The oil and gas industry is failing the next generation by not providing enough information about careers in the sector, according to north-east youngsters.
Pupils from four northeast schools yesterday spoke of their trouble learning about the sector, especially when asking companies for information about career opportunities.
The pupils were compiling entries for the Junior Energy Apprentice competition, run by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Intervention and Coiled Tubing Association.
They were tasked with coming up with a creative marketing campaign to capture the imagination of the region’s youth and encourage them to consider a career in the oil and gas industry.
The winning group of pupils, from St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen City, said they were stonewalled by 17 out of the 20 oil and gas companies they contacted for information.
“Unless you have a contact in the industry, it’s very difficult to get information about jobs,” said 16-year-old Abigail Thomson.
Sixteen-year-old Ross Barron from Banff Academy said the industry’s engagement with youngsters was poor.
Neither he nor his group of schoolmates had ever heard of training simulators when they devised a concept for a mock oil rigg for training as their entry in the competition, he said.
“We did contact some companies but got zero response,” he added.
Ten schools entered the competition, with St Margaret’s, Banff Academy, Aboyne Academy and St Machar Academy in the final four.
Members of the winning team from St Margaret’s were each presented with a mini iPad and a £500 cheque for their school.
Their concept of an “Offschool Europe”, to coincide with Offshore Europe, and a social media campaign including oil and gas related music videos, impressed the judges.
ICoTA chairman Michael Taggart said: “Our aim was to highlight the opportunities within the energy sector to young people. We are in the midst of a huge skills shortage in the industry so if we can get young people interested and engaged now we have a chance of ensuring that the future is secure.”
COMPETITION FINALISTS
St Margaret’s School for Girls Abbie Thomson, Rafia Ali, Lindsey MacInnes and Seonaid Rapah.
Aboyne Academy Malcolm Cameron, Findlay Farquharson, Cameron Nicol, Jono Tosh
St Machar Mate Erdie, Adam MacKenzie, Mateusz Leputa, Subash Sapkota
Banff Robbie Barclay, Jordan Surann, Ross Barron
Recommended for you
