Oiling the wheels of industry? It’s a gas!
THE oil and gas sector is set for expansion after Budget changes to encourage investment in more North Sea projects. ‘A further 10,000 people are needed in the industry in the short term, with thousands more needed in years to come,’ says Alison Spice, of Opito, the oil and gas industry’s skills, learning and workforce development body. Opito has just launched a new website, called
myoilandgascareer.com, for school leavers, graduates and people who want to transfer into the industry, including details of Opito’s oil and gas modern apprenticeship scheme, which is open for applications until April 20. The biggest demand in the oil and gas industry, and among companies that supply it, is for engineers. Jinhan Lim, 28, is an electrical engineer working for Wood Group PSN, subcontracted to Talisman Energy, a Canadian oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the North Sea. ‘I provide support and work on projects to increase the energy efficiency of offshore platforms, for instance by installing power management systems to use generators only when they are required,’ he says. ‘Oil and gas is a growing field and has a steady demand for engineers,’ adds Jinhan, who graduated in electronics and electrical engineering. Oil and gas jobs are not restricted to engineers and technicians. For instance, Shell wants graduates for its IT and finance graduate schemes, for an immediate start, and has open graduate schemes in human resources, supply chain and distribution, sales and marketing and more (see shell.co.uk). Pay in oil and gas tends to be better than in many other sectors. Recruiter Hays’ 2012 oil and gas salary survey shows that average global graduate salaries ranged from £17,800 to £29,500, while directors can earn more than £117, 000.