The oil and gas industry, which currently supports one in 80 jobs across the UK, will provide careers for some 12,000 new entrants over the next five years according to a report: ‘Fuelling the next generation’.

The report, produced by professional services firm EY, was commissioned by offshore trade association Oil & Gas UK, sector skills organisation OPITO and the UK Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Dispelling the popular ‘ageing workforce’ myth, the report reveals the offshore oil and gas industry has a relatively young workforce. It notes the industry has a lower proportion of over-55s at just over 10% compared to a national average of 32%. In addition, the proportion of those aged 35 and below represents approximately 40% of the workforce compared to a national average of 31%.

The report also shows that the sector is making successful efforts to build a sustainable pool of talent for the future with 86% of companies having programmes in place for graduates and/or apprentices and the sector supporting 6000 graduates and 13,000 apprentices.