Latest News

Recruitment for Modern Apprenticeship Schemes is now closed

Monday, 30 April 2012 09:02

Recruitment for both the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Technician Training Scheme and the Schlumberger Maintenance Technician Training Scheme has now closed.

OPITO Unveils 2012 Piper Alpha Memorial Safety Scholars

Wednesday, 18 April 2012 09:22

OPITO will announce the beneficiaries of the second Piper Alpha Memorial Safety scholarship today (Wednesday, April 18) at the Step Change in Safety luncheon at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

 

The programme, which launched in April 2011, provides a long-lasting legacy to the world's worst offshore oil disaster, which saw 167 men die following an explosion on the Piper Alpha oil platform.

 

The annual scholarship is open to all post graduate students undertaking MSc studies in Safety and Reliability Engineering; Subsea Engineering; Energy Futures (Oil & Gas) and International Business, Energy and Petroleum with the aim to empower the next generation of oil and gas workers.

 

David Doig, group chief executive of OPITO said: “We are delighted to announce the three recipients of the Piper Alpha Scholarship for the second year running.

 

“The programme was established when concerns arose over current safety practices and the lessons learned since the disaster twenty four years ago. It was vital that we did something to ensure that fresh talent entering the oil and gas industry were fully aware of the dangers and were well versed in the highest levels of safety.

 

“Piper Alpha was a significant turning point for the oil and gas industry not just here in the North Sea but far beyond. It drew the attention of the offshore industry and triggered many changes that have since shaped the current offshore regulatory and operating environment.

 

“The accident was instrumental in bringing about the need for safety training offshore to ensure workers on the platform were trained to handle emergency procedures and provide good leadership during a crisis situation.

 

“While we cannot bring those who were lost back, it is important for their families to know that we have not forgotten them and these scholarships will provide a long-lasting legacy to their memory.”

 

The Safety Scholarship offers students the financial support and opportunity to undertake their studies at University.  Funded by the Offshore Training Foundation and managed in partnership with OPITO, this prestigious award provides funding to the value of £12,500 throughout their studies.

 

First place in the 2012 Piper Alpha Scholarship has been awarded to John Mills, who is currently studying MSc Health Safety and Risk Management at Robert Gordon University (RGU).

 

From the University of Aberdeen, Abayomi Ebenezer Obisesan, and Chinaka Reginald Okoroafor - who are both currently completing a postgraduate degree in Safety and Reliability Engineering – have also both been awarded scholarships.

 

Their dissertations on safety in the oil and gas industry were selected from a number of entries by a panel of judges including Professor Tom O’Donoghue, head of school of engineering at the University of Aberdeen and David MacKintosh, course leader for the MSc Management programme at Robert Gordon University (RGU). Representatives from OPITO were also involved in the judging process.

 

John said: “Being awarded the OPITO scholarship has been a very positive step and one I am truly grateful to receive to enable my studies to continue and ensure I complete the MSc in Health Safety & Risk Management.

 

“I cannot express enough my thanks for this scholarship and can only say I will give my absolute all to achieve the highest grade possible and ensure I learn as much as possible from this extensive but highly informative course.

 

“This is the platform for my career to be taken to the next level and OPITO have allowed this to happen as I progress through the course.”

Projects Assistant Vacancy

Monday, 16 April 2012 08:49

A vacancy has arisen for a Projects Assistant in OPITO's Skills and Learning Development team. The closing date is the 6th May. To find out more about the job and how to apply, download the following PDF:  Projects Assistant Vacancy

Welcoming Applications for the Schlumberger Maintenance Technician Training Scheme

Thursday, 05 April 2012 14:35

A great opportunity has arisen for those looking for a route into the oil and gas industry.

 

Recruitment for the Schlumberger Maintenance Technician Training Scheme is now open. The Scheme has both mechanical and electrical disciplines and is available to anyone holding a Standard Grade 3 or above in Maths, English and Physics. A technical subject is also desirable. Candidates for this Aberdeen-based opportunity must be ordinarily resident in the UK.

 

There is no upper age limit on the Scheme, although applicants must have turned 16 by the end of January 2012. Applications are greatly welcome from both male and female candidates.

 

This Programme will equip participants with the skills to maintain, trouble shoot and repair mechanical or electrical equipment. Training will mainly take place in the workshop, although some well site work may also be required.

 

If you fit the entry criteria and are keen join an industry that holds a wealth of opportunity for career progression; visit the following link to download an application form

MA Reviewer Job Vacancy

Thursday, 05 April 2012 08:38

OPITO is recruiting for the post of MA Reviewer. Please download the following PDF for more information on the job role and how to apply.

 

 MA Reviewer job advert

Oil and gas industry unveils route to securing the future prosperity of UK’s energy sector during visit

Monday, 02 April 2012 10:13

SHADOW Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rachel Reeves MP will be told how the oil and gas industry is proactively tackling its skills issues during a visit to the Energy Capital of Europe today (Thursday 29th March).

