BACK TO BASICSBACK TO BASICSHow can we encourage young people

to enter the oil & gas industry?

John R. V. Brooks

President, European Region,

AAPG

Structure of PresentationStructure 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 PresentationContext 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

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

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

Stages to stimulate interest during education in the UK

Three opportunities:

1. Primary/Secondary School (7-16)

2. Planning University course (17-18)

3. At University during course

– Considering career options

– Society (e.g. AAPG) Student Chapters contribution

Enhancing interest and awareness1. The Early Years

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

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 awareness2. Pre-University

Enhancing interest and awareness2. Pre-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

Enhancing interest and awareness3. At University

Enhancing interest and awareness3. At University

Implementing solutions - 1Implementing 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…

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

Implementing solutions - 2Implementing solutions - 2

ConclusionsConclusions

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.