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WorkforceGlossary Term

Fly-In/fly-Out (fifo)

A rotation model where workers are flown to remote job sites for a set number of days, then returned home. Subcontractors must account for mobilisation costs and crew availability when bidding FIFO contracts. Rotation schedules vary widely, such as 14 days on and 14 days off.

Related Terms

Energy Wheel

Workforce

A visual planning tool showing seasonal cycles of activity across oil & gas and construction sectors. Subcontractors use it to anticipate busy periods, align crew availability, and time equipment investments. It helps field service companies reduce downtime between contracts.

Instrumentation Technician

Workforce

A tradesperson who installs, calibrates, and maintains measurement and control instruments on oil and gas or industrial sites. Subcontractors commonly supply these specialists for commissioning, turnarounds, and brownfield projects. They typically hold Red Seal certification and may require site-specific safety tickets.

JOLTS (Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey)

Workforce

A monthly U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report tracking job openings, hires, and separations across industries. Field service contractors use it to benchmark labour demand and anticipate competition for skilled tradespeople. Rising JOLTS numbers often signal tighter crew availability and upward pressure on wage rates.

Knowledge Continuity

Workforce

The practice of preserving critical site knowledge when crews rotate or contracts change hands. It ensures incoming workers understand site-specific procedures, hazards, and client expectations without starting from scratch. Poor knowledge continuity leads to rework, safety gaps, and damaged client relationships.

Current Employment Statistics (ces)

Workforce

A monthly U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics survey tracking payroll employment across industries, including oil and gas and construction. Subcontractors use CES data to benchmark labour market trends and adjust crew hiring strategies. Rising CES numbers in your sector often signal tighter labour pools and upward wage pressure.

Wrench Time

Workforce

The percentage of a technician's shift spent on hands-on productive work versus travel, waiting, or admin tasks. For subcontractors, low wrench time means billing inefficiencies and reduced daily output. Clients often track it to evaluate crew productivity on site.

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