American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2015 - 82

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SpecialReport: Insurance Update
One of the largest challenges going forward will be to develop curriculum/methodologies that must be incorporated to enhance
the training of a younger and more diversified workforce. In recognition of these
challenges, Wild Well is implementing the
most modern, effective training methodologies and classroom learning technologies,
such as virtual equipment modeling. By
blending this technology with proven training methods into a new format that incorporates stimulating techniques such as
hands-on simulations of real well scenarios, we will build a better skill set in the new
workforce.

Q: Technology has significantly impact-

ed delivery methods for all types of training. How do you see technology impacting
the ways in which training courses are
taught and certification is updated and verified? How big a role should hands-on,
face-to-face instruction play in drilling and
well control training? How about computerized drilling and workover simulations?

MAHLER: New instructional technology affords the instructor a multitude of
methods to facilitate a class. Consider that
material is best absorbed and retained
when it combines visual, auditory and
kinesthetic learning devices. By using animations and virtual models, students are
able to see, hear and manipulate a virtual blowout preventer, providing them
with a better understanding of its purpose
and function.
IADC's WellSHARP well control certification process tests the student, provides the certificate for passing students, assists the instruction provider with analytics,
and tracks student certification. It also provides a report identifying skill sets that may
be lacking or need additional training by the
student.
For instructors, the training analysis
provides feedback to assist them in identifying weak points in the students' knowledge that can be reinforced. This access to
analysis has been a tremendous asset that
aids in both student and instructor development.
Today's well control students like to
control their educational process, and
they generally learn best with hands-on applications. This "Xbox™ generation"
learned to manipulate virtual environments
at an early age, so harnessing that seemingly innate ability to enhance well control training makes sense.
82 THE AMERICAN OIL & GAS REPORTER

To maximize the learning and skillbuilding process, these students learn best
with a facilitated discovery process. Instead
of lecture, students are encouraged to realize the concepts taught through using simulations. While well control simulations
provide visual references and help students
learn concepts, students must be able to
gain additional training at the well site with
a true hands-on or on-the-job training approach, linking the concept to the skill.
To complete the best training available
for today's students, we must make qualified mentors available at the well site to
complete the training cycle. While welldesigned virtual modeling/simulations
work in the classroom, training must be
continued at the well site to provide the
best model for learning.

But to answer the question, yes, we
must address new technology advances in
the rig's capabilities, the drilling plans, the
well's environment, and so forth. We also
must address specific well control risks and
challenges no matter what changes happen.
The students taking the advanced curricula in well control are expecting to learn
something new in each class. You have to
be prepared to address the needs of the
two-year, five-year, and 15-year experienced personnel-all in the same classroom
setting. It is in these advanced curricula
that students must analyze the situation,
determine the root cause of the challenge, and propose a reasonable best
practice solution.

ing updated and developed to meet the industry's changing needs? For example,
how are multiwell horizontal pad drilling
onshore or high-pressure/high-temperature
operations offshore influencing well control training and equipment requirements?
In addition to certification courses for new
employees, what types of specialty courses are available for experienced industry
personnel interested in further developing
core expertise or focusing on a specific discipline?

the midst of a severe contraction. How are
these business conditions impacting the
readiness of industry personnel, and what
are the implications for the future? Should
companies utilize the activity downturn to
make sure their employees are properly
trained?

Q: After a sustained period of expanQ: How is well control curriculum be- sion,
drilling and workover activity is in

MAHLER: For the majority of our students, we must focus on the basics of well
control. For drillers, our goal is to teach
them to recognize kicks or other problems
in the wellbore and then simply shut in the
well. As oil field workers' careers progress,
the level of training intensifies to learning
the more complex well kill methods, recognizing and mitigating risks associated
with well control, resolving issues while
drilling ahead, and maintaining a safe work
environment.
Proficiency and skill sets improve
constantly when working at the well site.
As the career progresses, the individual requires more advanced well control training, usually in a very specific drilling environment such as high-pressure/hightemperature, managed pressure drilling,
dual gradient, etc.
Wild Well has developed advanced curriculums that address specific drilling
environments. We also have had our well
control engineering group work with our
training group to develop "drill well on paper" training, using simulation exercises
based on the planned drilling task.

MAHLER: The answer is a resounding yes! Training costs dollars. Accidents cost more. Risk evaluation and
mitigation are at the forefront of many operators' well planning sessions. Having a
properly trained and skilled workforce
greatly enhances the mitigation of risks associated with drilling oil and gas wells.
The one thing we have learned is that
training-specifically well control
training-is never completed. There always
will be new technology and new challenges that must be addressed, and training provided for, in order to have a welltrained workforce.
One concern going forward is identifying drilling and operational personnel
who can become well control instructors.
We know the industry will come back at
some point, and we foresee a large increase
in demand for well control and advanced
training when it does. This increase will
be from the new workforce that will be
employed to work in the offices and at well
sites.
We must be prepared with experienced and trained well control instructors.
Teaching well control is not simply giving a lecture; it requires much more in today's teaching environment of the younger
workforce.
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American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2015

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