The new students will be part of a one year all-girl course for 14–16 year olds, in secondary education. Designed by Banff & Buchan College and Shell to build skills around science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and open the young women’s eyes to the energy industry’s wealth of careers.
In the last intake, four girls from Mintlaw Academy headed to Shell for two weeks of industry experience to find out more about the oil and gas business from the inside.
“Building the future skills base of the oil and gas industry in Scotland is a key priority, therefore ensuring that young women see an opportunity in the industry is vital” said Glen Cayley, Upstream Director Shell UK & Ireland. “I’m always encouraged to see young people excited and fascinated by their first experiences of the business, and Shell is working to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists in our own backyard.”
The girls got to explore all aspects of producing oil and gas in the North Sea. Amongst their many activities they donned survival suits in preparation for offshore helicopter transfer; drove a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and learnt about advances in subsea robots at Subsea 7; met women working in the industry at St Fergus Gas Plant; and visited the many onshore specialty departments supporting the offshore teams.
Abbey Thomson, aged sixteen said, “I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had not thought of doing engineering for a career as I thought it was a man’s job! Before I went on the Shell Industry Experience I wanted to do mechanical engineering, as I like hands-on activities. After the work experience I would like to do instrument and control engineering, as its hand on but I don’t have to get all mucky!”
Opening up career options and opportunities is key to the success of the programme, key to increased participation in STEM subjects from a young age, and key to looking for solutions to critical challenges such as meeting soaring global energy demand while limiting CO2 emissions.
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