Over 80 booths looking to hire skilled locals

Bandar Seri Begawan - Jobseekers who wish to attain employment in the oil and gas industry need not look any further, as the Oil and Gas Service Sector Job Fair 2012 at the Bridex International Convention Centre has kicked off, and features over 80 booths offering job opportunities.

The job fair, which has a whole range of companies and agencies showcasing employment vacancies, was packed with jobseekers.

Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) is one of the companies that have booths up and running.

Suriani Garip, Corporate Communication & Crisis Adviser at BSP, explained to the Bulletin that as the company plans to increase its oil and gas activity, more job opportunities have become available.

These job opportunities are of a wide range, and include positions in a number of fields including Contracts and Procurement, Engineering, Exploration, External Affairs, Geoscience/Subsurface, Human Resources, Information Technology Logistics, Operations and many more.

A large poster on show at the company's booth says, "In support of Brunei Darussalam's Wawasan 2035, we require (these) challenging positions to be filled by technically competent, creative and talented individuals desiring the opportunity to make a difference."

Suriani said that the booth is offering not only job vacancies, but advice to those who visit.

Sending out a message to potential jobseekers, she said, "Come with an open mind. Coming here can help you understand how the oil and gas industry works."

Another company at the Job Fair is TOTAL E&P, which, according to Muhammad Rasimoon Haji Adinin, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Communications, has seven job vacancies available, as well as five internship positions.

This, he said, is part of fulfilling their desired headcount of 14 new local employees in 2012, which is so far halfway complete.

Fresh graduates and experienced jobseekers are all welcome to apply, with experience considered a strong quality that will work in their favour.

Even those who are lacking in experience, however, stand a chance, because, if selected, they will be given on-the-job training in preparation for the tasks at hand, he added. Speaking on the fair itself, he said, "The event was organised really well, and it has had a really good turnout."

Petroleum Brunei is also offering job opportunities at the fair, which, according to a representative, range from technical to non-technical positions.

These, said the representative, include 20 positions for immediate graduates and another 16 positions for those with experience.

Petroleum Brunei has continuously committed itself towards the maximisation of local content, which is one of the main features of their business philosophy to support the Energy Department at the Prime Minister's Office in supporting Brunei's Wawasan 2035.

The Brunei LNG booth is also offering a wide range of job vacancies, specifically 20 technical and one administrative, a representative told the Bulletin.

The requirements for the different jobs available vary, with many requiring an engineering background, with a National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or a Degree, while some also require a certain amount of experience.

Petronas Carigali Brunei Ltd is another company featuring at the job fair, and a representative said that there are five immediate vacancies available.

Of these vacancies, three are assistant jobs which require a Diploma, while the other two deal with work in logistics and warehouse supervision.

Speaking on the number of people who have come so far and shown interest, the representative described this response as being "overwhelming".

As mentioned earlier, the Oil and Gas Service Sector Job Fair features over 80 booths from companies and agencies involved with the industry, showcasing job vacancies and opportunities that are available.

The fair is open to the public all the way through to October 13 at the Bridex International Convention Centre, from 2pm to 8pm on Monday to Thursday, and from 9am-11.30am and 2pm-8pm on Friday, and from 9am to 8pm on Saturday.