupational Analysis (NOA), studying for the Red Seal exam, sample Red Seal questions, and writing the Red Seal exam.

Inter-Provincial Examination Information
All of the Inter-Provincial examinations have an assigned number of questions based on each National Occupational Analysis (NOA) blocks and tasks. Refer to the table for an assigned number of questions per exam, the assigned number of questions per block section and the assigned number of questions per task for this trade.

For more information on the program, please contact: