Success story: the journey of a sponsored consultant in Australia's Oil Industry

The consulting world abounds with captivating expatriation narratives, and today we bring you the tale of Alvaro, a consultant specializing in the pre-oil industry, who received sponsorship to work in Australia. 

Australia stands out as one of the favourite destinations for expatriates, with a multitude of opportunities awaiting skilled professionals. However, obtaining a work visa can prove to be a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, it's entirely feasible to secure sponsorship for employment in Australia, especially considering the nation's high demand for proficient personnel across various sectors, notably in oil and gas and mining industries. Indeed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics data had estimated that the mining industry will need to find 24 400 workers by 2026. 

We had the privilege of conversing with Alvaro, who graciously shared his journey as a consultant. From his homeland of Colombia to the shores of Australia, delve into his remarkable narrative.

Could you please introduce yourself and your current role?

Alvaro: My name is Alvaro, originally from Colombia, South America. I'm a petroleum engineer with approximately 16 years of experience in the oil field industry, primarily focused on directional drilling operations.

Could you elaborate on your journey leading up to your current position?

Alvaro: Certainly. Prior to coming to Australia, I was working in Colombia with the intention of transitioning from field work to office roles. However, I decided to pursue further studies in Australia to facilitate this transition. I came to Australia first with a student visa. After my studies, I was then approached by Easy Skill and subsequently began working with a mining company due to my experience in the oil field industry.

Could you outline your responsibilities as a directional driller with this mining company?

Alvaro: As a directional driller, my primary responsibility is to provide guidance on the direction and path of drilling operations, particularly in multi-lateral gas wells. This involves determining the optimal trajectory to navigate underground formations and reach desired targets within coal seams or other reservoirs.

Prior to your role in Australia, did you have experience working in other countries?

Alvaro: Yes, while my base was in Colombia, I had the opportunity to work in various countries across the Americas, including Mexico, Paraguay, Ecuador, and the United States, as part of my assignments with different oil field companies.

How was the sponsorship process with Easy Skill?

Alvaro: The sponsorship process with Easy Skill was relatively straightforward. Once the company expressed interest, Easy Skill facilitated the necessary paperwork. While there were some administrative steps involved, having already prepared documents for potential permanent residency simplified the process. Overall, it took approximately three months, and the communication, particularly with my Account Manager at Easy Skill, was efficient and supportive.

Reflecting on your onboarding process with Easy Skill and the client, how would you describe your experience?

Alvaro: The onboarding process was relatively streamlined compared to previous experiences with other companies. It involved a series of online courses through Easy Skill's platform, followed by practical training in the field. While there were some adjustments due to my existing expertise, the transition was smooth overall.

Are you satisfied with your experience as a consultant with Easy Skill?

Alvaro: Overall, I'm satisfied with my experience. While there are always areas for improvement, particularly in streamlining communication and administrative processes, I appreciate the support provided by Easy Skill and the collaborative environment fostered by the company I work with.

Could you share any notable challenges or successes you've encountered in your role as directional driller?

Alvaro: One of the significant challenges has been adapting to the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of the workplace, particularly in overcoming language barriers. However, in terms of successes, we've achieved record-breaking drilling speeds and successfully navigated complex formations, resulting in substantial cost savings for the company.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience as a consultant in Australia?

Alvaro: For anyone considering a similar career path, I would encourage them to pursue it despite the challenges. While the transition may not be easy, the opportunities and experiences gained are undoubtedly worthwhile. Despite initial adjustments, I've found satisfaction in my work and life in Australia, and I'm optimistic about the future.

Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today, Alvaro. We appreciate your time and wish you continued success in your career.