Wireline Issue 46 - Autumn 2019

(L-R) Neptune Energy CEO Jim House; executive chairman Sam Laidlaw.

from primary and secondary education through to colleges, universities and specialist training providers. “All of these — and more — are part of the supply chain that provides the industry with the skills and expertise it needs, and we know many parts of that chain want to contribute ideas about the changes we need to see,” he adds. Forging Alliances As a key step forward, OPITO has issued a call to action to a wide range of stakeholders — including OGUK, organisations across industry, education and the public sector — to join a new Skills Alliance. It’s hoped the first meeting of the Alliance will take place before the end of 2019, after which groups will be established to deal with specific and varied challenges faced in this arena. These groups will then report back to the Alliance. “We believe it’s how we effect change — bringing the best people together to look at the challenges and develop solutions,” says John. “It’s also important, and welcome, that we have the support of both the Scottish and UK Governments in this work, through ministers, civil servants and agencies such as Skills Development Scotland [SDS],” he adds. “They’re asking us how government can help the process, and that’s encouraging.”

Image above: OPITO chief executive John McDonald.

“There is a greater number of smaller, more nimble organisations in both the operator and contractor communities, and that’s creating new opportunities and new ways of working."

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