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Allan
Wilson MSP yesterday proposed an Oil and Gas Academy based in Aberdeen in
order to support training and skills conversion.
The message is that the North Sea still represents a
vibrant offshore industry and that there will be great career opportunities
for
many years to come.
 Allan
Wilson MSP, who is the party's spokesman on energy as well as a Minister in
the Scottish Executive, yesterday proposed an Oil and Gas Academy based in
Aberdeen in order to support training and skills conversion. He said: "The
message is that the North Sea still represents a vibrant offshore industry
and that there will be great career opportunities for many years to come."
He said that discussions with the industry had revealed strong support for a
more structured approach to recruitment and training. Mr Wilson added: "The
idea of an Oil and Gas Academy both reinforces the work that the industry is
doing itself and also recognises the duty of the Scottish Executive to
provide skills training wherever it is needed".
Mr Wilson said that there was still a "strange reluctance" in some parts of
Scotland to recognise that Aberdeen is both easily accessible and provides
great career opportunities both offshore and onshore. He said: "I want to
get positive messages into schools and colleges throughout Scotland about
the future prospects for the industry.
"One of the great things about a career in the North Sea is that the skills
gained are transportable to anywhere in the world that has an offshore
industry. Young people entering the industry can look forward to well-paid,
challenging work and also the prospect of future travel, if that is what
they want to opt for".
On the plans for an ETI, Mr Wilson said that Aberdeen's status as the oil
and gas capital of Europe - now with a strong interest also in renewables -
made it an obvious candidate for a leading role in the UK-wide institute. He
said: "We will work closely with Scottish Enterprise the bodies to maximise
the impact of the bid and to develop partnerships with other parts of the
UK".
Graham Tran, Amicus Regional Officer stated “This is certainly one of the
most significant announcements from any Political Party in recent times in
relation to a commitment to the skills agenda in the Oil and Gas Industry.
Amicus welcomes the commitment by the Labour Party for an Oil and Gas
Academy at this very crucial time when there is a severe problem in
recruitment and retention.”
“The formation of such an Academy, with its base in Aberdeen, has to be a
skills agenda for all sectors of the industry and will be an excellent
opportunity for school leavers, and those seeking to transfer from other
industries.”
North East Labour MSP Richard Baker said,
"I very much welcome the priority Scottish Labour is giving to the creation
of an oil and gas skills academy and the commitment that it should be based
in Aberdeen. I have heard so often both from representatives of operators
and contractors that we need action to ensure we have the skills base in the
North East to support the industry as it continues to grow, and this
commitment can make a real difference in ensuring more people locally have
those skills.”
“It is an opportunity both for them and for the industry and will help
maintain Aberdeen's position as the energy capital of Europe. Our commitment
will help the industry grow while the nationalist's plans for separation
would bring an economic instability which would only damage its position in
Scotland."
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