New front opens in the Northern Territory

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The Amadeus Basin region, which is rich with gas and oil deposits, is already the site of test drilling by Santos at Mount Kitty. Drilling at this site, 179km from Uluru, has been suspended following an accident when the drill rig fell over in April.

“This site isn’t far off the highway to Uluru, making it a completely inappropriate place for drilling,” said Jeremy Buckingham, a NSW Greens MP who has been previously critical of Santos’s activity. “This is a culturally significant, environmentally sensitive area worth billions of dollars in tourism. The idea that this area will have gas fields all around one of the most iconic areas on Earth absolutely horrifies us.”

Santos said that there is no truth that drilling will have any effect on Uluru and dismissed concerns that rise from gas flaring would be visible from the famous rock.

“The current drilling is quite some distance from Uluru and even within 75km you won’t see a flame, which is probably not much bigger than a campfire anyway,” Matt Doman, a Santos spokesman, told Guardian Australia.

Since 1993, Santos has managed 63 gas wells, 30 of them using the fracking technique of extracting gas, at a site about 250km west of Alice Springs.

Fracking, which engaged drilling and pumping of materials underground to release trapped gas, has showed controversial elsewhere in Australia, most notably NSW and Queensland. Opponents claim the practice can contaminate groundwater.

Doman said Santos hoped to expand its presence in the Northern Territory, but in an environmentally responsible way.

Many has released their own opinion, i.e, Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia said this might affect the oil and gas industry in Souteast Asian cities such as Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia, KL, Malyasia and much more.

“It’s very early days to know what the scale will be, although the initial results have been encouraging,” he said. “We hope the expansion activity comes to fruition in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.

“We take great care in the way we drill and operate. Our track record is testament to the way we do things. We take the impact we have on the surface and sub-surface very seriously indeed.”

In an environmental assessment prepared for the Mount Kitty drilling, Santos identified a risk of “disturbance to cultural heritage sites”, as well as contamination of soil and water. However, Doman said strict procedures had been put in place to avoid those risks, stressing that not all the exploration area would be developed into gas sites.

But Jimmy Cocking, director at the Northern Territory’s Arid Land Environment Centre, said he was concerned over the scale of operations in central Australia.

“If you look at the Northern Territory as a whole, 90% of it is under exploration licence, at a time when 90% of the territory is dependent upon groundwater,” he told Guardian Australia. “We are on the cusp of what the gas companies think is a bonanza. But we have scarce water supplies and a community that won’t benefit from a fly-in, fly-out workforce coming in.

“One of the biggest tourist draw cards for the territory is the sense of wilderness, away from industrialization. This exploration has negative environmental impacts for short-term economic impacts. Some people will make money and the rest of us will be screwed.”

Jobs growth in oil and gas firms in UK

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Companies in the UK oil and gas sector anticipate creating up to 39,000 jobs over the next two years.

One hundred companies were surveyed, commissioned by the Bank of Scotland, since last year found expectations of employment growth had increased.

A clear majority (69%) of executives in the companies were optimistic about their growth prospects in 2014/2015 while 38% of those responding said a shortage of skilled workers would be their greatest challenge.

Whereas 64% of those taking part cited that the international expansion was a priority. Key areas for investment were Africa, North America, Jakarta, Indonesia and the Middle East.

Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia’s survey says 46% of companies were planning by now for a further growth in foreign markets over the next 24 months.

The research was carried out by BDRC Continental and companies were chosen to reflect a range of size, location and service type.

In the previous year, a related study was carried out saying that the companies in the sector would recruit an additional 34,000 people over two years.

Bank of Scotland commercial area director Stuart White, said: "The findings of this report are excellent news for the economy, demonstrating the employment-generating nature of the oil and gas industry now and in the future.

"With most of the UK's oil and gas firms clustered in Aberdeen and the north-east, Scotland should reap the largest share of these new jobs, however other parts of the UK will benefit from expansion plans.

"The report also highlights the growing challenges posed by the lack of a skilled workforce."

Mr White said new specialist apprenticeship schemes could help address the shortfall.

"The results also demonstrate the global nature of the industry as more firms look to expand internationally and tap into the markets with the largest levels of recoverable reserves," he explained.

"With 44% of income already generated internationally, this is not a new trend, and reflects the reach UK firms have as the industry benefits from the expertise gained in the challenging North Sea environment."

A Scottish government spokesman said: "This is an increase of 5,000 on the estimate made only last year.

"It is also very encouraging to see a strengthening of the international expansion of these companies, and this is a trend which is expected to continue.

"The skills and knowledge developed in Scotland as a result of the development of the North Sea are a key strength for Scotland.

"We are committed to working with the oil and gas sector to maintain competitiveness, facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge to other sectors and utilise Scottish-based skills in world markets."

