1 in 3 Canadian oil and gas professionals working outside North America: Survey

Middle East, Asia most popular destinations

More than one-third of Canadian oil and gas professionals currently work outside North America, according to a survey conducted by Rigzone.com.

The survey compared citizenship to energy work region and found 34 per cent of Canadian oil and gas professionals on average found employment off-continent from 2010 through the first quarter of 2012.

Of those who worked off-continent, the most popular destination was the Middle East (11 per cent) followed by Asia (seven per cent).

Three continents showed an increase in Canadian workers over the period: Africa (seven per cent in 2010 to nine per cent in Q1 2012); Australia (one per cent to three per cent) and North America (63 per cent to 68 per cent).

"In an industry that has continued to add jobs despite the global economic struggles, Canadian oil and gas pros continue to be in demand," said Paul Caplan, president of Americas at Rigzone. "The energy industry is looking for experienced, highly technical talent and international mobility is a real selling point to professionals."

For those energy professionals, the opportunity to work overseas ranked second behind compensation increases when asked what would persuade them to stay with their current employer.

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