 

The industry skills and workforce development body, OPITO, will inform the minister how the organisation is leading the way in linking the industry with education and the Government with the aim of influencing the curriculum to align it with the future skills requirements of the oil and gas sector.

 

Ms Reeves will learn about the raft of grassroots initiatives which OPITO runs with schools and colleges throughout the UK which have seen the industry engage with more than one million young people to date. She will also be told about the organisation’s involvement with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and how it is proactively addressing the need to increase the uptake of key science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects among the next generation by developing initiatives that support teachers.

 

A unique, not-for-profit organisation, OPITO is wholly owned by the oil and gas industry. The labour market intelligence survey conducted by OPITO showed that more than 80% of UK companies expected to grow their business over the next five years with around 10,000 new recruits needed to ensure it has the workforce needed to meet demand.

 

Larraine Boorman, managing director of OPITO, said: “The oil and gas industry, through OPITO, invests substantially in skills and workforce development issues with OPITO playing a key role in how the sector is proactively addressing the need to increase the talent pool and secure a safe and suitably skilled talent pool for the future.

 

“The oil and gas sector offers young people limitless potential career opportunities. By facilitating direct links between education and industry, we aim to increase engagement and interest in oil and gas both as a source of further study and as a potential career choice.

 

“There is currently a lack of STEM subject uptake in schools, this has an impact on the talent pool for oil and gas as the sector is reliant on its workforce to have skills in these areas. OPITO, in collaboration with industry, is going in at grassroots-level, addressing the limited science teaching provision in primary schools, developing initiatives that provide teachers with ready-made science lessons.”

 

OPITO also leads a suite of interactive career and lifestyle events for secondary school pupils which aim to influence subject and career choices in the older age group. Initiatives like the interactive Petrochallenge and Energise Your Future events are designed to bring the industry closer to the next generation, inspiring and informing them about how the choices they make now will impact on their future career opportunities.

 

North east pupils get set to compete in Enterprising Maths Challenge

Wednesday, 28 March 2012 15:30

 

PUPILS across the north-east will battle it out against each other when a popular interactive maths challenge returns to Aberdeen City and Shire on 27^th and 28^th March at University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Hall.

 

The event which brings together more than 90, P6 and P7 pupils from over 30 primary schools across the north-east will illustrate how important mathematical skills are when considering a career in the oil and gas sector.

 

Developed and organised by industry skills body OPITO in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, School of Education, the 2012 Enterprising Maths Challenge will test the pupil’s mathematical thinking and problem solving skills in a series of interactive rounds.

The day-long challenge will include a poster making session to demonstrate the measure of mathematics, hands on problem solving and two ‘head to head’ strategy games which they have practised at school.

 

A new element to this year’s event will be a problem buster session in which the pupils will be tasked with solving real life industry based challenges.

The final relay challenge will see pupils race against time to answer questions. A combination of speed and accuracy is needed to maximise points. The team which has accumulated the most points at the end of the day will be announced as the winners.

 

Vivien Ellins, Curriculum Developer at OPITO said: “Mathematical skills are keenly sought after in the oil and gas sector. By facilitating direct links between regional schools and industry, we are able to increase engagement and interest in oil and gas both as a source of further study and as a potential career choice.” 

 

“This is the eighth time we have brought the Enterprising Maths Challenge to Aberdeen and this year we have a record number of north east schools taking part.

 

“Pupils will see exactly how their subjects can impact on future career choices. It does this in a fun and interactive way by engaging pupils in a number of different and exciting challenges, giving them a first-hand experience of what some of these jobs are really like and how math skills are incredibly valuable.”

 

Helen Martin, Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the University and one of the event organisers said: “This event is a lovely opportunity for pupils and teachers to work with each other across schools. It is fantastic to see the level of enthusiasm throughout the day from our budding young mathematicians.”

Newcastle Gets Ready to Energise its Future

Monday, 26 March 2012 15:19

 

Interactive event showcases careers in oil and gas

 

As figures show more than one million people under the age of 24 are unable to find work in the UK and youth unemployment is at its highest levels since records began, the UK oil and gas industry will help nurture the aspirations and skills of the future workforce this week when interactive careers event Energise Your Future returns to Newcastle.

 

More than 500 senior pupils, from *13* schools across the north east of England participated in interactive challenges as they found out about the wide range of oil and gas  careers open to them across the sector.

 

Over 20 local, national and international oil and gas companies and learning providers aligned to the region’s oil and gas industry took part in the one day lifestyle and careers event at the Royal Marines Reserve Unit on the banks of the River Tyne on Wednesday 21st March.

 

Organised and run by industry skills body OPITO and supported by Subsea North East, NOF and Young Enterprise North East, Energise Your Future allows industry organisations to inspire, influence and guide the next generation workforce to ensure they have access to the right skills now and in the future.

