This month, the UK’s offshore industry apprenticeship scheme is welcoming 105 apprentices to its ranks, almost double the number who joined the scheme in 2016.

They will be joining the Oil & Gas Technical Apprentice Programme, a scheme that is managed by the industry skills body OPITO, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, and has brought almost 2,000 young people into the industry since being set up in 1998.

This latest intake comes after Oil & Gas UK’s 2018 Workforce Report confirmed that the industry has continued to recruit young talent throughout the downturn, with the number of offshore workers under the age of 30 up by 20% since 2016. H

owever, with women representing just 3% of the offshore workforce and 23% of the overall industry workforce, Oil & Gas UK says the industry must retain its focus on improving diversity and inclusion across the sector.

Paul Atkinson, chief executive of the Offshore Contractors Association and a member of the steering group that oversees the scheme, said: “This apprenticeship scheme is a key part of on-going efforts to encourage young people into the industry, which offers exciting opportunities for a fulfilling career.

"This year’s intake of 105 apprentices — up from 55 two years ago — demonstrates that we have successfully continued to recruit young talent into the industry throughout the downturn.

"This is a positive sign for the industry as it continues to recover from the most severe and prolonged global oil downturn in history.”

Deirdre Michie, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: “The industry’s Oil and Gas Technical Apprentice Programme is recognised as one of the most successful apprentice schemes of its kind, giving young people the theoretical and practical experience needed for a rewarding career in oil and gas.

"I am delighted to see so many young people preparing to join the industry in this year’s intake.”