ASK any employer what their number one asset is, and they’ll say it’s their people.

By Jenny MacDonald ( Sector Development and Skills Planning Manager (Oil and Gas), Skills Development Scotland )

That’s just as true of the energy sector as it is of every other part of the economy. Whether you’re investing in technology, in infrastructure or in research and development, that investment will only pay dividends if you’ve got the right people in place to make the most of it.

That’s why skills are a fundamental part of the Vision 2035 Strategy currently being adopted by businesses in the energy sector. They recognise that embracing the developments of new technologies is crucial to their future, but also that people are central to delivering that future.

As the oil price stabilises and businesses look to capitalise on emerging markets, there is a growing discussion on understanding the future skills needs of the sector and the provision that’s available to help individuals with the necessary skills to reach the workplace, and to then prosper and continue to develop their skills throughout their careers.

As Scotland’s national skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is working closely with employers and stakeholders across the industry to support the drive towards achieving those strategic goals.

SDS administers the Scottish apprenticeship schemes on behalf of the Scottish government and the embedding of work-based learning within the energy sector is a central part of this drive, and so we welcome the recent publication of OPITO’s Skills Landscape 2019 – 2025 report.

It is encouraging to see the promotion and increasing use of apprenticeships acknowledged as a key priority and there is a real window of opportunity for stakeholders and partners - including SDS - to work collectively to support OPITO with the development of a measurable action plan to secure the current and future skills talent for the energy sector.

The report estimated that there will be a requirement for approximately 25,000 people to join the UKCS oil and gas workforce by 2025, of which 4,500 will be in roles that do not exist today.  This focuses on the skills gap left by those leaving the industry through natural attrition and retirement. To secure the future talent of the industry, apprenticeships will play a critical role.  

The sector has traditionally embedded Modern Apprenticeship schemes into many of their existing talent management programmes, and as these are being revised and refreshed to meet a growing skills demand in this new energy era, there is a real opportunity to explore the diverse range of apprenticeships that are available.  It’s important to note that these exist across not only engineering disciplines, but those such as HR, Finance and IT disciplines which are applicable to other areas of a business.

In 2015, SDS launched the Foundation Apprenticeship model which offers another pathway for any business looking to improve their skills pipeline, whilst helping young people get qualified through work experience and work-based learning in their senior school years.

The qualification is now recognised by Universities and colleges and can provide the opportunity for young people to accelerate their studies onto a Modern Apprenticeship programme.

Foundation Apprenticeships are available across 12 subjects, including business skills, engineering and IT, and can contribute to employers’ efforts to provide meaningful school engagement and to shape the new generation of talent into the energy sector.

Another key finding the report made was around the significant upskilling requirement to support the current workforce in this new energy era where there is a focus on the low carbon agenda, internationalisation and technology.  This will inevitably require new soft and technical skills as well as a new way of working.

Graduate Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for employers to meet some of these very challenges.  They provide the blend of academic learning with practical industry experience, leading to excellent career prospects and a salary from day one.

Not only can Graduate Apprenticeships help recruit new talent within the business but can also offer existing employees - regardless of age or experience -  the opportunity to upskill to degree level. It’s a great example of skills provision responding to industry need, bringing the skills system and industry closer together.

Fifteen graduate frameworks have been established already with more to follow such as the Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science.  These are being delivered by Universities right across Scotland and will prove of real value to the industry.

The OPITO report has delivered a key milestone on the journey to delivering Vision 2035 by providing an evidence base in which to inform the future direction of travel.  As we move forward in our collaborative efforts, SDS will also continue to work closely with industry, agencies and government to enhance the sector’s understanding of the Scottish skills and talent landscape and the products and services available which will contribute to wider efforts in delivering Vision 2035.

• To find out more on SDS’s support for employers, visit ourskillsforce.co.uk

• To find out more about apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.scot