The increase in North Sea activity is putting a strain on skills levels and recruitment, say firms and training organisations.
Despite high unemployment in the UK, major projects in the sector are sucking up resources. Industry body Oil and Gas UK is carrying out research into what can be done – and which areas of the industry need immediate attention.
James Milne, director at recruitment consultant Eden Scott, said: “More than half of firms in the oil and gas sector warn that skill shortages are their number one challenge. The rate of recruitment is likely to double in the next five years, and that could mean 15,000 more jobs.”
David Edwards, of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, said: “We are not managing the flow of people into the industry well enough. There has not been a steady flow and we are heading in my view into a major boom in activity.”
Part of the problem stems from a drop in confidence in 2010, leading to a fall in recruitment. It cuts across the industry.
Holger Temmen, chief executive of drilling firm KCA Deutag, said: “A major challenge for individual companies, and the industry as a whole, is ensuring we have access to a highly competent workforce. I believe the drilling sector has to make a significant effort to be able to meet the demands of the expected growth in the market.”
Garry Millard, of Dof Subsea, said it was the same for the subsea sector. “The demand for experienced subsea and marine personnel far outweighs the availability pool.”