This 3-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of oil and gas drilling engineering concepts and day-to-day operations. It elaborates on drilling terminologies commonly used in drilling operations, rig equipment and their functions. If you are new to drilling and looking for a comprehensive overview of how it all really works, this course is designed with you in mind.
The course covers how oil and gas is formed in the earth and the basics of geology, the fundamentals of drilling, the drilling rig, basic well design, drilling bits and routine drilling operations. It also covers drilling cost analysis — how to estimate costs, calculate the daily rig rate and account for variable costs.
Health, safety and security in the drilling environment are covered throughout. No prior drilling knowledge is required. Led by Dr. Sharif, a Saudi Aramco petroleum engineering specialist with over 35 years of experience.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Oil & Gas Formation & Basic Geology
How oil and gas is formed in the earth
Basic geology and sedimentary basin concepts
Exploration fundamentals: seismic, wells and reservoirs
Industry structure: upstream, midstream and downstream
Roles of IOCs, NOCs, service companies and regulators
02
Drilling Fundamentals & Rig Equipment
Concepts and terminology used in drilling operations
Rig types and rig equipment and their functions
Basic well design: casing, cementing and completion
Drilling bits: types, selection and performance
Routine drilling operations and wellbore monitoring
03
Drilling Cost Analysis
How to estimate total drilling costs
Calculating the daily rig rate and variable costs
Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) preparation
Non-productive time (NPT): causes and cost impact
Strategies for cost reduction and efficiency improvement
04
Health, Safety & Drilling Operations
Health, safety and security in the drilling environment
Well control fundamentals and kick detection
Environmental considerations in drilling operations
Directional drilling concepts for non-technical staff
Drilling fluids: functions, types and basic properties
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
01Understand the concepts, terminology and equipment used in day-to-day drilling operations
02Explain how oil and gas is formed in the earth and understand the basics of petroleum geology
03Describe the fundamentals of drilling including rig equipment, well design, drilling bits and routine operations
04Calculate a basic drilling cost analysis including daily rig rates, variable costs and AFE preparation
05Understand health, safety and security considerations in the drilling environment
06Communicate effectively with drilling professionals using correct industry terminology and concepts
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
Classroom sessions held at five-star hotel venues.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
2–4 Nov 2026
Houston, USA
Classroom
£3,300
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for non-drilling professionals who work alongside drilling teams and need a solid understanding of drilling concepts, terminology and operations.
Reservoir Engineers & Petrophysicists
Technical staff interfacing with drilling for well planning
Geoscientists
Geologists and geophysicists involved in exploration and appraisal wells
Economists & Planners
Finance and planning staff involved in drilling AFE and budgeting
Facilities Planning Engineers
Engineers designing surface facilities connected to drilling programmes
Accountants & Finance Staff
Finance professionals supporting drilling cost control and reporting
Service Companies & Logistics
Support staff and service company personnel working on drilling projects
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Dr. Sharif, a petroleum engineering specialist with Saudi Aramco. He has over 35 years of practical experience in drilling, workover and completion operations, research and technology development, and has taught at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
What are the 2026 session dates? +
Classroom session: 2–4 November 2026 in Houston, USA.
What is the course fee? +
The course fee is £3,300 per delegate.
Do I need a technical background to attend? +
No technical drilling background is required. This course is specifically designed for non-drilling personnel — from geoscientists and economists to accountants and service company staff. It starts from petroleum fundamentals.
Can this course be delivered in-house? +
Yes. All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customisable in-house programmes. Contact j.rogus@londonpetroacademy.co.uk for a tailored proposal.
