The under-representation of women and the role of apprentices in the UK energy industry were in the spotlight on the second day of National Oil and Gas Skills Week.
Women bosses and a senior policewoman were among the speakers at an event at Aberdeen Art Gallery last night.
It was attended by about 80 women currently working in the oil and gas sector.
Superintendent Kate Stephen of Police Scotland shared her experience of working in a traditionally male-dominated organisation.
She was joined by Jeanette Forbes, chief executive and founder of Aberdeen information technology firm PCL Group, along with Malissa Boudreaux – sales and marketing director for Europe, Africa and the Caspian at US energy service firm Baker Hughes – and Alix Thom, skills and employment issues manager at industry body Oil and Gas UK.
Meanwhile, a workshop hosted by gender equality group Equate Scotland in Portlethen, near Aberdeen, focused on women’s contribution to the economy and the barriers to them furthering their careers.
Morven Spalding, skills development director at oil and gas skills body Opito, said: “The reason behind the under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines is difficult to pinpoint.
“Rather than being the result of a single issue, a number of factors are influencing the choices women make when it comes to their careers.
“There is a considerable body of evidence which shows that women can encounter structural barriers to their progression at work in the STEM professions, including oil and gas.
“The oil industry is incredibly broad in terms of the spectrum of career options it offers, however, the technical job roles like technicians and engineers still suffer from the stigma of being seen as traditionally male roles.
“Turning this stereotype on its head is something which has to start in the classroom at an early age.”
Today will see 200 modern apprentices studying at colleges in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Falkirk gather in the Granite City for an activity day as part of National Oil and Gas Skills Week.
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