The Labour MP for Aberdeen North, Frank Doran, said that, while the report was good news for the industry and Scotland, there were long-term issues facing the sector, including price volatility.

He added: "I don't know where the Scottish government is going to get the talent, particularly given the wages and the salaries which are paid in the oil and gas industry, which are way beyond what the public sector is prepared to pay,

"That is one of the unanswered questions - where are the civil servants going to come from?"

How To Know You Have A Good Boss

How many times have you heard the phrase, "People don't leave their jobs, they leave their bosses." or the phrase "I like my job, but I hate my boss."?

According to, Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia, Employees don't leave bad companies; They leave bad bosses. If the traits on this list don't sound familiar, perhaps you are the bad bosses. When you select your em ployees, it is up to yo u to make certain that they have the skills needed. Once the selection process is complete and the employee is in place, back off and allow their individual skills to enhance and grow the business. Micro-management only takes away from the employee, and slows their growth to enhance the company performance. No matter where you are in the world, Indonesia, Dubai, Europe or Africa, be considerate of other people.

Stress, yes, stress, you are now probably about to quit reading this, but believe it or not, good bosses are actually supposed to give you stress. There are two kinds of stress, there’s distress and eustress. Distress is the kind of stress you feel when you are being bullied, manipulated, or abused. Then there is eustress, which is positive stress brought on by good mentors and coaches who are trying to get you challenge your limits and succeed, or by physical therapists who are helping to strengthen your muscles to come back from an injury. A good boss should be giving you eustr ess, if you have a boss who wants you to do your best, he or she should be pushing you beyond your comfort zone, not (just) for the company, but for you then he is a good boss. We can only develop and grow when we have some degree of stress and this is something that great bosses know, and use to help you.

Support, this is almost self-explanatory, a good boss should always have your back in public. At times a boss needs to be a bit tough on you. That's part of the job that is actually tough for the bosses as well. If he or she wants to take you to task quietly when no one is around, that's okay. But a boss who belittles, shames, or "throws you under the bus" in front of other people, is not a good boss. Public shaming is a no no and suggests that the problems you may be having at work have to do with your boss, not you.

Success -- This is the most important one. Your boss, like your parents, should be aiming for your success. If you don't feel like your boss is looking for ways to help further your career, or worse, is trying to sabotage you, then you don't have a boss -- you have a problem. A good boss knows that when you look good he or she looks good. Bosses that try to keep you down out of fear that you might outshine them are toxic.

 source: http://www.westhillconsulting-career.com/blog/2014/05/15/know-good-boss/

Women on Pursuing Oil, Gas Careers

According to Christina Polesovsky, associate director for the American Petroleum Institute in Ohio, opportunities for women are only going to grow as oil and gas production increases. Since 2008, rude oil production in the United States has grew bigger up to 2.5 million barrels per day, almost 50%, and natural gas production from 2005 has risen 35%. “These are accomplishments that most energy experts never imagined to be possible in recent years so we’re making huge strides,” she remarked. The United States is poised to surpass Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the largest oil producer by 2015, Polesovsky added. Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia is in one with the support towards women pursuing oil and gas careers.

In Ohio is still in the early stages of shale exploration. From their data released Friday showed 352 producing wells in the state during the fourth quarter of 2013 which results to 1.4 million barrels of oil and 43 mcf of natural gas, growth from the previous quarter of 8% for gas production and 28% for natural gas. Despite the early stage, Ohio is considering direct oil and gas jobs boost more than 56% from the second quarter of 2011 to the same period in 2013. Employment opportunities in the industry range from accountants, engineers and sales representatives to administrators and skilled trades.

According to a study commissioned by API, the industry directly employed 1.2 million people, of whom 226,000 were female in 2010. “Comparatively, females comprise 47% of the overall workforce, which gives us a real opportunity for growth,” Polesovsky said. Of the total jobs, 60% are in the upstream sector of the industry, “many of which are blue collar, but the largest percentage of women are found in the petrochemical and downstream sectors of the industry,” she said.

“By 2030, we can expect to see nearly 1.3 million job opportunities become available for women and minorities,” Polesovsky continued. Of those, females are projected to account for 185,000 jobs in the oil and gas/petrochemical industry. “Education and training are key to attracting greater female workforce participation,” she noted. Among the keys to securing those jobs is improving females’ preparation for disciplines related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as blue-collar professions. There were no warnings of scams in women on the industry.

Participating in a panel discussion on engineering careers, Callie Zazzi, engineering manager for the Rockies Permian asset team for EnerVest Operating LLC, Houston, recalled she was recruited to attend Montana Tech at the University of Montana. “They were recruiting women and they offered me a wonderful scholarship there,” she said.

