Valaris: A Century of Excellence, Innovation, and Growth in Offshore Drilling Services
Category: Recruitment
Publish date: 04/01/2024
This year marks a significant milestone for Valaris as we celebrate our 100-year anniversary, and so we wanted to explore the journey that brought Valaris to where it is today, what makes us different as an employer, and the unique company culture we’ve cultivated over the years.
The journey of Valaris:
Like many offshore drillers, we started as an onshore drilling company, gradually expanding our operations into shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and later venturing into deep offshore drilling on an international scale. Our fleet, comprising 11 drillships, 5 semisubmersibles, and 35 jackups, now operates across six continents. Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in enhancing safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, allowing us to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry.
In recent years, we’ve evolved our approach to drilling services by fostering collaborative and integrated partnerships with operators. We’re bringing expertise to the table much earlier in the process, driving efficiency in the operations. Investing in employee development has also been a critical aspect of our success, ensuring a skilled and empowered workforce has access to the resources and support needed to succeed and grow.
What sets Valaris apart:
We pride ourselves on a century-long commitment to excellence and innovation. Our core differentiators include:
- Expertise: A highly skilled and dedicated workforce that has been instrumental in our success.
- Living by Values: Operating with an unwavering focus on values such as Integrity, Safety, Excellence, Respect, Ingenuity, and Stewardship.
- Industry-Leading Fleet: The largest and highest-specification fleet of offshore drilling rigs in the industry.
- Enduring Relationships: Strong ties with major international and national oil companies, as well as independent operators, reflecting the industry's trust in Valaris.
- Basin focus: operations focused on key basins that are expected to drive a large share of future demand.
Company culture at Valaris:
Working for Valaris means being part of a company that values its people. Our culture is shaped by shared values, a commitment to continuous growth, and a focus on employee development.
Our Building Organisational Leadership Development (BOLD) programme follows principles defining leadership and human behaviour within the organisation. Through this programme, we encourage leadership development and ensure our employees have the opportunity to enhance their skills and abilities.
The Valaris Basic Training programme, recognised with the 2023 Safety Leadership Award at the Center for Offshore Safety (COS) Forum in Houston, exemplifies our dedication to instilling our values, culture, and safety practices within our workforce. With over 50 nationalities represented across the company, we promote diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that respects and values different backgrounds and perspectives.
Hopes for the future
As the industry undergoes transitions towards new sources of energy, we remain optimistic about the continued importance of oil and gas in the world's energy mix. We see ourself playing a vital role as our clients will continue to rely on responsible solutions to deliver energy to consumers around the world – to support standards of living, drive economic growth in developing markets, and provide hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel, petrochemical and plastics manufacturing, to name a few) reliable, affordable energy options as they seek to make themselves more sustainable in the long-run.
Our 100-year journey is a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in the offshore drilling industry. As we look towards the future, we remain committed to delivering excellence, fostering strong partnerships, and providing responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. With our rich history and forward-thinking approach, we stand poised for continued success in the next century of offshore drilling.
Valaris employee profiles with military background
Mike Breen: RAF background, 8 years in RAF (2004 – 2012) which is where he learned his trade as an Airframes Technician, completing an Advance Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering. His final position was Corporal, where he lead a small team of technicians to carryout maintenance on Tornado fighter jets.
Mike started his career in the oil & gas industry in an a-hoc Mechanic Service Engineering role, before securing a permanent rotational position on a modern drillship with a small drilling contractor as a Chief Mechanic. He then interviewed with us and successfully secured a position as Chief Mechanic on the Valaris DS-12. He’s now served on the DS-12 for 2 years, working in several locations.
Andrew Downie: Naval background, serving 24 years on 8 ships, where he was exposed to a wide array of equipment and machinery, especially in Marine Auxiliary Systems to which he was section head for his last three drafts. In 2012 he made the decision to leave the Navy and shortly after, embarked upon his Valaris journey as an Assistant Mechanic.
During the next 6 years, Andrew progressed through a number of roles with us, and in 2018 was promoted to Rig Maintenance Supervisor. Assigned to the Valaris 123, a new-build rig in Singapore, he was now responsible for leading a dedicated maintenance team. Together, Andrew and his team diligently worked to ensure the rig's success for future projects by implementing lessons learned from previous issues encountered by Valaris rigs departing from Singapore. This experience highlighted the incredible achievements that can be realised when the rig crew and onshore management team collaborate with a can-do attitude.
In October 2020, Andrew transitioned to the Technical Support Centre team, providing onshore support for the Valaris 121 and 123. Throughout his tenure at Valaris, he’s collaborated with like-minded professionals who share a commitment to ensuring our rigs are reliable and our worksites are safe for our valued clients.
Are you a disciplined, adaptable, and highly skilled ex-military professional seeking a new and exciting career path?
Join our team at Valaris and embark on a rewarding journey in the dynamic world of offshore drilling!
Why choose a career with us:
Leadership opportunities Leverage your military leadership experience to excel in roles that demand effective teamwork and strategic decision-making. Lead and collaborate with a skilled team in a challenging and fulfilling environment.
Technical expertise Utilise your technical skills acquired during military service in a sector that values hands-on experience. Our cutting-edge drilling operations require individuals with diverse technical backgrounds, making your expertise an asset to our team.
Safety first
Embrace a safety-conscious culture where your commitment to following procedures and maintaining a secure work environment aligns seamlessly with our top priority – the wellbeing of our team.
Global impact Contribute to projects spanning the globe. Our operations reach across international waters, offering a unique opportunity for those with a global perspective gained through military service.
Adaptability and resilience Draw upon your experience in adapting to diverse and challenging environments. Offshore drilling demands resilience and quick adaptation, qualities you've honed during your military career.
Career growth We believe in investing in our team members. Grow with us as you take advantage of training and development opportunities, advancing your career in the drilling industry.
Qualifications
- Ex-military background with transferable skills.
- Technical expertise in areas such as engineering, electrical, mechanical or other technical discipline.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Commitment to safety and adherence to protocols.
- Ability to adapt to dynamic and challenging environments.
- Good communication skills both verbal and in writing.
How to apply:
Our HR and technical department will assess applications on an ongoing basis.