A new scholarship scheme launched by one of the biggest energy services companies in the world will enable students from sub-Saharan Africa to gain all the benefits of postgraduate education at the heart of the mature North Sea industry.
The new programme launched by Halliburton is a partnership with the University of Aberdeen, and builds on a growing relationship since the organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in summer 2010.
The new scholarships provide full costs including fees, accommodation, travel and living costs for around 12 students undertaking one-year Masters courses in engineering or geosciences at Aberdeen, and who will return to positions in the energy industry in their home countries in Sub-Saharan Africa on completion of the programme.
The first four students arrived in Aberdeen in January from Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana, and have now begun their courses in Oil and Gas Enterprise. They will have a close relationship with Halliburton throughout their course, including projects and work placements and an internship on completing the programme.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Aberdeen and Halliburton was signed in July 2010 with an agreement to work collaboratively on teaching and research to equip students with the skills they need to meet the future demands of the energy sector.
An initial £30,000 scholarship programme was launched for students commencing their third year of engineering and geology degrees, and equipment worth £200,000 was donated to create a new 3D visualisation suite at the University. This donation was in addition to software totalling over £7million gifted by Halliburton since 2001.
“Halliburton is proud to be able to partner with the University of Aberdeen to support these students who are the next generation of engineers and geoscientists who will help their home countries develop their energy resources,” said David Mladenka, Halliburton’s Vice President, United Kingdom. “We are looking forward to working with them as they learn about the most advanced technologies in our industry.”
Welcoming the new Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship Scheme, University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “Halliburton is one of the world’s leading energy companies and our partnership places us in a unique position to work together to attract and develop new talent for the future of the energy industry across the world.
“I am delighted that this global group has chosen to invest in nurturing bright young scholars from the African countries. Here in Aberdeen we will give them a unique student learning experience at the heart of the mature yet continually innovating North Sea industry which will equip them well for leadership roles in their own home countries.”