Careers in the energy industry are an “excellent opportunity” for young women since they present an exciting profession, which presents opportunities to explore the earth’s geology. The opportunity to secure energy independence for the country; and the ability to secure a full-time job with a promising career progression for women.

Her career also has provided a work-life balance that allows her to spend time with her family including, “most importantly, my 6-month-old son,” Zazzi added. “The industry is recognizing today that young people are valuing more the work-life balance and we are evolving to meet those needs,” she said.

“They’re encouraging women to take an extra step in their education or career choices so we do get a lot of encouragement from our upper management to go as far as you want to go with any career choice you make within our company,” she said.

“These are economic opportunities that that particular part of the state hasn’t seen in many years, so I think that’s a positive sign for our state,” she said.

Veterans needed in Oil and Gas firms

Many unemployed veterans are returning to the United States after the end of America's nine-year war in Iraq and the drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

There are probably 922,000 veterans in Texas qualified for work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national unemployment rate for all veterans is 6.3 percent. While according to the Texas Workforce Commission, for those veterans who served in the military post 9-11, the unemployment rate is 10 percent.

Energy companies during Houston have started programs and heavy recruitment of veterans, and a lot of of these employers, in fact have been hiring veterans for decades.

Lately, Fluor Corp. was named one of the GI Jobs "Top 100 Military Friendly Employers" for the eighth year. Supporting veterans is not new to Fluor.

"Fluor is committed to providing jobs to the men and women who have served our country, and with the booming oil and gas market, we see a number of great opportunities in the construction industry right here at home," said Richard Meserole, vice president, Fluor's energy and chemicals business line.

In many areas, the skills veterans developed during their service make them perfect candidates for industrial construction projects,.

"Fluor has a website that allows veterans to see how their military job title and experiences directly translate into civilian jobs in our industry," Meserole said.

"Since we began our heightened focus on recruiting veterans in 2012, CB&I has employed more than 5,000 veterans. We partner with military bases that have personnel possessing civilian-related transitional skills and offer employment opportunities," said Tom Anderson, senior vice president, Global Staffing and Recruiting, CB&I.

Hiring veterans is also not a new thing to Westhill Consulting Career and Employment Australia.

"We continue our legacy in hiring veterans, and we employ over 10,000. We are committed to hiring 1,000 veterans each year through 2016," said Sarah Leonard, leader, community relations and public affairs.

The company provide online mentorship to transitioning service members, is an active supporter of the American Corporate Partnership. they assure everyone that it isn’t a scam. This proposal is led by the Veterans Network and its associates in HR. They also co-founded Get Skills to Work, a coalition of manufacturers and educators dedicated to training and placing veterans in advanced manufacturing careers.

GE offers leadership, career training, and a military-specific GE Career recruiting website.

"Veterans are considered for all positions they are qualified to perform. We assist veterans in translating their military experience to the corporate sector. We understand the benefits veterans bring to the organization," Leonard said.

Students Entering Oil And Gas Careers Going Green

The opportunities available in the workforce are becoming greener along with the world rapidly becoming a greener place as well the level of individual actions.

While we are learning more about the relationship between consumption and the environment, corporations and individuals are also putting a greater significance on environmental responsibility and energy alternatives.

Despite its established position in the business of conventional energy sources, the oil and gas industry is not exempted from this rule.

If you are passionate about the environment and alternative energy then the petroleum industry might just be perfect for you. Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia gives out the following reasons why this industry might just be perfect.

Engaging in dialogue 

Petroleum corporations today is aware that the public has active and legitimate concerns about the consequences of petroleum exploration.

The industry came together, in 2009, with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) to form a program called Responsible Canadian Energy, which charts and publicizes the industry’s efforts to become more environmentally conscious.

The organization went a step a notch in providing transparency and accountability trough having a team of independent industry experts check their findings and make recommendations for the future. These recommendations which tapped into environmental responsibility and land reclamation.

Warning! It’s important for you to know how employers are handling these issues as a student or new grad planning to enter the industry.

Taking responsibility 

CAPP recognizes the relationship between petroleum development and environmental effects such as greenhouse gas emissions, like their responsibility to develop land and deposits safely and responsibly. For instance, measures like cutting back on the practice of flaring and venting natural gas have been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The industry is by now making progress in addressing environmental issues surrounding their products and is taking proposals to decrease the effects they have on local and regional water resources, air quality and land. Petroleum employers will be hiring more and more students and new grads from programs such as Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering to ensure they continue to make gains in this area as well.

Pursuing green alternatives 

There’s a strong connection between the big business of petroleum and economic well-being. Natural gas and petroleum products accounted for over 70% of Alberta’s total exports, in 2010. Nevertheless, petroleum producers aren’t content to rest on their laurels when environmentally friendly energy sources remain an unexplored area with great potential.

