APPLICATIONS for this year’s Oil and Gas Technical Apprenticeship Programme (OGTAP) cohort is now open as the nation marks National Apprenticeship Week.
The OGTAP scheme, led by OPITO, the global skills and safety organisation, and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), on behalf of oil and gas industry operators and major contractors, was launched in 1999 to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled and competent technicians.
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Since then, more than 2,000 people have completed the four-year apprenticeship across a number of disciplines from instrument and control, electrical maintenance mechanical maintenance and process operations.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are currently more than 340 apprentices completing their training through a combination of theoretical, college-based learning and practical learning on worksites and offshore.
Jill Glennie, OPITO director of external affairs and apprenticeships, said: “Apprenticeships are crucial to our sector’s future success. To drive the economic recovery, it is more critical than ever to provide training and development opportunities to secure the next generation workforce.
“It’s a time of tremendous change and transformation in the energy industry, and an exciting time for apprentices embarking on their career journey. As ever, the continued support and commitment of our partners – OGTAP sponsor companies and colleges – is vital and much appreciated.
“Governments recognise the importance of apprenticeships as a vocational method of training, and the combination of theoretical knowledge with practical, ‘on the job’ learning, in creating the skills required for the future.”
OPITO’s 2019 Workforce Dynamics report highlighted the need to continue to upskill and reskill the existing workforce, as well as attract new people to the industry.
The report also highlighted that there will be an estimated 4,500 completely new roles that don’t currently exist, such as data science, automation and new materials.
Jenny MacDonald, Skills Development Scotland sector development and skills planning manager for oil & gas, said: “This is an exciting time at which to have the opportunity to enter the oil and gas industry as new roles emerge through the transition to a net-zero economy.
“It shows the industry is committed to developing young talent and to offering opportunities through the Young Person’s Guarantee.
“It’s vital that employers recognise the importance of nurturing the next generation of skills if we are to take advantage of new technologies in areas such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.”
