Home Blog Top Oil and Gas Graduate Trainee Programs (With Salary)

Top Oil and Gas Graduate Trainee Programs (With Salary)

Oil and Gas Graduate Trainee Programs

Breaking into the oil and gas industry is a dream for many graduates. The sector offers competitive pay, professional growth, and chances to work on major infrastructure projects across the globe. Graduate trainee programs serve as a clear gateway for young professionals to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and specialized training in the oil and gas sector, which can greatly shape their careers.

In this guide, you’ll discover the top oil and gas graduate trainee programs in 2026, including their requirements and salaries.

Benefits of Joining Oil and Gas Sector as Graduate trainee

Joining the oil and gas sector as a graduate trainee can offer numerous benefits, including:

1. Career Opportunities: The oil and gas industry provides a wide range of career paths, from engineering and geology to management and finance. As a graduate trainee, you can explore various roles and find a niche that suits your skills and interests.

2. Competitive Salaries: Generally, the oil and gas sector offers attractive compensation packages, often including bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for overtime, especially in remote locations.

3. Professional Development: Many companies invest heavily in training and development programs for graduate trainees. You’ll have access to mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experience that can accelerate your professional growth.

4. Global Experience: The industry operates on a global scale, allowing you to work in diverse locations and cultures. This international exposure can enhance your resume and broaden your perspectives.

5. Networking Opportunities: The oil and gas sector has a vast network of professionals. As a trainee, you can build valuable connections that may benefit your career in the long term.

6. Job Stability: Although the industry can be affected by market fluctuations, it typically offers more job security compared to other sectors due to the constant demand for energy and resources.

Top Oil and Gas Graduate Trainee Programs

This list contains Oil and gas graduate trainee programs, including their salaries, requirements, and past interview questions. Please note that the salary is basic, it does not include other allowances and benefits. Also, the salary was estimated, not the actual salary.

1. Shell Graduate Programme

The Shell Graduate Programme gives  graduates who wish to work in the oil and gas multinational company the support you need to forge your path while learning from and earning monthly stipends, and you’ll have real responsibilities and meaningful projects to work on right from the start. 

Eligibility Requirements  for Shell Nigeria Graduate Programme 

Shell is seeking post-NYSC graduates for the following areas:

  • Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Production)
  • Projects and Technology (Mechanical)
  • Safety and Environment
  • Commercial

Estimated Salary: ₦450,000 – ₦700,000 per month

Application Link: Not yet Open

2. TotalEnergies Young Graduate Program

TotalEnergies Young Graduate Program is an opportunity for young people to discover working life through a genuine hands-on professional experience while benefiting from international exposure just after graduating from university.

This opportunity is open for young graduates who will be working under the Commercial / Technical / Sales |Finance department in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • 6 months in the country of origin, Nigeria (phase 1)
  • 12 months of expatriation in another affiliate of TotalEnergies within Africa or at the HQ in Paris (phase 2) subject to performance and availability

Eligibility Requirements for TotalEnergies Young Graduate Program

To be eligible for the TotalEnergies Young Graduate Program, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:

  • Applicants must be a Nigerian
  • Applicants must live at least 6 months in the country of origin, Nigeria
  • Applicants must be less than 26years old
  • Applicants must have less than 1 year of professional experience
  • Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 monthly.

Related: Top Bank Graduate Trainee Program (With Salary)

Application Link: Not yet Open

3. ExxonMobil Graduate Internship Program

The ExxonMobil Graduate Internship offers you the opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies. ExxonMobil recruits talented Nigerians with the aim of bringing solutions every day to optimize strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants technologies.

Eligibility Requirements for ExxonMobil Graduate Internship Program

To be considered for the ExxonMobil Internship Nigeria 2026, you have to meet the following requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related fields with a minimum of Second Class Upper
  • Have completed the NYSC program not earlier than 2023

Estimated Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦750,000 monthly.

Application link: Click here

4. Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Graduate Trainee Program

The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company seeks to engage suitably qualified candidates for employment as Graduate Trainees. The company provides a level-playing field for all Nigerians. All employment decisions at NLNG are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications after competitive assessment.

Eligibility Requirements for Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Graduate Trainee Program

To be considered for the NLNG Graduate Trainee Program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a University bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division:
    • Engineering (Mechanical, Metallurgical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electrical/Electronics, Instrumentation, Chemical, Civil, Structural, Petrochemical, Process, Computer, Petroleum, Marine)
    • Sciences
    • Social & Management Sciences
    • Medical
    • Project Management
    • Logistics & Management
    • Arts & Humanities
    • Shipping & Marine Studies
  • be a Nigerian by birth.
  • be medically and physically fit.
  • be of good character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offense.

