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BACK TO BASICS. How can we encourage young people to enter the oil & gas industry? John R. V. Brooks President, European Region, AAPG. Structure of Presentation. Context of the presentation Reasons for disinterest in the Oil & Gas Industry
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BACK TO BASICS How can we encourage young people to enter the oil & gas industry? John R. V. Brooks President, European Region, AAPG
Structure of Presentation • Context of the presentation • Reasons for disinterest in the Oil & Gas Industry • Key facts about the present recruitment situation • Stages during education when to stimulate interest • Ways to enhance interest and awareness • Methods of implementing solutions
Context of the Presentation • Directed at the anticipated future scarcity of Geoscientists, but the situation is applicable to sub-surface engineers as well • Set in a United Kingdom context, but both problems and solutions may have global applicability • Education systems present differences between countries • Possession of oil/gas in-country plays a part, as does the reliance upon external countries for supplies of oil and/or gas into the future
Reasons for disinterest in the Oil & Gas Industry • Misconceptions about the need for oil & gas • Reputation of industry is perceived as low • Environmental record is seen as poor • Contribution to “climate change” seen as high • Takeovers have resulted in layoffs of staff • Entry requirements seen as high & taxing • Employment seen as ”high stress” • Industry itself not making a robust case • Lack of understanding about what a job involves
Key Facts about the present recruitment situation • 50% of professional E & P staff are aged 40-50 • 15% are aged 20-35 • 50% of staff expected to retire within 10 years • Graduate recruitment is in decline
Stages to stimulate interest during education in the UK • Three opportunities: 1. Primary/Secondary School (7-16) 2. Planning University course (17-18) • At University during course • Considering career options • Society (e.g. AAPG) Student Chapters contribution
Enhancing interest and awareness1. The Early Years • Engage industry to give talks & careers visits • Sponsor TV programmes, fact sheets at garages, press articles & advertisements…. • Overcome lack of science teaching • Improve & employ outreach programs • e.g. Rockwatch (G.A.), GS, EI and AAPG programmes • Introduce more LA field trips • Galvanise Earth Science Teachers Association (ESTA) • Produce a coordinated strategy for the subsurface
Enhancing interest and awareness2. Pre-University • Encourage via A-Level (and equivalent) to choose Earth Science first degree with Petroleum elements • Build up over early years will cement this interest with Professional Society and Oil Company involvement
Enhancing interest and awareness3. At University • AAPG Student Chapter in place • Link into other societies and Oil Companies • Regular contact, give more lectures • Opportunities for vacation work • Participation in field trips • Build links with University Staff • Specify to Universities the requirements for Geoscientists • Develop Staff education programme via secondments
Implementing solutions - 1 • Oil Companies • 300 licensees are exploring and producing in the UK • all majors are represented (BP, Exxon, Shell, Total…) • Professional Societies involved include: • AAPG, Geological Society, EI • SPE, SEG, EAGE • GA, PESGB, WPC • UKOOA, OGP • Contractors • CHUGD (Committee of Heads of University Geol. Depts.) • ESTA (Earth Science Teachers Association) • plus Local Authorities, conference companies…
Implementing solutions - 2 • Co-ordination by all parties meeting with industry and reaching an agreed strategy and timetable for action • Formation of a cross-group to delegate functions in areas and to implement recommendations • Meetings with Industry and Universities to define needs • Set up a regional structure to mentor students • Perhaps recognise particular Universities • Provide support for pupils/students to attend events • Seek links between Schools and Universities • Conduct regular Careers Days
Conclusions • Efforts appear disjointed • Definition by Employers of requirements • Implementation by Universities with sponsorship • Meetings between all interested parties to co-ordinate efforts in a focussed fashion • Select elements of workforce for separate appropriate treatment, e.g. Geoscience, Reservoir & Petroleum Engineering, Production, Downstream, Refining. • Act in unison to achieve an end which will result in adequate staffing to find, produce and deliver hydrocarbons for at least 50 years.