
Primary school pupils in Aberdeen recently learned about some of the oil and gas industry’s most exciting career opportunities as part of an EnQuest initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation to join the energy sector.
Around 20 pupils from Tullos Primary School visited Bond Offshore Helicopters at Dyce where they took part in a simulated walk through of security and check-in procedures – including watching a safety video and being shown a survival suit – before meeting some of the crew and getting a chance to sit on board a helicopter in the company’s main hangar.
Pilot Howard Hall and maintenance manager Mike Cameron gave the primary seven pupils an overview of how flights are planned and what it is like to fly offshore, as well as showing them the critical work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the helicopters are all maintained to the required strict standards and regulations.
North Sea oil producer EnQuest organised the event through its long-standing partnership with Tullos Primary School. This year, the focus is on creating educational and hands-on experiences that will help to inspire the pupils to work towards oil and gas related careers.
Neil McCulloch, President, North Sea, EnQuest – which is the largest UK independent producer in the North Sea – said: “Giving children an insight to the wide spectrum of career opportunities that the energy sector offers at an early age is important, given that it is the backbone of the local North-east economy, and that of the UK.
“It is particularly pertinent in light of the current and considerable challenges the industry is facing, which makes it more important than ever that we help youngsters understand that the industry still has a vibrant, long-term future ahead and offers exciting career prospects locally, nationally and globally.
“We hope that through our commitment to Tullos Primary and our close working relationship with Bond, the pupils gained a valuable insight into a key aspect of the oil and gas industry and are excited about the prospect of working in the sector.”