Young ignore oil prospects

Sep 18 2007 By George Rafferty, NOF Energy

THE beginning of September saw the cream of the oil and gas industry decamp to Aberdeen for Offshore Europe 2007, the biennial industry conference, which attracted 35,000 delegates from more than 100 countries.

With 3,000 more delegates than in 2005, the message is clear: the business opportunities in the oil, gas and related energy sectors are many and varied. And the door is open for British expertise to exploit potential in markets around the world.

But there has been a culture change. It will be no surprise that alongside the traditional conference sessions on reservoir management, exploration and subsea technology were subjects such as recruitment and retention of personnel and carbon emissions.

The personnel issue is a cause of concern. The “green agenda” is both a challenge and an opportunity.

The North-East of England is home to many companies with world-leading technology established from more than 30 years of drilling in one of the world’s harshest environments, the North Sea.

NOF Energy is working with these companies to identify and tap into business development opportunities at home and overseas. There is also genuine opportunity for the transfer of technology which will see these companies supplying the burgeoning renewable energy industry and the nuclear sector.

To strengthen relationships in overseas markets, NOF Energy has signed a number of global partners. These include Malaysian Oil and Gas Services Council (MOGSC), the State of Louisiana Economic Development, Offshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS), and the British Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce.

During Offshore Europe, NOF Energy signed an agreement with its latest global partner, Camara Petrolera de Venezuela, the South American country’s key oil and gas industry group.

Meanwhile, the skills agenda continues to trouble the offshore and marine industries. NOF Energy is not alone in voicing concern over problems recruiting and retaining staff.

The offshore workforce is an ageing one – the traditional employee, a male, is accustomed to the harsh environment and the unconventional lifestyle. However, he is less receptive to learning new skills and techniques.

But young people do not consider the offshore industry as a career of choice. NOF Energy is working closely with Pilot, Oil & Gas UK, Opito, Subsea NE, Sector Skills Councils, Learning and Skills Councils and One NorthEast to focus on this issue.

It has been heavily involved in an industry-wide programme to recruit mature engineers
from other industries. It is also helping to target graduates and engage with schoolchildren to inspire them to investigate careers in the oil, gas and related energy sectors.

The need to recruit and retain the right people is reflected in the NOF Energy awards in early December. The Progressing People Award will recognise a business with commitment to the development of its people, improving staff retention and job satisfaction.

The Most Promising Newcomer Award champions new entrants to the industry, whether these are coming straight from education or transferring skills from an alternative sector.

NOF Energy has been at the heart of the oil and gas industry in the North-East for more than 25 years. It is working hard to understand the issues, and help member companies address them.

The global energy market is changing but it remains buoyant. NOF Energy is working to help its members, now throughout the UK, tap into every available opportunity.