A University of Aberdeen student has beaten off tough competition from students from around Scotland to be named as the 2014 Energy Apprentice, in an event organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen Section.
Enitome Buluku, 22, an MSc Oil and Gas Engineering student, was selected last week by a panel of expert judges from Halliburton, the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre, Baker Hughes and Thor Holt Limited, an oil and gas presentation training company.
Sponsored by Total, students from around Scotland took part in the competition which saw entrants whittled down throughout four challenging rounds of competition based on their individual and team performance. Rounds included technical questions which tested oil and gas industry knowledge, team problem solving challenges and fast-paced mock interviews.
The last three remaining students were asked to give a technical presentation on what they expected to be the biggest driver of the North Sea over the next 20 years, which saw Enitome triumph as the winner.
Robert Gordon University students Oghosa Ken Obazee, 25, who is studying MSc Petroleum and Production Engineering and Mohammed Ayaz Ahmed, 24, an MSc Drilling and Well Engineering student, took second and third place respectively.
SPE Aberdeen Chairman Ross Lowdon, said: “The Energy Apprentice competition was designed to give students an insight into the oil and gas industry and prepare them for what to expect when it comes to securing a job in a competitive market. The talent and enthusiasm demonstrated by the students was extremely impressive and it is exciting to see the next generation workforce beginning to show their potential.
“Events that encourage collaboration between students and more experienced industry professionals are a great way to inspire those thinking about their first steps on the oil and gas career ladder. These opportunities can be rare, however a major focus for SPE Aberdeen is initiating these links with a view to safeguard the future of our industry with the best talent.
“I would like to thank the judges and sponsors that provided their support and allowed us to present these students with this exciting opportunity. I would also like to thank the SPE Aberdeen Young Professionals for their contribution to making this event happen.”
Enitome, who won £300 towards his studies as part of the prize, said: “I am very proud to have won the title of Energy Apprentice 2014. There was a high level of talent and to be selected out of so many students is a fantastic surprise.
“Taking part in the competition has been a challenging but fun experience and most importantly, it’s been great to be able to talk to people working in the industry. As students, it can be difficult to establish those relationships, which is the reason that I joined SPE.
“Being recognised as the Energy Apprentice is a big confidence boost and I look forward to progressing a career in oil and gas engineering.”
This the second time the SPE Aberdeen Energy Apprentice competition has taken place, following Lalit Bhamere’s win in 2012. The event runs every two years.