December 4, 2025 - By Monique Thompson
How to Get a Job Offshore With No Experience in Australia: Entry Level Offshore Jobs and Requirements
Securing an offshore job in Australia with no prior offshore experience is completely achievable when you understand what employers expect, which roles are suitable for beginners and how to prepare yourself competitively. Although offshore operations are physically demanding and highly regulated, companies routinely recruit newcomers who demonstrate the right attitude, safety mindset and technical potential. This guide explains the pathways, training requirements and strategies that can help you break into offshore work.
Why Offshore Employers Recruit Workers With No Experience
Many candidates assume offshore jobs are limited to people with years of oil and gas experience. In reality, employers frequently hire individuals from trades, mining, construction, defence, logistics and marine backgrounds because their skills transfer well to offshore operations.
Demand for entry level workers is driven by:
- Major maintenance, shutdown and brownfields projects
- Workforce turnover due to roster intensity
- High demand for physically capable candidates
- Ongoing need for deck crew, utility staff and drilling support roles
- Skills shortages across remote operations
This creates strong opportunities for jobseekers with reliability and motivation.
Best Entry Level Offshore Jobs in Australia
These roles are most suitable for candidates entering the industry for the first time:
- Utility Worker / Catering Attendant: Supports kitchen, cleaning and accommodation operations. Employers prioritise safety, teamwork and reliability.
- Roustabout / Leasehand: Performs general labouring, equipment handling, deck operations and maintenance support. A strong work ethic and aptitude for physical work are essential.
- Floorhand (for mechanically minded candidates): Works on the drill floor, assists with drilling equipment and supports operational activities. Strong situational awareness is vital.
- Galley Hand: Supports offshore hospitality and housekeeping services. Suits applicants with camp, hotel or catering experience.
- Trade Assistants: Assists riggers, electricians, mechanics or fitters with hands on tasks. Ideal for candidates with trade exposure. These roles enable workers to gain offshore experience and progress into specialised positions.
Training You Need to Work Offshore With No Experience
Although prior offshore experience is not required, certain training is essential:
Mandatory
- BOSIET or TBOSIET
- HUET
- MSIC
- First Aid and CPR
Highly Beneficial
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- Gas Testing Atmospheres
- Dogging or Rigging (High Risk Work Licence)
- VOCs for plant or equipment
Completing these courses signals to employers that you understand offshore safety and are ready for mobilisation.
Skills Employers Look For in Entry Level Offshore Workers
Employers assess far more than technical skill. They look for:
- Safety awareness and hazard recognition
- Strong physical fitness
- Reliability and stable work history
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork and communication strengths
- Resilience in remote, highly structured environments
A positive attitude often outweighs the absence of offshore experience.
How to Structure an Offshore Resume With No Experience
A high impact resume must highlight:
- Relevant experience from construction, trades, warehousing, mining, marine or hospitality
- Safety behaviours and risk awareness
- Physical capability and readiness for demanding work
- All certifications and tickets
- Transferable hands on skills
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
Generic resumes rarely succeed in offshore recruitment. Employers want clear evidence of capability and suitability.
Where to Apply for Entry Level Offshore Jobs
These agencies and companies frequently recruit newcomers:
- Programmed
- Sodexo
- Compass Group
- Chandler Macleod
- Brunel
- ISS
- Atlas Professionals
- Red Appointments
Many workers begin through utility or deck positions before progressing into drilling, maintenance or production operations.
For expert support with professionally written oil and gas résumés, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, please contact Oil and Gas Resumes, Australia’s leading career service for the offshore, onshore, drilling and energy sector. Our team specialises in preparing industry targeted documents that clearly demonstrate your safety capability, technical strengths and readiness for demanding offshore environments.