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Oil and gas industries need more skilled workers

Oilfield Technology,


A recent report by OilCareers.com, in conjunction with Air Energi, has identified that demand for skilled workers in the oil and gas sectors is expected to increase significantly as companies and governments increase investment in the extraction of oil and gas resources, particularly in regard to the extraction of shale gas. 

A shift into deeper offshore bases where extracting oil and gas is undertaken in exceptionally pressured and high-temperature environments has prompted the need for both enhanced technology and an increase in skilled professionals. In turn, this has prompted a predicted rise in salaries, and, as many regions face a lack of international workers, these are only expected to increase.

Within the next ten years, the report suggests, it is anticipated that 120 000 specalist workers will be needed in the UK to reap newly discovered shale in the North Sea. Managing Director of OilCareers.com Mark Guest notes that: “As the focus of the energy industry turns to Aberdeen and Offshore Europe this week, it is clear that attracting today’s highly mobile workforce has never been more pertinent or more challenging given the intense global competition for talent”.

Elsewhere in Europe, Norway has turned its attention from the North Sea to the Arctic and whilst industries in the Netherlands and across Europe are generally robust, the lack of specialised personnel remains an issue.

“This competition”, Mr. Guest stresses, “for a technologically skilled and mobile workforce is expected to yield a rise in salaries with the survey results showing that more than 60% of all respondents expect levels of pay to increase globally.

“As in previous years, Europe remains a candidate-driven market with a lack of sufficient skills available across the region. In part, this is caused by the ageing population of the oil and gas workforce creating a widening gap in mid-level jobs, and the lure of expat salaries and lifestyles from international projects, particularly in Australia.”

Solution?

The UK Department of Business, however, has begun addressing this issue, recommending an initiative that would see ex-military personnel joining the oil and gas sectors, to help find an additional 15 000 people within five years.

Businesses have placed emphasis on development schemes, which Mr. Guest insists “will play a major role in determining whether or not the industry can curb its skill shortage”.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/04092013/demand_for_specialist_workers_in_oil_and_gas_industries/

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