 

Exhibitors engaged pupils, aged 14-19, with activities ranging from an interactive pigging pipeline model, a virtual reality arc welder and a demonstration on the power of hydraulics.

 

A new element to this year’s event included a speed networking session, so students could hear first-hand about what inspired people to join the industry, their experiences while studying and their route into oil and gas. 

 

Liz Davis-Smith, OPITO’s regional manager said:  “The event aims to tell the oil and gas story from different angles, showing the diverse breadth of opportunity that is out there for the next generation. It not only raises the awareness of the employment opportunities in two of the North East of England’s most prominent sectors, it highlights the opportunities across the UK and worldwide. 

 

“Many young people are still not aware of the diversity the sector offers them in terms of career choices. Visitors will be inspired by those already working in the sector, and they’ll see how their subjects can impact on future career choices.

 

“The event is relevant to a wide range of visitors; appealing to those with business, artistic and commercial interests as well as those who are scientifically and technically minded.

 

“It does this in a fun and interactive way by giving the pupils first-hand experiences of what some of these jobs are really like and showing how the choices they make now can impact on their future careers.”

 

George Rafferty, chief executive NOF Energy said:  “Energise Your Future gives regional businesses the ideal platform to demonstrate to local school pupils how interesting the oil and gas industry is and how the many opportunities that exist at home and abroad can provide a richly rewarding life-long career.”

Hydrocarbons in Action Launch

Monday, 26 March 2012 15:19

 

On 7th March the first of 50 Hydrocarbons in Action kits due to be sent this year to primary schools across Scotland and England was awarded to Riverbank Primary School, Aberdeen.  The school was presented with the kit at a special event held in conjunction with OPITO at Aberdeen Maritime Museum. On the day around 24 primary six and seven pupils got the chance to try a range of hands-on experiments designed to help them understand oil and gas exploration and production.

 

Riverbank is currently working towards gaining a Primary Science Quality Mark, a nationwide transformation initiative geared to encouraging primary schools to introduce more science to their curriculum.

 

The kit - which was produced by OPITO and Young Engineers and Science Clubs with support from BP and the Scottish Oil Club - will help Riverbank and other schools achieve the Quality Mark by providing ready-to-use science experiments ranging from seismic exploration, core sampling and rock and mineral analysis through to crude oil testing and the building of a remotely operated underwater vehicle. It will also help teachers to contextualise the learning experience.

 

Fiona Saunders science curriculum development officer at Aberdeen City Council said: “Many pupils will benefit from this kit as it will help to inspire good learning and teaching in science and help develop the scientists and engineers of the future.”

 

OPITO has already placed 65 kits into schools across Scotland. By almost doubling the number available and increasing the scope into other parts of the UK, OPITO hopes to help improve scientific learning in primary schools where currently only 5% of teachers have a background in science or mathematics.

 

Seeking Oil and Gas Companies to Exhibit at Energise Your Future Newcastle 2012

Friday, 10 February 2012 09:26

Location: Royal Marines Commando, RMR Tyne, Anzio House, Quayside, Newcastle, NE6 1BU.  Date & Time: Wednesday 21st March 2012, 09.30 –18.00

OPITO are inviting companies to exhibit at Energise Your Future Newcastle 2012.

The key objective of bringing Energise Your Future to the North East of England is to promote the diversity of oil & gas career opportunities to school pupils and students in an interactive and exciting way. By showcasing the industry as an innovative and buoyant sector to work in, OPITO aim to inspire young people to pursue one of the many entry routes into an oil & gas career.
Energise Your Future is a highly interactive event; just having a table with a few leaflets is not going to excite or inspire the visitors.  With an emphasis on interactivity, each exhibitor is asked to make their stand come to life by offering activities for visitors to touch, feel and experience.
OPITO are working closely with the education sector in the North East of England to ensure attendance at this event is high.  
Andrew Hodgson, Chair Subsea North East said:  "I would like to personally encourage as many companies to look upon this event as a chance to bring new talent into a growing and vibrant sector in the North East of England; one which supports oil & gas markets across the globe”.

George Rafferty, Chief Executive NOF Energy said:  “Energise your Future gives regional businesses the ideal platform to demonstrate to local school pupils how interesting the oil and gas industry is and how the many opportunities that exist at home and abroad can provide a richly rewarding life-long career”.

Neil Kirkbride, BEL Group Managing Director said: “BEL Valves has exhibited at Energise Your Future on two previous occasions.  Both events were a great success and enabled us to engage with the future workforce. It was encouraging to hear in our apprentice induction meeting this year at BEL that one of this year’s intake had been inspired to apply from a recent Energise Your Future event in the North East”.

OPITO are seeking the support of companies to exhibit at Energise Your Future and individuals to participate in a speed networking session.  Visit www.opito.com to see footage taken at previous Energise Your Future events.
For further information or to secure your company’s support please contact:

 

Diane Johnston, OPITO, Tel: (01224) 787805, Mobile: (0) 7554 335166, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it