Technological advances and project innovations are expanding the reach of the energy industry and raising new opportunities.
Discoveries such as the recent ultra-deep reserve of hydrocarbons off the coast of Brazil, which holds the initial potential for up to 8billion barrels of recoverable light crude, are a case in point. With similarly largely unexplored areas across the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, Russia and even Antarctica, the future of oil&gas is assured.
In order for the UK to continue in its role in the vanguard of skills and competency, we need to be deeply involved in supporting companies working within our own waters and those farther afield.
Having skilled and motivated people in all the functions of a business is critical to the continuing success and sustainability of the UKCS and the global supply chain it contributes to.
There is a lot of effort ongoing within the industry to ensure that the right people are available now and for the future. OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy is focused on that future, providing resources for the whole industry, ensuring that we have the people required for the future success of all UK-based companies.
From an operator’s perspective, as UK resident manager of Marathon Oil Corporation, I recognise that the academy can help deliver a highly skilled and competent workforce when and where the industry needs it. Success depends on all sectors having the right people available.
The academy exists to support both oil and gas activities in the UK and UK-based companies which work all around the world. It is only by achieving this and exporting the capability of the North Sea that we can secure our place at the forefront of new and exciting global opportunities.
This isn’t going to be easy, but ultimately, I see the academy’s focus and commitment attracting and developing people over a long period of time rather than managing short-term peaks.
The real challenge will be getting alignment across the industry. The temptation is to leap in and try to change too much too fast – spreading resources so thinly that what we set out to achieve loses its punch. The academy wants to deliver to a high standard and, as such, is committed to delivering results for each sector – be it subsea, drilling, operators or wider supply chain – within its first year.
We also need to spread the word about the benefits of joining forces to the industry. As part of this, we will be among 60,000 industry professionals from all over the world in Houston for OTC 08.
While our focus remains on the long-term sustainability of the UK Continental Shelf, there is no doubt that the changing face of the industry and the ever-increasing demand for oil and gas puts us firmly in the worldwide marketplace.
This event at OTC provides an ideal opportunity to find out what the academy can do for you and what you can do for the industry through the academy. We are pleased that UK Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks will be attending to endorse what the academy is trying to achieve for the industry and, ultimately, UK plc.
Mike Horgan is chairman of OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy
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