O&G: A ‘men-only’ industry?

OPITO, the skills and standards body for the oil and gas sector is backing a UK Government campaign that aims to dispel myths about ‘men-only’ industries and inspire the rise of women across a range of business sectors.

The Department for Work and Pensions’ “Not Just For Boys Campaign” is encouraging women to pursue careers in roles where they may be under-represented, such as engineering and science. OPITO has joined a host of businesses and individuals across the UK using the hashtag #NotJustForBoys on social media to raise awareness and celebrate women working across a range of industries.

Women in oil & gas

The future of women in the oil and gas industry was a major focus of last year’s UK and Scottish government backed National Oil and Gas Skills week, led by OPITO. Various events were held across the UK to raise awareness of the challenges currently faced by women working in the oil and gas industry

Morven Spalding, skills director of OPITO UK said: “Not Just for Boys is a fantastic initiative and one that complements the vision that we have as a company to celebrate the fantastic work that women do in the oil and gas industry.”

Related: Women Could Help Resolve the Shortage of Skills Problem (UK)

“When it comes to increasing the number of women who work in this sector, whether it be onshore or offshore, we know that women themselves are best placed to let us know what support they need. By backing this campaign we are embracing another fantastic platform to showcase women in science, engineering and maths careers and allow their brilliance to speak for itself,” Spalding said.

Companies and individuals across the UK are being encouraged to lend their backing to the campaign by joining the social media conversation using #NotJustForBoys hashtag or taking part in government backed initiatives such as becoming a mentor in the new enterprise allowance scheme.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “The modern face of women in work in the UK is largely unrecognisable from the choices available to our grandmothers, and as part of our long-term economic plan I want to support even more women make the most of the record vacancies UK businesses are creating.

“Through the #notjustforboys campaign we want to energise young girls and support more women to make the choices that are right for them, and have the security of a regular wage in an industry that’s driving Britain’s growth.”