The number of people travelling offshore has increased last year – but the figure remains low for women, a report by Oil & Gas UK has found.
The 2014 UK Continental Shelf Offshore Workforce Demographics Report has found 61,892 people traveled offshore last year, an increase of 8.6% since 2012.
But the number of women among those dropped by nearly 0.2% in that period, to 3.6% of overall offshore workforce, or 2237.
The average age of offshore personnel has dropped by 0.3 to 40.8, with a 14.7% increase in under-30s but also a 9% increase in staff aged 60-65.
“The data in this year’s report confirms that in 2006-2013 the largest increase in the offshore population was in the 18-29 age group,” said Dr Alix Thom, Oil & Gas UK’s employment and skills issues manager.
“Their presence, and the fact that the average age of the total offshore workforce has dropped, is helping to dispel the common misconception that the offshore population is ageing.
“However, this good news must be considered against the 8% reduction in production seen in 2013 and the fact that there has been a slight drop in the proportion of female employees relative to the total offshore population. Women now comprise.
“Given the current level of demand for skilled employees, and the high level of activity on the UK Continental Shelf, it is in the industry’s interest to increase its focus on tackling this lack of gender diversity as it represents a significant, but not fully utilised, pool of talent.”
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