Pupils from across Aberdeen and Angus are finding out what’s involved in helicopter safety training, simulated crane operations and subsurface field engineering thanks to a scheme launched by offshore skills body Opito.
Students toured Aker Solutions’ building and will also visit BP, EnerMech, EnQuest, Nexen, the Oil and Gas Technology Centre and Falck Safety Services.
They will meet staff to find out about careers and routes into the sector.
Furthermore, they will learn about the role other departments play, including IT, HR, legal and finance.
Students will be attending from Monifieth High School in Angus, as well as the following Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire schools:
Alford Academy
Aberdeen Grammar School
Bucksburn Academy
Ellon Academy
Harlaw Academy
Mackie Academy
Meldrum Academy
Portlethen Academy, and
Turriff Academy
Opito recently launched the results of its UK Workforce Dynamics Review, which indicated that more than 40,000 new people will need to be recruited into the industry over the next 20 years, including 10,000 in posts that don’t exist today.
OPITO director Christine Currie said: “It’s great to see such a wide cross section of companies taking part in OPITO’s Industry Awareness initiative. The students will be able to find out for themselves how these businesses support the sector and the UK economy, and gain a better understanding of the different careers they can aim for.
“Our recent UKCS Workforce Dynamics Review acknowledged that it is an ever-evolving industry. With the rise of automation, AI and digitisation, there will be significant changes to the way companies carry out their operations and therefore occupations of the future will also look different. With potentially tens of thousands of positions to fill in the next two decades, it’s a priority that we continue to encourage young people into the energy sector.”