For instance, Suncor Energy develops oil and gas resources in both Western Canada and on the East Coast, however it has also invested in wind power. The company at this time has four wind power projects in operation and two more under construction.

How to answer the question ‘What’s Your Salary Requirement?’

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You may find yourself trapped whenever asked the question about compensation. It is supposed to be a general warning not to answer the question since it is the biggest scam question a company do for their own benefit.

Giving too high amount may lead you to not land on the job, but too low then you just labeled yourself. And if ever you take the job, make sure to make up for this salary setback the next time you’re negotiating your salary.

Almost all job applications require to state the desired salary of the applicant. This is for their own benefit because they now gain the total control.

Kip Kipley, director of human resources for WorldatWork, an association for HR professionals said human-resources executives believe that requesting salary information in advance helps them find the best candidates for openings.

This is the reason why hiring managers and HR reps want to name your price so do not fall for it and instead there is a way around the dreaded salary requirement question.

Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia provides you the following tips in answering the said question.

Understand Your True Value

Get a better understanding of how much you should be making based on your expertise and skills by doing a research beforehand.

“It's a strength of a candidate to have a solid market understanding of their salary value,” says Megan Zengerle, VP of People Operations at Creative Live. “This can be achieved by understanding what other companies are offering or paying for the role and I always encourage candidates to talk to their peers to ascertain this information.”

Don’t Leave the Salary Requirement Blank

Don’t skip the salary requirement if you are applying online.

Generally, “no response will work against the job seeker. It appears the job seeker is ignoring what the employer asks,” says Larry Goldsmith, CWDP, job search and career strategist.

The worst thing that could happen is your resume will be filtered out by recruiters who need to narrow down their stack of candidates and the best would be the rest of your application will be intriguing enough anyway, but here is a warning! Do not risk it.

If they Ask You, Divert!

After knowing your number, they will use this to their benefit and chances are they’ll press you for it. Postpone the discussion until after the employer has shown solid interest in you.

“Stall by saying it depends on factors that we haven't discussed yet, like benefits and many intangibles,” says Rich Grant, president of the Maine College Career Consortium. “Then, ask, what is the range you expect to bring someone in with?”

Offer a Broad Range If You Absolutely Have to Answer

To avoid being lowballed, just offer a broad range when push comes to shove.

“When asked the question, a candidate should specify his or her own range - and that range should be such that its low end should be close to the high end of the employer's range, i.e. the candidate's range 'hooks' over the high end of the employer's range,” Rick Dacri, executive recruiter and author of Uncomplicating Management.

“Research can usually identify the employer's range, especially if the candidate asks the interviewer where they consider their salaries fit relative to their industry standard.”

Again, the Key is to be Vague

“Tell the company that you have no specific salary requirements, but that your pay has been in the X to Y range in the past few years, Mark Jaffe, a Minneapolis-based executive recruiter suggests. Give yourself a spread of about $20,000 to $30,000,”the Wall Street Journal reports.

"Say that you consider yourself flexible and are open to anything that's reasonable, but in recent years, your salary has ranged from $100,000 to $120,000," Jaffe says.

Find a Job You Love

The first thing that you had to do is to identify exactly what you enjoy, what you probably need to do is do some research on your dream job

According to Alan Watts, a respected philosopher, the best way to find what you should be doing with your life was to ask yourself this important question: "What would you do if money were no object?" What if you won the lottery and you could do whatever you wanted to do with your life? Sure, you'd want to relax for a while, but eventually you're going to get bored. So what would you do to make yourself really, truly happy?

To avoid scams, plan several clear objectives and time scales. Be certain that you are moving forward every day to get closer to your goal. A big wall calendar will help you to out your through goals and achievements. This may take some time, but if you are willing to focus on the path you wanted to take, slowly but surely you will get there.

Please note that while all great jobs out there are up for grabs, you have to do a reality check and make sure you are not delusional when pursuing your dream. There will be physical and other limitations that are out of your control. There could of course be very valid obstacles such as family situation or your finances; as a rule, however, there is always a solution that can be worked out over time. Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia offers articles, tips and many more about career and employment.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and ask yourself: “Am I in the right job?” “At the right company?” “On the right career path?” “Doing what I am supposed to be doing with my life?” If so, you are not alone.

After almost a decade of research, Tempe, Ariz, based “purpose” firm Ignite reports that more than 95% of workers in the U.S. are in the wrong roles. In another study by the company, 1,916 randomly selected employees between the ages of 23 and 28 were asked if they were interested in changing jobs, and 1,571 said yes. A recent Gallup study concluded that 71% of American workers are not engaged at their jobs. And Deloitte’s Shift Index survey indicates that 80% of workers don’t like their jobs. Although there are some warnings one must consider, there are instances that a love that you though you love is not your calling.

Considering that the average American works 8.8 hours every day, not many people are jumping out of bed these days.