Oil and gas companies will need to find a way to harness skills learnt in the last 50 years in order to benefit the future workforce, according to a leading HR expert.
Kate Butterworth, global HR leader for multinational businesses Hydratight & Viking Sea Tech, said focus needs to be placed on mentoring those moving into the sector.
The words of advice come after Energy Voice unveiled the final tranche of its research project which will focus on the next generation and the future of the North Sea.
Participants will also have the chance to win a Breitling Superocean 42 courtesy of Finnies the Jewellers by taking part.
Future industry leaders will also be the focus of Energy Voice’s Offshore Europe event which takes place on September 2 at the Tivoli theatre in Aberdeen.
Butterworth said: “I believe there are two real challenges – to retain experience at the same time as recruiting and training new talent.
“As the UK Continental shelf marks its 50th anniversary this year, we need to find ways to harness the skills and learning of those who have seen the industry develop and change for the benefit of younger and less experienced talent.
“Within the Actuant group we place a strong emphasis on structured mentoring and coaching programmes and career development.”
“The oil and gas industry offers a host of opportunities for those wanting to explore the global market place- identifying options for younger and less experienced staff who want a different cultural experience, while helping them to achieve their developmental and career goals, is important.
“The industry also offers the chance to have a real impact – our engineers are working on products and services for critical pipelines, and their work is crucial to ensuring longevity of the industry.”
The event on September 2 is being held in partnership with RGU, Burness Paull, EY, Douglas Westwood, Fifth Ring and AVC media.
The research will be discussed by a panel which includes industry leader Sir Ian Wood, Derek Leith office managing partnerat EY Aberdeen and the firm’s UK head of oil and gas taxation and Offshore Europe co-chairman Michael Engell-Jensen.
Support has come from across the industry for the event and Scottish Energy Minister said the government supported “continued dialogue” within the sector.
Oil and Gas UK’s Deidre Michie said the sector still has “much to offer the next generation who will play a vital role in securing and supporting the sector’s long-term future.”
By Niamh Forrest
