As Aberdeen marks its 50th year of involvement in the North Sea, an independent services provider has been inspiring its next generation of oil and gas workers.
ROVOP has just completed its first work experience programme aimed at aspiring ROV pilot technicians.
The company’s chief executive said it was aimed at showing students the rewarding careers available within the ROV sector.
He said: “The highlight for all the students was undoubtedly our ROV training simulator. The training exercises are built on real-life scenarios with 3D visuals, virtual environmental conditions and challenges our ROV pilots frequently face.
“As an industry, we need to take proactive steps to supply the talent pipeline and show young people the exciting opportunities that are available.”
Douglas Young, a 16-year-old student from Kemnay Academy said the week had been a “brilliant opportunity.”
The fifth-year student said: “I heard about the ROVOP work experience through LinkedIn and decided to apply immediately. There was never a dull moment and the week definitely helped me make a decision as to what career I should pursue.
“I gained knowledge about ROV systems, how they work and how a company like ROVOP is structured. It was a great eye opener and a brilliant opportunity.”
Since ROVOP was established it has invested more than £40million in its advance fleet of ROVs.
The company currently employs around 130 people.
Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, welcomed the initiative.
He said: “It is important to make young people aware of the exciting, long-term career opportunities available locally, national and internationally within the subsea industry. The sector uses some of the most exciting robotic technology in the world and at ROVOP the pupils will be able to see first-hand some of this technology in action.
“It’s encouraging to see a business engage with so many pupils through the placements. I’m sure their visit to ROVOP’s new HQ provided an invaluable insight to the next generation technology and wide range of jobs within the industry.”
Earlier this month, ROVOP expanded into the Gulf of Mexico with its Western Hemisphere headquarters in Houston, Texas.
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