Engineering news
GE Oil and Gas, Subsea Systems is looking to fill 100 roles in Aberdeen
The oil and gas industry must lure engineers from other sectors if it is to avoid the impact of chronic skill shortages, a leading executive has said.
Rod Christie, chief executive of GE Oil and Gas, Subsea Systems, said that the offshore sector had historically been too inward looking when it came to its recruitment processes.
Christie's own company has more than 100 job vacancies in Aberdeen, where it designs and builds large structures like subsea trees, wellhead systems and manifolds. He said that a failure to fill the roles would slow the pace at which the business could grow.
Speaking at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, Christie commented: “As an industry, we have been too inward looking. There has been a mindset that unless you come from the industry, you have no place in it.
“We have got to bring in people from anywhere that has transferable skills. If not, it could put the brakes on the pace of development.”
GE Oil and Gas Subsea Systems has been attracting engineers from the aerospace, automotive and nuclear sectors. And Christie urged other oil and gas firms to work together to attract new recruits from related industries. “We all have to do our part. It is not down to one person or organisation. It has to be an industry play.”
Christie said that GE Oil and Gas has seen its business increase exponentially in recent years as offshore operating conditions become more challenging. “We are working at higher pressures and higher temperature, and maintaining ageing assets. It's a challenge,” he said.
Christie's comments came as a leading migration agent said that Australian companies were actively looking for British engineers to emigrate to fill roles Down Under.
Recent Australian government investment in infrastructure has generated increased demand for qualified civil and structural engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers and mining engineers for work on projects including the planning, design and construction of dams, bridges, pipelines, gas and water supply networks, sewerage systems and airports.
Paul Arthur, director at The Emigration Group said: “Australia is an engineering hotspot. It is always looking for qualified professionals to work overseas to assist with new projects and developments.
“Recent investments by the Australian government have provided great opportunities for both newly trained and experienced engineers in all sectors. The salary and lifestyle the country offers is unique and highly desirable to Brits.”