OPITO has developed and registered "The Modern Apprenticeship for the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry" Training programmes are currently running to provide skilled young people as Process Operations Technicians and as Maintenance Technicians , delivered within the M.A. framework.

These programmes are benefiting from Skillseeker in Scotland and are principally funded and sponsored by major companies such as;

Amerada Hess
Marathon Oil
Mobil North Sea
Shell UK Expro
TotalFinaElf

Who also are represented within the OPITO Management Group.

Initial training takes place in Technical Colleges where qualifications in firther education and in skills training are gained over a 2 year period . This isnfollowed by a further 2 year period of on-the-job training where skills qualifications are built upon , which lead to award pof Nationally recognised Modern Apprenticeship certificates. Eventually , full time employment in a dynamic Industry is the anticipated and likely outcome .

The growing demand for technicians is being partly met by this OPITO led initiative . Currently , the Modern Apprenticeship is being promoted across all sectors of the Industry across the UK . although at present , entrants are school leavers of 16 - 18 years of age , it is anticipated that Industry requirements will lead to the M.A. framework being extended and adapted for other categories of entrants .

Also available are a description of the programmes currently being delivered, and some Frequently asked Questions.