Call to oil and gas professionals to support diversity group

An organisation that encourages under-represented groups to choose a career in the oil and gas industry is holding an event for energy professionals on Saturday (January 26).

Aberdeen-based AFBE-UK Scotland is a not-for-profit organisation that supports young people, particularly those of black and minority ethic (BME) origin, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

It has supported more than 1,000 people – from youngsters to industry professionals – through a series of Aberdeen events that have ranged from senior managers engaging with primary pupils, to talks by oil and gas industry leaders.

AFBE-UK Scotland is holding a lunch-and-learn session for experienced oil industry professionals that are looking to support the organisation in 2019. The group has experienced a sharp rise in interest following the success of its dinner and awards event last month.

Saturday’s event takes place at Woodbank, North Deeside Road, Cults from 1.30pm-4pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Dr Ollie Folayan, chairman of AFBE-UK Scotland and host for the occasion, said: “We’re looking forward to highlighting how oil and gas industry professionals can make a real difference in engaging with schools, universities and graduates.

“This is an opportunity to find out what we do at AFBE-UK Scotland and how those with experience can help the next generation take a step into an industry that has so much to offer.”

AFBE-Scotland has three main engagement programmes: its schools programme, NextGen, in which industry professionals give up their time to highlight engineering as a career choice; Transition, a series of events that builds relationships between students, industry professionals and potential employers; and, finally, Real Projects, which gives graduates and young engineers the opportunity to engage with seasoned industry veterans, usually with UK and international project expertise.

The next Transition takes place at Robert Gordon University on Saturday, February 16, at the Sir Ian Wood Building, from 9am-5pm. The gathering is a career workshop for students and recent graduates that offers CV advice, interview expertise and networking tips. In addition, Dr Tharaka, a motivational speaker on development, communication and leadership will also give a talk.

AFBE-UK will hold its first Transition event outwith Aberdeen on Saturday, March 2 (2019) when the programme is held at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University.

Registration for the Aberdeen lunch-and-learn event, via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afbe-uk-scotland-meet-and-greet-tickets-55075388971

For more information about AFBE-UK Scotland visit: http://www.afbescotland.org/