What Do Oil Rig Trainees Think About How Drilling Simulations Affect their Motivation and Ability to Learn?

Abstract

Abstract The lack of sufficient enrollment in vocational drilling training programs has led to a shortage of skilled workers, resulting in difficulties in recruiting and retaining national crews for drilling rigs. Utilizing state-of-the-art simulation technology will enhance the rig crew and trainees’ productivity, educational progress, motivation, and accomplishments. A basic qualitative study investigated the impact of simulation technologies on trainees’ learning, motivation, and viewpoints regarding their education at the vocational training facility for oil-field drilling rigs. The conceptual framework for user reception of information systems was based on Davis's technology acceptance model. Ten drilling crew trainees were selected for semistructured virtual interviews. Subsequently, the data was transcribed, and a manual process of descriptive coding was employed to discover five themes that directly addressed the research topics. Five distinct patterns were identified via the process of analyzing the data. The initial three themes encompassed the simplicity and practicality of teaching drilling application skills through simulator technology. The next two themes were the manner in which the use of the drilling simulator motivated and instilled a sense of enthusiasm in the trainees, hence fostering their inclination to conclude their studies successfully. The study's results demonstrated that using drilling simulators in training proved highly advantageous. It facilitated the establishment of a practical training setting that was secure, economically efficient, and user-friendly. The training familiarized the trainees with the operation and handling of various rig equipment and tools. It enhanced the trainee's drilling and well control skills, increasing their working experience. Additionally, it facilitated the trainees’ experience of challenging scenarios related to different operations and fostered a sense of teamwork. This contributed to a decrease in the rig's non-productive time. The study's findings could provide valuable insights to executives of drilling contractor training facilities regarding the significance of expanding drilling simulation methods to encompass all potential drilling job activities. Drilling simulators can foster beneficial societal transformation among trainees, the drilling rig personnel, and the regional community by enhancing their knowledge and comprehension of drilling procedures.