mate im a time-served fabricator/welder.
I left the marines after 12 years and did a 6 week NDT course along with my BOSIET and Rope Access Course.
About a year ago this would have guaranteed me work. 3 months later i have not had a sniff of work here. I have just been taken on by a company working out in dubai so ill do that for now. Times are hard and i found that out the hard way.
Just ref the roustabout work. There are so many guys looking for a small number of places. My best mate has just got a core position but he took some grunt work for about 9 months where he was available for work at the drop af a hat and he only got that cos he is good mates with someone very senior.
The truth of it is and i know a lot of guys working offshore in the north sea is that unless you have a good trade or know someone who can open a door for you then in the current climate you are going to struggle.
Im sorry if that sounds all doom and gloom but thats how it is at the moment.
Hope all works out for you!