A NORTH-EAST college has struck a deal with some of the world’s biggest oil companies which will give pupils the chance to see how the oil and gas industry works.
Representatives from Halliburton, Schlumberger, Subsea 7, Technip and Weatherford were at Banff and Buchan College in Fraserburgh yesterday to sign up for the Engineering . . . the Next Step initiative.
First Minister Alex Salmond also attended the ceremony.
David Cook, technology sector manager at the college, said the link-up will give pupils an exciting insight into a career in engineering.
He said: “The initiative is very hands-on and during the year pupils enjoy trips to each of the companies and get to chat to employees and view workshops.”
In addition, the youngsters will receive presentations from the companies throughout the year and attend the college’s Oil and Gas event in February where they will receive small group presentations from the five companies and take part in a jobs fair.
Throughout the year the Next Step companies will also work with S2 pupils at Turriff, Banff, Peterhead, Mintlaw and Fraserburgh academies.
Mr Cook added: “This is the third year we have been running this initiative at the college and the signing of this agreement is an opportunity for us to pledge our commitment to the programme and formalise the agreement to sustain its future.”
Mr Salmond said: “This excellent collaboration between Banff and Buchan College and key industry players is providing pupils from the north-east with a first-class opportunity to gain greater knowledge and experience of careers in engineering.
“It is an innovative partnership which will benefit all involved and spark a new generation of engineers.”