AT LEAST 350 senior pupils from schools across the north-east are expected to attend Offshore Europe for the Energise Your Future event on the closing day.
OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy is leading the push to make this the most exciting, relevant OE young person’s day ever.
Re-envisioned by the academy to provide added value to the industry, Energise Your Future at OE ’09 will give oil&gas organisations direct access to young people already studying the key science, technology, engineering and maths subjects needed to fill the industry skills gap in the future.
This is quite different to the approach used at prior OE briefings and tours for school seniors and, in Energy’s opinion, potentially delivers a shot in the arm to the event.
Companies including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, Total, Balmoral Group, Technip and Maersk Oil North Sea UK are among the heavyweights already taking part, with participation open to any exhibiting company that can provide an interactive activity which highlights the wide variety of careers open to young people in oil&gas.
This is about making show tours exciting and relevant.
“Much has been said about the lack of interest young people have in science and technology, and how the numbers taking up these subjects have fallen over the years,” said academy chief executive David Doig.
“This means that industries like oil&gas, which depend on science, engineering and technology skills, are now finding it difficult to find the talented people they need.
“Energise Your Future at Offshore Europe is a significant departure from tradition for the exhibition. The new format gives the next generation a better understanding of what they can aspire to be within the industry and the varied entry routes they can take, depending on their personal interests and skills.
“Vitally, by focusing on a smaller number of students with an already established interest in pursuing these subjects beyond secondary school, this year’s exhibition will give the industry direct contact with the rising talent of the next generation who may well be the oil&gas decision-makers of tomorrow.”
As well as touring the exhibition, the 15 to 17-year-olds get to hear from chairman Thomas Thune Andersen and graduate rising stars and other industry professionalss.
Exhibiting companies which would like to participate should contact Diane Johnson on 01224 787805, or e-mail diane.johnston@opito.com