OPEX Group Supports New Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship

OPEX Group, an Aberdeen-based provider of data science and predictive analysis services, has shown commitment to attracting fresh talent into the oil and gas industry by supporting Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) newly launched Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science.

Demand for data science and data analysis skills across all industries has grown significantly in recent years, with the European Commission forecasting in their 2017 report that 100,000 new data-related jobs would be created in Europe by 2020.

OPEX have been working closely with universities to address the challenge of recruiting the next generation of data scientists into the oil and gas industry.

Scott Kinsey, who is one of the first students on the new four-year Graduate Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Data Science, joined OPEX Group this month as their first apprentice.

Scott will work as part of the OPEX Group team for the duration of the 4-year course, spending dedicated time each week on work-based learning activities and engaging with course materials and fellow apprentices online to combine practical and theoretical learning. Based at their new state-of-the-art premises in Aberdeen, Scott will be mentored by one of OPEX’s data scientists, Matej Svoboda, who joined OPEX after he graduated from RGU three years ago with a postgraduate degree in data science.

Matej said: “We are delighted to welcome Scott to the team, and we hope this industry apprenticeship provides him with a real insight into the application of data science and the impact it can have on the oil and gas industry.

“With a current shortage of data scientists, this is a new, innovative and ambitious course that will provide a strong starting point for a career in this space.  I’m grateful to have the opportunity to mentor Scott over the next four years.”

In his role at OPEX Group, Matej applies a range of data science techniques to help oil and gas operating companies solve complex problems, improve the performance of their systems and assets and predict threats to stable operations. 50% of OPEX’s workforce have data science or data analysis skills with the remainder coming from oil and gas engineering and asset management backgrounds.

Dr Hatem Ahriz, Course Leader for the GA in Data Science at RGU, added: “The Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science at RGU combines academic knowledge with work-based learning to enable students to optimise their time within the workplace while participating in the course and enjoying innovative teaching, learning and assessment.

“The course covers topics which offer students a thorough grounding in data analytics, data management, data engineering, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students will be able to help their organisations gain insight from their data to drive innovation and efficiency.

“OPEX Group has been very supportive of the course from the onset and we are delighted to welcome Scott to the course and have Matej as his mentor after he, himself, graduated from RGU with an MSc Data Science.”