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The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Bruce MPLiberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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MCINNES AND BRUCE: OIL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR ENERGY ACADEMY
September 6, 2012 4:24 PM
MCINNES AND BRUCE: OIL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR ENERGY ACADEMY
North East Liberal Democrat parliamentarians Malcolm Bruce MP and Alison McInnes MSP have today called on both of Scotland's governments to work together to help create an Aberdeen Energy Academy. A report published last year by PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) proposed the creation of such an academy, which would enhance collaboration between the North Sea oil industry and the academic sector.
The parliamentarians have backed today's PwC report which identifies 120,000 skilled trainees are required, repeats the calls for an Energy Academy and asks that more is done to foster collaborative links in the industry.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon Sir Malcolm Bruce said:
"We have known for some time that over half of the oil industry's workforce is over 45. I'm aware of a number of companies in the North East who are currently recruiting and looking for more skilled workers to boost their workforce. We need a facility that will create trainees for both the short and long term- not only to replace an aging workforce but to also service a global industry and strengthen Aberdeen's position as a global centre of excellence.
"I welcome the Prime Minister's response at question time in Westminster today when I raised this issue with him and his commitment to look at what the British Government can do to help provide the extra capacity needed to help the local economy in the North East continue to expand. I will be following up on this commitment. "
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Scotland Alison McInnes said:
"For the Aberdeen Energy Academy to be a success, which I really hope it is, we will need commitment from Holyrood and Westminster governments. It is vital that we open up talks between the industry, academia and the government. Only then will we be able to ascertain how best to take this project forward and turn it into a reality.
ENDS