There was another impassioned plea last night for the UK oil and gas sector to work harder at wooing potential new recruits.
John Forrest, country manager and senior vice-president for North Sea operator Talisman Energy (UK), was echoing a call made earlier this week by industry body Oil and Gas UK (OGUK).
He was speaking in Aberdeen Art Gallery as Talisman and Wood Group celebrated another batch of students from the Aberdeen and Robert Gordon universities joining their scholarship schemes.
Mr Forrest said oil and gas workers of the future were likely to need more convincing about a firm’s business and social credentials before starting out on a career in the North Sea, or any other offshore location.
He added: “The world around us is changing fast and young people, now more than ever, have different expectations of work.
“As well as convincing them that the oil and gas industry is a fantastic career option, we also have to show we are a socially responsible company that operates in a safe and ethical way. I believe Talisman is a leader in that arena but we have to tell our story and tell it well, because we are competing against our peers and . . . other industries for emerging talent.”
He said the industry could still become a first choice for graduates if it worked hard enough to demonstrate the challenges and make the vision compelling.
Business leaders will hear a call for urgent action to improve the image of the oil and gas industry outside its north-east heartland at an OGUK breakfast-time event in the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, on December 1.
Announcing the gathering earlier this week, chief executive Malcolm Webb said it was vital young people were aware of and educated in the amazing opportunities on offer, adding that failure to get that message across could lead to a drain of skilled workers to more fashionable sectors, such as renewables.
Talisman’s scholarship programme, in its fifth year, welcomed 15 students last night: Stewart Brown, Scott Calderwood, Scott Cassie, Adrian Denham, David Dobson, Andrew Fowlie, Joseph Gilliver, Christopher Kelman, Thomas Kipling, Samuel Knudson, Leanne Mearns, Douglas Russell, Jennifer Shepherd, Ava Sim and Paul Watson. The Wood Group scholars, all from RGU, were Connor Dean, Christer Fjellroth, Thomas Hardwick and Michael McHardy.
Meanwhile, energy service giant Halliburton announced its first north-east scholarships. Aberdeen University students Jonathan Carney and Janet Herd will be supported by the group over three years, receiving £1,000 each annually plus mentoring and a chance to apply for paid summer placements.
Halliburton UK vice-president Simon Seaton said: “I’m delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to such bright, ambitious students.
“Jonathan and Janet have excellent academic backgrounds, the right attitude and, most importantly, an overwhelming desire to succeed in the oil industry.”