School pupils went below the waves as they tested their technical skills as virtual ROV pilots during OPITO’s Energise Your Future (EYF) in Aberdeen.
The programme led by global safety, standards and workforce development organisation OPITO, provides one of the biggest opportunities that school pupils have to get closer to the technologies and people working in the industry.
The mission is to inspire the next generation of oil and gas professionals through interactive activities and information sessions, which this year included a technology treasure hunt, virtual reality engineering and hands-on marine experiments, all supported by industry experts.
This year more than 200 secondary school pupils from across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray attended the event on the final day of SPE Offshore Europe.
Young people engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at National Qualification, Higher and Advanced Higher levels gained an insight into the variety of roles available in energy related industries.
Companies taking part included major operators and contractors including Aker Solutions, GE Oil and Gas, Shell, Total and Wood Group; engineers and manufacturers EC-OG, JDR Cable Systems and TSG Marine; and technical advisor to the oil and gas industry DNV GL.
On the Robert Gordon University (RGU) stand, teams of pupils went head-to-head using miniature ROVs, battling it out to collect as many tokens as possible using their underwater robots. The groups had to work together to find the coloured tokens as they navigated through a tank in a set time.
John McDonald, chief executive of OPITO, said: “Energise Your Future is a chance for the industry to invest a portion of its time and effort in young people. We enjoy the support of a strong line-up of exhibitors willing to engage with the pupils, including well-known industry players and newer, tech-savvy start-ups.
“We hope the next generation will be inspired by the excellent technologies and people that make our industry great.”
Students found out from energy industry leaders about career opportunities and the many positives of choosing to work in the oil and gas industry in the North Sea and around the world. They also made the crucial links between education and the working world.
Turriff Academy pupils Stewart McGregor, Christina Mair and Molly Mathieson taking part on VR exercise with ABB apprentice engineer