Organisers of a career fair aimed at addressing the skills shortage in the oil industry say they have received an overwhelming response from schools and businesses.
More than 500 pupils from schools in Aberdeen city and shire will be exploring the world of oil and gas during the Energise Your Future event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Thursday, June 26.
About 35 engineering companies, operators, drillers and marine and subsea specialists will have stands at the event, which aims to give young people a hands-on introduction to the oil and gas industry.
Pupils will get a chance to manoeuvre underwater vehicles in a 4,900-gallon tank, put their agility skills to the test on a giant vertical climbing wall, and try their hand at an offshore drilling simulator. Engineering challenges, workshops and fun shows, such as a Ready Steady Cook-style competition between two offshore chefs, will also encourage visitors to consider their career opportunities.
Adults, including university and college students, will be able to test their skills when the fair opens to the public later in the day.
Energise Your Future is sponsored by Marathon Oil UK and organised by a partnership including oil and gas academy Opito, Shell, the Energy Institute, Careers Scotland, WSCA and the Offshore Europe Education Day team.
Opito chief executive David Doig said: “We are delighted that so many young people will be taking part in the event and exploring the wide range of different career and lifestyle opportunities a career in the energy sector offers, from catering and administration to engineering, drilling, accounting and geo-science.”
Energise Your Future will be open to children from 9.30am-2.30pm and to the public from 3-6pm.