Introduction
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains a goldmine for young professionals, and the 2025 Upstream Graduate Trainee Programs are your ticket in. These programs offer fresh graduates structured training, hands-on experience, and a clear path into exploration and production (E&P). If you’ve ever dreamed of working with giants like Shell, Chevron, or TotalEnergies, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from eligibility to application tips. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Upstream Oil & Gas Sector
The upstream sector focuses on exploration and production—think drilling, reservoir management, and offshore operations. In Nigeria, leading players include:
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International Oil Companies (IOCs): Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil
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Indigenous firms: Seplat, Oando
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Government-backed entities: NNPC, SNEPCo
This sector offers high-paying roles for engineers, geoscientists, and environmental specialists.
Why Join a Graduate Trainee Program?
These programs offer:
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Structured learning: Classroom-based training and field rotations
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Networking: Connect with industry professionals
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High chances of full-time retention post-training
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Attractive salaries, starting at ₦200,000 to ₦500,000/month
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you typically need:
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A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (2nd Class Upper) in Engineering, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences
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A completed NYSC certificate
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Age between 26–28 years
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Some companies accept fresh post-NYSC graduates facebook.com+10opportunitiesforafricans.com+10shell.com+10linkedin.com+5unicafscholarship.com+5shell.com.ng+5linkedin.comunicafscholarship.com+2scholarsworld.ng+2myjobmag.com+2careers.chevron.comlegit.ng.
Top Companies Offering Graduate Programs in 2025
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Shell Nigeria: 2025 Graduate Programme open now.
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Chevron Nigeria: 2025 postgraduate internship/graduate trainee.
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TotalEnergies: Graduate programme open on careers portal.
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NNPC/SNEPCo: Updates on NNPC careers portal.
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Seplat Energy: Listings on Seplat’s jobs portal.
Deep Dive: Shell Graduate Programme
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Open to post-NYSC graduates in Engineering, Projects & Technology, Safety & Environment, Commercial roles facebook.com+9opportunitiesforafricans.com+9linkedin.com+9.
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Deadline: March 20, 2025 myjobmag.com+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2scholarsworld.ng+2.
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Benefits: Monthly stipends, health/life insurance, meaningful field assignments, and likely employment offers careers.chevron.com+8scholarsworld.ng+8careers.chevron.com+8.
Deep Dive: Chevron Nigeria Program
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Offers postgraduate internships and early-career tracks for engineers, public affairs, IT, finance, and HR myjobmag.com+2careers.chevron.com+2linkedin.com+2.
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Open to Nigerians studying locally or internationally (undergrad and grad) facebook.com+6linkedin.com+6scholarsworld.ng+6.
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Deadline: June 5, 2025 facebook.com+4linkedin.com+4scholarsworld.ng+4.
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Benefits: Stipend, health coverage, mentoring, hands-on assignments careers.chevron.com+5scholarsworld.ng+5careers.chevron.com+5.
Other Companies’ Programs Snapshot
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TotalEnergies: Keep an eye on the careers portal for graduate schemes.
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NNPC/SNEPCo & Seplat: Regular openings via NNPC careers and Seplat Jobs portal.
Application Steps
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Research: visit company sites and platforms like Jobberman.
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Prepare documents: CV, degree & NYSC certificates, cover letter.
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Submit online carefully before deadlines.
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Prepare for tests: numerical, verbal, technical aptitude.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Tailor CVs: highlight relevant projects and coursework.
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Cover Letters: showcase motivation and fit.
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Practice Aptitude Tests: download sample questions.
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Interview Prep: be ready to discuss teamwork, safety, and your role.
What Happens After Application?
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Shortlisting: on criteria like academics and NYSC status
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Testing: aptitude evaluations
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Interviews: panels include HR and technical assessors
Life After the Program
Strong performers often transition into roles in drilling, reservoir engineering, safety, or other upstream functions. These programs serve as a career springboard.
Preparing for Success
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Focus on soft skills: teamwork, communication, leadership
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Learn industry basics: drilling concepts, energy markets, safety protocols
Conclusion
The 2025 Upstream Oil & Gas Graduate Trainee Programs are your gateway into Nigeria’s premier energy sector. With structured training, competitive salary packages, and direct paths to employment, these opportunities are perfect for ambitious graduates. Start preparing early, tailor your applications, and step confidently into your oil & gas career.
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Post-NYSC Nigerian graduates with a Second-Class Upper in Engineering, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences. Age: 26–28. legit.ngmyjobmag.com+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2careers.chevron.com+2unicafscholarship.com+5scholarsworld.ng+5scholarsworld.ng+5careers.chevron.com+4linkedin.com+4myjobmag.com+4scholarsworld.ng
2. Is NYSC mandatory?
Yes—candidates must have completed or be exempted from NYSC. scholarsworld.ng
3. What stipend is offered?
Shell: ₦4.8–8 million annually plus benefits scholarsworld.ng. Chevron: competitive monthly stipend plus insurance careers.chevron.com+3scholarsworld.ng+3scholarsworld.ng+3.
4. Is relocation required?
Yes—most field postings are in oil-producing regions of Nigeria.
5. Can Geosciences grads apply?
Absolutely—Geology, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science-grads are eligible. shell.com.ngunicafscholarship.com+9myjobmag.com+9shell.com+9
Quick Links
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Shell Graduate Programme 2025 unicafscholarship.com+7opportunitiesforafricans.com+7myjobmag.com+7
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Chevron NMA Internship & Graduate Programs shell.com.ng+4scholarsworld.ng+4careers.chevron.com+4
Best of luck as you unlock your journey into Nigeria’s upstream oil & gas sector!