Estimated Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000 monthly during training.

How to Apply: Not yet open

Download: NLNG Aptitude Test Questions and Answers

5. Seplat Energy Graduate Trainee Programme

The Seplat Energy Graduate Internship 2025 is an intensive program designed to attract, retain, and accelerate the development of young talented, and ambitious graduates through a combination of on-the-job training, as well as structured learning and development programs.

This Seplat Energy Graduate Internship will equip candidates with appropriate competencies and provide experience that will facilitate their integration into a challenging business environment that will enable them to unleash their potential in a truly rewarding work environment.

Eligibility Requirements for Seplat Energy Graduate Trainee Programme


To be considered for the Seplat Energy Graduate Trainee, you must:

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university with a minimum of second class Upper (2:1) division.
  • Possess a minimum of 5 0′ level credits (including Mathematics and English Language), obtained at one sitting. 
  • Show the completion of NYSC with a valid certificate or an exemption letter.

Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 monthly.

How to Apply: Not Yet Open

6. Schlumberger (SLB) Early Careers Program

A Schlumberger Early Career Internship internship is your opportunity to understand how the company works and whether her culture is right for you. The Schlumberger Internships are paid positions, and last between a few months to a whole year, offering opportunities to use what you’ve learned at university on real projects.

Eligibility Requirements for Schlumberger (SLB) Early Careers Program

Interested applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • Be studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in supply chain management, industrial distribution, business administration, engineering, or management.

Salary Estimate: ₦450,000 – ₦700,000 monthly in Nigeria.

Application: click here

7. Halliburton Energy Services Trainee Engineers Program

The Halliburton Energy Services Trainee Engineers Program is an entry-level professional development initiative designed to transition STEM graduates into the oil and gas industry.

Eligibility Requirements for Halliburton Energy Services Trainee Engineers Program

Trainee Engineers with a Bachelor’s degree in the following fields:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Geology, Geophysics, Geosciences
  • Mathematics, Physics

Est. Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦550,000 per month.

Apply Here: Not yet Open

Oil and Gas Graduate Trainee Recruitment Process (Step-by-Step)

The recruitment process for oil and gas graduate trainee programs is rigorous but structured. Companies like Shell, NLNG, Chevron, and Seplat follow a multi-stage approach to identify candidates with both technical skills and leadership potential.

Step 1: Online Application Form

What happens: You submit details via the company’s career portal (e.g., Shell.com/careers, nlng.com).

What they want: Academic qualifications, NYSC status, class of degree, and basic personal information.

Key advice: Apply carefully, double-check eligibility requirements before submitting. Ensure all information is accurate and complete. Some programs reject incomplete applications automatically.

Step 3: Online Aptitude Tests

What happens: Numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, and sometimes technical/industry-specific tests.

Duration: 60–90 minutes total.

Platforms: Dragnet, JobTestPrep, or company-specific systems.

Tip: Practice with timed mock tests for 2–3 weeks beforehand.

Step 4: Video Interview or Phone Screening

What happens: 20–30 minute recorded video interview or live phone call with HR.

Sample Questions: “Why oil and gas?” “Tell us about a challenging project you worked on.”

Tip: Record yourself practicing. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the camera, and have your CV handy.

Step 5: Assessment Center (Group Exercises + Interviews)

What happens: Full-day event with:

  • Group discussions (analyze industry scenarios)
  • Case studies (solve business or technical problems)
  • Technical interviews (with line managers)
  • Competency interviews (leadership, teamwork, problem-solving)

Tip: Dress business formal. Research the company’s recent projects and sustainability initiatives.

Step 6: Final Medical and Reference Check

What happens: Medical fitness test and verification of academic credentials/references.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks after assessment center.

FAQs

1. What’s the average salary for graduate trainees in oil and gas?

Most graduate trainees earn between ₦300,000 and ₦700,000 monthly, depending on the company and location.

2. Can non-engineering graduates apply?

Yes, many programs accept candidates from business, finance, IT, and science backgrounds.

3. Are international positions open to Nigerians?

Absolutely. Large multinationals like Shell, Schlumberger, and TotalEnergies often deploy Nigerian graduates to overseas offices.

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