A pioneering collaboration aimed at inspiring the next generation of much-needed petrophysicists into the energy sector has been hailed by industry leaders as an “invaluable catalyst” towards helping to address the worldwide skills shortage in the sector.
Global energy services company Senergy and the University of Aberdeen have joined forces to develop an MSc Petrophysics and Formation Evaluation programme in direct response to the growing demand for petrophysicists.
The programme is believed to be a world first because it is not only dedicated to the discipline of petrophysics but it is designed as a modular programme to allow a flexible approach for people wishing to combine studies with their work.
One of the key objectives in the design of the programme is to address the shortfall of “practitioners” in the industry, who can do the job as well as understand the science and the techniques.
Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive of Oil and Gas UK, who officially launched the course at the University of Aberdeen on Tuesday, May 21, said: “Petrophysicists perform a crucial role in the oil and gas industry therefore it is essential that we continue to provide an entry route and indeed a development route for this vital aspect of our business.
“Senergy and the University of Aberdeen have demonstrated a highly-commendable commitment to collaborate on this enterprising initiative which should prove an invaluable catalyst towards ensuring the industry has a sufficient supply of expertise in this vital area. I believe the programme is unique in that, besides being offered in the UK, it can be delivered anywhere in the world and is underpinned by expertise in both academia and industry.”
Senergy, a world-leading provider of fully-integrated project and asset development services across the energy industry, also delivers training services through its technical training division across a range of specialist disciplines including petrophysics, core analysis, geomechanics (sand production and wellbore stability), reservoir seismic characterisation and geology.
Senergy’s Training division recognised the opportunity to train petrophysicists utilising the much sought after skills of Senergy petrophysicists. The company then approached the University of Aberdeen, world renowned for its academic credentials including its diverse energy portfolio, to support the initiative. As a result, both parties entered into a partnership to develop the programme which has since been accredited by the university.
Alasdair Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer at Senergy, said: “Senergy prides itself in being a visionary company which focuses on delivering innovative and integrated solutions. This exciting collaboration with the University on the Masters programme is another example of our forward-thinking approach when it comes to investing in the talent of the future whilst forging further links with clients around the globe. Collaboration with academia comes with mutual benefits to both institutions and allows considerable added value to our respective offerings. The skills of the petrophysicist make a vital contribution to the industry and we are proud to be playing this major part in the development of those skills going forward.”
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “This is a great example of partnership in action which directly addresses the needs of industry by taking advantage of the University’s outstanding international reputation in geosciences. The MSc programme will significantly open up opportunities for people interested in becoming petrophysicists and developing their own careers, and will also appeal to companies wishing to develop further their talent pool.”
The Masters programme, which is due to begin in September, is open to graduates or equivalent with an existing position in the oil and gas industry who have backgrounds in, for example, geosciences, physical sciences, mathematics or engineering.
The modular programme, delivered by industry experts and which has two taught years and a project sees topics aimed at building knowledge and understanding introduced sequentially. This programme can be delivered anywhere in the world and attendance is required approximately four times per year, with each block lasting for one to two weeks. This approach is designed to provide maximum flexibility, allowing working individuals to continue their respective jobs whilst working towards a Masters degree from a leading University.
Senergy already delivers specialist training to companies around the world and will be marketing this new programme on a global basis.
For more information on the new MSc In Petrophysics and Formation Evaluation see here