Increase in UK Oil and Gas Offshore Workforce

Statistics in the 2014 UK Offshore Workforce Demographics Report published by Oil & Gas UK reveal the total number of people travelling offshore has increased by 8.6% compared to 2012, with offshore workers in the 24-29 age group recording the highest percentage growth at almost 14.7%. There has also been a slight drop in the average age for an offshore worker which is consistent with Oil & Gas UK’s findings in previous years.

Dr Alix Thom, Oil & Gas UK’s employment and skills issues manager, said: “The data in this year’s report confirms that in 2006-2013 the largest increase in the offshore population was in the18-29 age group. Their presence, and the fact that the average age of the total offshore workforce has dropped from 41.1 in 2012 to 40.8 in 2013, is helping to dispel the common misconception that the offshore population is ageing.

“However, this good news must be considered against the 8% reduction in production seen in 2013 and the fact that there has been a slight drop in the proportion of female employees relative to the total offshore population. Women now comprise 3.6% of the total offshore population representing a decrease of almost 0.2% since 2012. Given the current level of demand for skilled employees, and the high level of activity on the UK Continental Shelf, it is in the industry’s interest to increase its focus on tackling this lack of gender diversity as it represents a significant, but not fully utilised, pool of talent.”