A survey conducted at OPITO’s Energise Your Future event has revealed that 67% of students believe there is a long term future in the North Sea oil and gas industry.
The global opportunities the sector offers, its entrepreneurial spirit, high salary expectations and the chance to continue developing skills while working were the main reasons why they would pursue a career in this area.
During the last day of the Offshore Europe exhibition (Friday, September 11) 250 secondary 5 and 6 students from Aberdeen City and Shire took part in the exemplary schools engagement programme managed by the skills organisation for the oil and gas industry.
As part of the event, the young people from 17 different academic institutions spent valuable time with companies representing some of the most innovative firms in the oil and gas industry.
When asked to list the reasons why they are attracted to the sector, 72% said it was down to the global opportunities the industry offers, with 25% also wanting to be part of an international community.
The industry’s entrepreneurial spirit appealed to 17%, with 28% citing the development of cutting edge science of most interest. Being able to develop their skills and knowledge on the job appealed to 35%, while salary expectation was cited by almost half of those surveyed (48%).
Of the 30% of students who said they didn’t see a long term future in the industry, 27% were still unsure of which area in the oil and gas sector would best fit with their interests and abilities. Only 7% believe the industry won’t be around long enough to offer them a future, and a further 7% have been put off by family or friends.
More than 11,000 pupils to date have been brought closer to the sector by taking part in OPITO’s Energise Your Future events which expose them to participating companies in the hope of inspiring them to consider the potential that the oil industry holds for future careers.
OPITO UK managing director John McDonald said: “The North Sea oil and gas industry needs to continue engaging and inspiring young people to consider the wide range of careers available to them through the diverse network of companies that make up the oil and gas sector.
“The results from the survey tell us that young people in the north-east are enthusiastic about the opportunities the industry presents and want to know more. We are very pleased that so many of the Energise Your Future attendees have been able to talk directly with the companies of most interest to them in the oil and gas industry and are now heading back to school with a more focussed approach to their futures in the industry.”
Adrian Witkowski, aged 16 years and in S5 at St Machar Academy said: “The Energise Your Future event has been really interesting, and it’s really made me think about my future career in the oil and gas industry.”
His classmate Thomas Reid added: “The opportunity has given us great insight into the wide range of services that companies provide to their clients. It’s a horizon for the future.”
Kyle Maitland, 17 years-old and in S6 at, Mackie Academy said: “I’ve gained a better understanding of the oil and gas industry, the jobs available and what companies offer their customers. I’m feeling really inspired about the future of the industry despite the stories you read in the papers.”
RGC S6 student Abigail Duthie, aged 17 years said: “I’m really pleased we got to attend the OPITO event as it’s been really eye-opening. The best thing I’ve found out is that I’m interested in a lot more relevant things to the oil and gas industry than I thought I was.”