Ex-military barred from oil and gas industry

A survey of the North Sea oil and gas industry has revealed that ex-military personnel are being blocked from jobs in the industry, despite an attempt by the UK government to set up a national programme to retain them in order to plug the skills gap.

Lack of understanding

The survey, released by oilandgaspeople.com, found that despite military personnel having relevant industry experience, 65% responded that they are being blocked from employment due to a lack of understanding about military background and skills set.

This finding comes despite the fact that 57% believe that military personnel should not be finding the transition into the industry difficult given their background and skill set.

Over 70% of respondents said they were unaware of any new recruits to have joined their company in the last six months who previously worked in the military. More than 70% of respondents also believe the UK government’s national programme for retraining is not achieving enough.

Solider experience

Paul Davies found a position with the BP Maritime Services as an Electronic System's Engineer in January 2014.

Davies commented: “Before applying for the BP role I had sent in excess of 30 applications to different offshore companies and with the same block as ‘No Offshore experience’ Subsea Engineer or an ROV pilot technician.

“I have attended a number of oil and gas recruitment events run for serving or ex-serving armed forces personnel and these events have been useful in the fact that they seem to have on the face of it little or few vacancies and you feel that you really stand little chance against people already in the industry with years of experience.

“Having looked into training for certain roles, some of the costs are truly frightening. We do get some financial support through resettlement and education grants but they don't come close to what is the required level of funding for these courses.”

‘Foot in the door’

Kevin Forbes, CEO of oilandgaspeople.com, said: “The military is blessed with highly motivated and talented individuals, often with skill sets that would fit seamlessly into working in the North Sea oil and gas industry. Yet despite this many are struggling to get a foot in the door.

“Re-training is key to helping them to get in the industry. Yet many are finding the price of these courses unaffordable. A three-week ROV course can set you back £4000, for instance. The government and the industry should be focusing on giving grants to cover these costs to those with the most potential to succeed.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/18042014/ex_military_in_oil_and_gas_135/