The two main skills organisations for the UK oil and gas industry have signed an agreement that will see them work together to create a clearer, focused skills landscape for the sector.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), oil and gas industry skills organisation OPITO and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) will collaborate on the collation of industry data around manpower trends and skills forecasting; as well as the creation of skills programmes that meet common industry needs whilst reducing duplication.
It will also build on the successful work undertaken to date around the industry’s modern apprenticeship scheme.
With an annual investment of £32million in skills, as well as its oil and gas contracting and cross-sector membership, the employer funded ECITB is well positioned to maximise the impact of skills and training, especially around the engineering and project areas.
Funded by the industry, OPITO is the focal point for ensuring the sector’s skills needs are fully understood by its stakeholders and actioned by key partners.
The agreement was signed by ECITB chief executive Chris Claydon and OPITO UK managing director John McDonald during a ceremony at OPITO’s headquarters in Aberdeen.
Mr Claydon said “We are delighted to be working alongside OPITO as part of this collaborative initiative. This is a critical time for the oil and gas industry and retaining and continuing to develop a skilled workforce is non-negotiable for the long-term health of the sector. Leveraging the skills and expertise of both organisations will enable us to support the industry more effectively as part of a common vision.”
Mr McDonald said the MoU would allow both organisations to deliver increased value to the oil and gas industry through a common menu of skills solutions from an agreed framework.
“There is a clear need for a co-ordinated and co-operative approach to addressing the medium and long term skills issues within the oil and gas industry. This partnership will allow us to take the knowledge and expertise within each organisation and create a more strategic and integrated relationship which delivers tangible benefits across the UK energy sector.”