Chairman's Message: February 2017

Dear SPE Aberdeen members, colleagues and friends, The theme of Offshore Europe in 2015 was ‘inspiring the next generation’; SPE Aberdeen fully embraced this and continues to do so. Any surplus from our events and activities is re-invested in a wide range of initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of industry professionals; this investment is supported by our volunteers’ time, expertise and enthusiasm. Our section has invested almost £200,000 over the last five years to support initiatives promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. This includes about £80,000 in scholarships to support students studying oil and gas related qualifications in order to relieve the financial stresses faced by students and allow them to focus on their studies. Our School and Career Guidance (SCG) committee plays a significant role in encouraging young people to study STEM subjects, which are fundamental to the energy industry’s future workforce. We have been long term supporters and sponsors of the Techfest annual “Festival of Science” and their “Maths in the Pipeline” programme. The SCG committee was also instrumental in tailoring Energy4me, SPE’s global energy schools programme (primary and secondary), to fit with the Scottish schools Curriculum for Excellence, developing the materials and training teachers to speak knowledgeably about our industry. We also support “Inside Industry”, a career guidance website, which is targeted specifically towards the energy industry. It is the only tool of its kind focused on providing first class industry driven career information and advice and has been rolled out across more than 300 schools in Scotland. It is currently award season globally, including here in Aberdeen. Next month we will be celebrating over thirty years of innovation and collaboration at the 31^st Offshore Achievement Awards. This event is the biggest and longest established industry awards for the UK offshore energy sector, covering all aspects from supply to upstream operations and offshore renewables. Its success ensures we are able to continue inspiring the next generation. The finalists for this year’s awards have already been revealed and the winners will be announced at the black tie event on 23^rd March. If you would like to join us at this event you can find booking details here. Ian Phillips  SPE Aberdeen Chairman