Oil and Gas Academy Welcomed
The UK oil and gas industry today announced the creation of a new nation-wide, employer-led Oil and Gas Academy which will allow the industry to secure the skilled workforce it will need to sustain the long-term future of the UK continental shelf (UKCS). The academy, which will officially be known as OPITO, The Oil and Gas Academy, will be funded by the industry to provide support for the investment that oil and gas employers throughout the UK are making in workforce development to ensure that the UKCS remains at the forefront of offshore expertise and technology.
Malcolm Wicks, the UK's Energy Minister, says that it is essential to have a workforce available with the right skills and experience so that vital industry can continue to make a significant contribution to energy production in the UK and to the export of oilfield goods and services around the world.
The First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon. Alex Salmond MSP, also welcomed the announcement.
OPITO's chief executive, David Doig emphasises that employers will have direct influence over every aspect of the corporate governance and strategic management of their academy. They will be able to bring about real improvements in business performance by setting standards and identifying the specific skills needs of this vital industry. The academy will respond by designing and delivering a comprehensive and integrated suite of skills and training standards to address those needs.
The new academy will work with schools, colleges and universities on a shared agenda of encouraging greater uptake of mathematics, science and engineering subjects. It will also support the continued development of safety, technical and leadership skills within the industry in response to identified need. Training standards and quality assurance on training delivery both here and around the world will also be advanced through the academy. The new organisation will initially create around 10 new jobs, and intends to double in size within three years.
The Oil and Gas Academy will continue to contribute to the wider national skills and education policy agenda and share good practice through continued links with Cogent, the Sector Skills Council (SSC).
