Digital tools help deliver technical training in ‘bite-sized’ modules
Continuous e-learning approach aims to increase knowledge retention while keeping students engaged
By Mike Adams, Norwell EDGE
The COVID pandemic resulted in an approximately 34% reduction in global drilling activity last year, leading to a significantly reduced workforce and project delays. Now, as the industry begins its recovery, there is concern that a competency gap could hinder project delivery or even lead to a deterioration in safety performance.
To minimize risks associated with well control issues, some operators and their drilling partners are switching to digital solutions for their technical well control training. These solutions are providing a flexible and safe virtual environment in which their people can learn and, more importantly, fail before heading into critical operations. This type of continuous e-learning can significantly increase knowledge retention and allow learners to practice their new skills in a safe environment.
Norwell EDGE recently leveraged its e-learning technology to create a digital training platform in collaboration with Spirit Energy and Neptune Energy, based on Oil and Gas UK’s (OGUK) well lifecycle integrity guidelines. The first two program phases were set to be delivered in late June.
The new program, which will be broadly available to North Sea operators, blends a variety of teaching methods, including micro-learning, animation, video, quizzes and 3D virtual game scenarios. This multi-layered approach, delivered as bite-sized learning modules, has been proven to significantly boost user engagement and knowledge retention compared with traditional classroom-based training.
Learners are virtually transported to the well site, where they can explore the layout, equipment and systems needed to drill wells, as well as practice skills required to deal with well integrity issues. The digitalization aspect allows companies to ensure their personnel can easily access consistently high-quality well integrity training no matter where they are in the world.
Norwell EDGE has also been working with Dolphin Drilling in the North Sea to introduce continuous well control training across its global workforce. Over a two-year period, the two companies developed an advanced well control training program that provided key personnel with access to 10 core modules designed around the IWCF Level 4 curriculum. This promoted a continuous learning environment, allowing personnel to complete training in their own time, revisit content as required, and be assessed continually on critical well control concepts.
Following an initial launch to onshore well control management, Dolphin plans to roll out the training to its offshore personnel. DC
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