Gazprom Neft and Tomsk Polytechnic University to start training specialists in hi-tech drilling

Gazprom Neft and Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have opened a joint educational programme, “Oil and Gas Well Drilling” for graduates holding a first degree (BSc), specialist degree or master’s degree (MSc) in any oil, gas, physics or maths specialisation. Over the course of the year participants on this project will study drilling engineering, and will be qualified to find work at oil and gas companies on completing the course.

This training programme will also give students an insight into the processes involved in well design and using modern software in supporting drilling operations. Gazprom Neft will be offering future specialists access to databases from genuine oilfields and deposits in order for them to gain practical skills.

The deadline for programme applications (which must be submitted online via the university website) is 20 August. The course is provided free of charge, with a scholarship paid through the Tomsk Polytechnic University—Heriot-Watt University Petroleum Learning Centre. Gazprom Neft specialists will be involved in interviewing candidates, as well as subsequently being involved as teachers and tutors.

“This is the first project of its kind for retraining young specialists with backgrounds in maths and physics to work in construction engineering for high-tech wells. In addition to gaining knowledge in that core area, students will also take courses in disciplines including field development, geology, geophysics and geomechanics, as well as boosting their knowledge of English technical terminology. Students will also learn to work with the sort of specialist software used by industry market-leaders, but which is not usually studied at universities and higher educational institutions,” noted Vitaly Koryabkin, Development Director, Drilling and Well Intervention, Gazprom Neft STC

“This programme, involving the in-depth examination of well design and drilling, has been developed specifically for oil-industry specialists. Graduates will gain an understanding of all of the issues involved in well engineering, and will study the most cutting-edge technologies in that area. In the event that Russian universities start the new academic year with remote learning, students enrolling on this cross-training programme will also start their studies online. The programme can be easily adapted to that modus operandi,” commented Valeriy Rukavishnikov, Director, Tomsk Polytechnic University—Heriot-Watt University Petroleum Learning Centre.