Fair aims for North workers

Feb 16 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

OIL and gas businesses from Aberdeen will head to the region later this week as they look to fill 150 job vacancies with North East workers.

Companies from Aberdeen City and Shire area – which is largely recognised as the oil capital of Europe – will attend a jobs fair hosted by economic development partnership ACSEF at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Wednesday.

A group of 15 firms will be showcasing what they have to offer in a sector in which, despite bleak economic conditions, companies are struggling to fill vacancies.

In the North East, as most industries shed jobs to prepare for tough times ahead, our subsea oil and gas sector is gearing up for the creation of thousands of jobs, largely due to the advent of offshore windfarms and strengthening trading ties with Norway.

ASCEF development manager Rita Stephen said: “Despite recent redundancies in certain areas of our industries, our low levels of unemployment mean that employers in certain sectors are struggling to fill positions, particularly in regard to skilled workers.

“It is vital that, as a region, we attract talented professionals from other parts of the UK to sustain our workforce and encourage local economic growth.”

Companies taking part represent a variety of sectors, from oil and gas organisations to public and private institutions, and include Aker Solutions, Grampian Police, Oceaneering, Cornerstone, JP Kenny and Total.

The event will focus on matching suitable individuals with companies. Organisers are keen to emphasise that the jobs on offer are currently vacant, while underlining that most of the positions are predominantly aimed at qualified personnel with relevant experience.

Relocation is required for most positions, but the option to commute may be on offer for some.