University Responds to Skills Demand

University responds to skills demand in the energy sector Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has launched two new courses targeted at professionals in the energy sector following demand from businesses.

The MSc Commercial Practice for the Energy Sectors will accept its first cohort of students in January 2012 and will be delivered part time by open distance learning, allowing students to fit their studies around their work and home life.

Mohammed Kishk, course leader said: “In recent years we’ve seen a growing demand from oil and gas companies for surveying and project management graduates to work in commercial management type roles. This course is designed to help professionals who wish to develop their skills in commercial management with particular focus on oil, gas, renewables and decommissioning industries.”

The energy sector is keen to produce more graduates with the skills required to deliver best value and economic viability for their projects. As a result they have been closely involved in the development of the course with input from sector experts from all parts of the supply chain.

Robert Gordon University will also offer an MSc Offshore Renewables from January 2013, again delivered by distance learning.

Dr Jesse Andrawus, course leader said: “The Scottish Government has forecast that by 2020 an additional 26,000 jobs could be created in the renewable energy sector with a further 28,000 specifically in offshore wind. There is therefore a very real need for graduates with the skills required to drive this developing sector forward.”

The course will be targeted at engineers or those in a related discipline wishing to develop broad and wide-ranging experience which will equip them to apply the fundamental principles of engineering and project management to assess and manage lifecycle phases of offshore renewable projects. It will provide students with an understanding of the physical, technological, economic and environmental aspects of renewable energy sources, and of their present and potential future role in energy supply systems.