The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Trade mission heading for east Africa
Scottish oil and gas companies are going on a third trade mission to east Africa in as many years to help narrow the region's gap.
The region has some of the world’s biggest gas fields, but its workforce needs to be trained the hydrocarbons.
Estimates suggest more than 100,000 local workers need to be trained in the next decade to prop up east Africa’s energy, mining and construction sectors.
In accordance with east African law, if foreign companies wish to set up operations in the region, percentage of their employees must be local populace.
Trips to the region by Scottish firms in 2014 and 2015 resulted in a number of partnerships being forged.
Dundee and Angus College signed a contract to provide welding courses to Kenyans, while Aberdeenbased MDT International delivered training in Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique.
Ten Scottish oil and gas training organisations are going to Tanzania and Mozambique this week. They will meet representatives from the energy and education ministries, local colleges, the Skills for Oil and Gas in Africa initiative, and the British Council.
David Rennie, international sector head for oil skills to recover for oaur supply chain, particularly for those comhirepdanfrioesmvtihsieting for the first time.”
Meanwhile, industry body Subsea UK has led a delegation of North Sea firms to Brazil for the Rio Oil and Gas Expo and Conference this week.
In partnership with the Department for International Trade and Scottish Development International, Subsea UK member companies are sharing the UK showcase pavilion at the event, including Innospection, Io Oil & Gas, James Fisher, JDR Cables, KOSO Kentintrol, Pacson and gas at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Companies are already seeing success in this key market and this third mission aims to facilitate, in this current climate, even more opportunities Valves, Seatronics, Sonardyne and Wood Group.
Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “British companies have been important players in the Brazilian market and should further expand their participation in the development of the sector for years to come.
“It’s vital the UK has a significant presence at events like this – it allows us to open doors for our supply chain, matching the UK's 40 years of subsea experience with the specific demands in emerging markets, helping British exporters to internationalise successfully.”