Scottish Independence: not likely to affect oil and gas industry

John Rowley, CEO, Atlas, comments on recent reports that Scottish Independence is not a top concern for oil and gas businesses.

The results of a survey, carried out by Ernst & Young, have found that the possibility of Scottish Independence is not particularly high on most oil and gas managers' minds. Instead, the key concern that is keeping them up at night is attracting and retaining talent. So regardless of the outcome of the Independence referendum, the real debate remains on how the UK can develop the skills and talents needed for one of our most economically critical industries.

Even minimum disruptions to North Sea output, contribute significantly to the UK's economic performance. In fact, extractive industries, which include mining and quarrying but to which North Sea oil and gas make up the vast bulk, contribute 2.4% of total UK GDP, according to the Office for National Statistics. Clearly the continuing success of the UKCS is crucial for future economic growth, and that means we need to find a solution to the skills gap.

Skill shortages in the oil and gas industry
Another recent study by OPITO and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) found that more than half of firms in the sector identify skill shortages as their 'number one challenge', with technical skills such as engineering a particular area of concern. In a report in December 2011, issued by Lloyds Banking Group, 46% of respondents cited a 'dearth of industry talent' as an impediment to growth. At the same time there is a drive for standardisation across the industry, both for technical knowledge and skills, and for safety training.

One thing that could help solve the skills gap is a shift towards integrated online training. However, given the benefits that demonstrably can and are being achieved, it is cause for concern that oil and gas lags slightly in its adoption of this technology, compared to other sectors. Business leaders in the sector should look seriously at what is available in this innovative group of technologies to prevent skills issues becoming the sticking point in their drive for future success.

Edited by Cecilia Rehn

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/26112013/scottish_independence_not_a_top_concern_for_oil_and_gas_businesses/