North-east MPs have called for action to tackle a skills shortage which threatens to stifle growth in the thriving subsea sector.
Industry body Subsea UK revealed yesterday that its members expect to have 10,000 vacancies over the coming year, but they fear they will struggle to fill all the posts, despite the flat-lining UK economy and high unemployment.
“There may be 10,000 people out there looking for a job, but they might be in the wrong place and they might not have the right skills. That is the real challenge,” said the group’s chief executive, Neil Gordon.
Engineers, project managers and technicians are the most sought after positions, with remotely operated vehicle operators, sales and marketing positions also in high demand.
Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrat MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, hosted yesterday’s parliamentary reception to promote the north-east subsea sector.
He said: “There is an important message to anyone in schools, college or university – those science subjects that might look a bit dry have a long future reward if you actually take an interest in them.”
Sir Malcolm Bruce, the Gordon Lib Dem MP, attended yesterday’s reception. “The industry doesn’t need subsidies, but it needs the tax breaks to keep the development going in the North Sea and maybe export promotion and support,” he said.
Frank Doran, Aberdeen North Labour MP, said education and immigration were key to tackling the problem. “We have a major skills shortage in this country and it’s the fault, I think, of our education system,” he said. “In addition to that, the opportunities we have to fill these jobs with workers from abroad is slowly being closed off to us because the government has put severe restrictions on immigration.”