People of all ages and from all walks of life are to be targeted in a week-long drive to promote the oil and gas industry as an exciting career option.
The sector has struggled with its public image at times as likely recruits are often lured into the more fashionable fields of green energy.
But it has been working hard lately to sell itself as a “sexy” choice for people looking for ultimate job satisfaction.
National Oil and Gas Skills Week, which will run November 11-14, has been launched with the aim of highlighting the industry’s attractiveness.
Led by skills body Opito, the week will feature specialist workshops, career sessions, debates, interactive challenges and hands-on science, engineering and maths activities designed to appeal to a wide range of people throughout the UK.
Events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Norwich and Great Yarmouth are already confirmed, with others in the pipeline.
A Doors Open Day in Aberdeen will see operators, drillers and companies in the supply chain give the public a behind-the-scenes look at some of the innovative jobs, techniques and technologies being used to push the boundaries of exploration and production.
The initiative comes in response to the need to attract thousands of new recruits to the sector over the next three years, with tens of thousands more needed in the long term.
“The UK oil and gas industry is a global success story, responsible for some of the most ground-breaking innovations and technologies the world has ever seen,” said Opito managing dircetor John McDonald.
“Skills and expertise honed here in the North Sea are exported around the globe.
“This is the first time, however, that the industry has ever looked to do something of this size and scale to showcase those achievements.
“It will also redress the misconception that working in oil and gas means working offshore, and highlight the fantastic career opportunities the sector offers a wide range of people.”
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “National Oil and Gas Skills Week will allow us all to understand current and future industry demands.
“The skills requirements…can only really be understood by those who work at the heart of it.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The oil and gas industry offers rewarding careers to ambitious people all over the country.
“As well as building successful and lucrative careers, newcomers to the sector could play a central role in maintaining Britain’s international standing, economic stability and energy security.”
Opito is urging as many employers as possible to support National Oil and Gas Skills Week.
Mr McDonald said: “This is a very ambitious initiative but it has the potential to really challenge people’s perceptions of the oil and gas industry.
“It is the avenue for everyone from school pupils, graduates and teachers through to mid-career changers and those returning after a career break to see first-hand what the oil and gas industry can offer.”
“It is also the platform for industry to celebrate its achievements and for individual companies to showcase what they are doing, the opportunities they offer and the skills they need going forward.”
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