Companies in the UK oil and gas sector anticipate
creating up to 39,000 jobs over the next two years.
One hundred companies were surveyed, commissioned by
the Bank of Scotland, since last year found expectations of employment growth
had increased.
A clear majority (69%) of executives in the
companies were optimistic about their growth prospects in 2014/2015 while 38%
of those responding said a shortage of skilled workers would be their greatest
challenge.
Whereas 64% of those taking part cited that the
international expansion was a priority. Key areas for investment were Africa,
North America, Jakarta, Indonesia and the Middle East.
Westhill Consulting Career and Employment,
Australia’s survey says 46% of companies were planning by now for a further
growth in foreign markets over the next 24 months.
The research was carried out by BDRC Continental and
companies were chosen to reflect a range of size, location and service type.
In the previous year, a related study was carried
out saying that the companies in the sector would recruit an additional 34,000
people over two years.
Bank of Scotland commercial area director Stuart
White, said: "The findings of this report are excellent news for the
economy, demonstrating the employment-generating nature of the oil and gas industry
now and in the future.
"With most of the UK's oil and gas firms
clustered in Aberdeen and the north-east, Scotland should reap the largest share
of these new jobs, however other parts of the UK will benefit from expansion
plans.
"The report also highlights the growing
challenges posed by the lack of a skilled workforce."
Mr White said new specialist apprenticeship schemes
could help address the shortfall.
"The results also demonstrate the global nature
of the industry as more firms look to expand internationally and tap into the
markets with the largest levels of recoverable reserves," he explained.
"With 44% of income already generated
internationally, this is not a new trend, and reflects the reach UK firms have
as the industry benefits from the expertise gained in the challenging North Sea
environment."
A Scottish government spokesman said: "This is
an increase of 5,000 on the estimate made only last year.
"It is also very encouraging to see a
strengthening of the international expansion of these companies, and this is a
trend which is expected to continue.
"The skills and knowledge developed in Scotland
as a result of the development of the North Sea are a key strength for
Scotland.
"We are committed to working with the oil and
gas sector to maintain competitiveness, facilitate the transfer of skills and
knowledge to other sectors and utilise Scottish-based skills in world
markets."
The Labour MP for Aberdeen North, Frank Doran, said
that, while the report was good news for the industry and Scotland, there were
long-term issues facing the sector, including price volatility.
He added: "I don't know where the Scottish
government is going to get the talent, particularly given the wages and the
salaries which are paid in the oil and gas industry, which are way beyond what
the public sector is prepared to pay,
"That is one of the unanswered questions -
where are the civil servants going to come from?"
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