Dustin St Clair, Directional Driller at Phoenix Technology Services
What were you doing or what was your occupation prior to getting into the directional drilling industry?
My previous occupation was serving as a Combat Engineer in the United States Marines.
How would you say the course has benefited you?
I had zero experience in the oil and gas industry, this course was very beneficial because it taught me what I needed to know to start a job and get it running. Everything else was just time in the field learning on the fly.
Is there anything specific that stood out or helped you with your career by taking this course?
I couldn't specifically point out any one thing because all of the training and information was very helpful. Taking this course gave me the base to become a Directional Driller. It’s also easier to help MWD’s troubleshoot and explain to customers what’s happening during a tool failure situation.
What real life on the job situations have you experienced that can be related directly back to the course?
Rigging up, building tools, setting a job up from scratch. I'd say everything taught in the class can be applied to day to day operations.
How has your life changed financially since graduating with this type of training?
Financially?! Heck going from an E4 pay in the Marines to a 6 figure a year job...I'd say it has changed drastically.
Do you have any advice for students wanting to take the course and enter this industry?
Put all you got into it because it is a very hands on type of work. If you're not self motivated please exit the classroom and don't waste anyone's time.
Was the course difficult or tough for you to get through?
I wouldn't say it was too bad but I damn sure had to apply all my energy and effort to achieve my desired grade. It wasn't a walk in the park for me but for others may find it less intense.
Would you recommend this course to friends and/or family?
I have recommended this course to many people and most have passed. So apply yourself and give it 100%, there is no room to play around.
The attached picture is basically why I do what I do and continue to do it. We all have our reasons but this is mine.
Brian Mcnutt, Operations Manager at NexGen Rentals LLC
What were you doing or what was your occupation prior to getting into the directional drilling industry?
My previous occupation was High School Geometry Teacher / Football Coach.
How would you say the course has benefited you?
I had zero exposure to MWD or the oil field prior to the course. I left the course able to run a night tour and rig up a job. My first lead hand I worked with was very impressed with the knowledge I received from the course.
Is there anything specific that really stood out or helped you with your career by taking this course?
The course gave me the confidence to learn quickly and propel my career.
What real life on the job situations have you experienced that can be related directly back to the class/course?
At this time I am the Operations Manager for NexGen Rentals renting Evo One MWD tools. I use my base knowledge provided by Chris on a daily basis optimizing our business.
How has your life changed financially and career wise since graduating with this type of training?
I have gone from a High School Teacher to managing an MWD Rental company. To say the lease this was great move financialy.
Do you have any advice for students wanting to take the course and enter this industry.
The time is now to take the jump. Get the base knowledge, continuously ask questions and learn while on location, be professional and new opportunities will come quickly.
What percentage do you think your salary has increased since entering this field?
300%
Was the course difficult or tough for you to get through?
The course was tough due to the amount of information, fully commit yourself to learn and study for 18 hours a day to take advantage of every piece of knowledge.
Would you recommend this course to friends and/or family?
Yes in fact my brother-n-law committed to this course 1 week after graduating college and was able to pay off all of his college debt in the first 2 years.
