The upstream industry is defined broadly to include oil and gas exploration and production, geophysical services, drilling and completions services, pipeline transmission, natural gas processing, heavy oil and bitumen extracting and upgrading.

The nine essential skills expected by all employees in the upstream industry at all levels in the company are:

. reading text,
. using documents,
. writing,
. numeracy,
. oral communication,
. thinking skills,
. working with others,
. computer use and
. continuous learning (lifelong learning).

Employers in the upstream oil and gas industry sector are focusing on developing and keeping workforce that is prepared for the changes affecting the industry in this decade. They expect their workplace teams to be able to have capabilities in the following areas:

E-Learning, Computer- Based Training and Self-Study
Employees need to have the ability to continue learning in an online environment for upgrading in both areas: technical skills and soft skills.

Technology Skills
Data collection in the field and at production sites is increasingly automated to ensure efficiency and provide a competitive advantage for oil and gas companies. Employees need to be able to use increasingly more sophisticated technology tools and understand how the evolving technology changes the nature of their job.

Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Communication and Leadership Skills
Soft skills are becoming more important for the success of new projects as oil and gas operations are expanding to remote and diverse communities (ex.: Sub-Arctic zones, other parts the world, offshore). At the same time the workforce is becoming more diverse, including different cultural groups, Native people, women and an influx of younger workers due to retirements.

Cross-Functional Skills: Flexibility and Versatility
Employees need to be able to perform in more than one functional area of an organization. Past work experience in different operational areas is desirable. For example, a geologist may have a professional experience enhanced by business experience and/or training such as Master of Business Administration. At the trades level a person can have dual trades certification as millwright and welder.

Multi-Disciplinary Skills
Multi-disciplinary teams are the norm for the industry and oil and gas companies expect their employees to work well in a team and take on complex roles in their area of expertise. For example a multi-disciplinary exploration team includes: geologist/geophysicists, reservoir engineers, landmen and supporting technologists.

(Source: Strategic Human Resources Study of the Upstream Petroleum Industry: The Decade Ahead. Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada. 2003.