Member Article

North Sea Discovery Could Add Further Pressure to Skills Gap

Earlier this year, it was reported that the Oil & Gas industry in the UK could create up to 39,000 jobs over the next 2 years. Local recruitment and HR consultancy Exclusive predicts that this figure could increase further following the recent announcement regarding the new discovery in the Central North Sea.

Managing director Mark Ions, who set the business up in 2007, said: “The announcement is great news for the UK. The recent North Sea discovery will certainly give the supply chain a confidence boost. Continuing to build on Oil & Gas business is a significant step towards closing in on the skills gap. Not only will it help the UK attract a skilled workforce from overseas but continuing a focus on Oil & Gas will help to retain those that are working here currently and will encourage younger people into these careers.”

Exclusive; HR and Recruitment Consultancy, have been operating since 2007 and are a success story in the North East. This year has been a milestone for the business as they have celebrated their 7th birthday and also secured funding that has helped to support their growth. With offices in Newcastle, Aberdeen, Leeds and USA, they have hands-on experience of the effects of the skills shortages.

Gemma Lonsdale leads Exclusive’s Oil & Gas, Engineering and Technical sector. “The majority of our Oil & Gas recruitment is Senior and Executive level but our clients also need us to source mid-level talent.

“One of the main reasons we’ve been so successful is our approach. Once we understand our clients business, we devise a search and selection campaign that enables us to identify where the best people are and we approach them. We focus on what our client can offer potential candidates long-term, not just the financial package.

“It’s important that organisations consider what they can offer to candidates over and above salary. Candidates often receive multiple job offers and this often leads to a bidding war on who can provide the highest salary. Salary is only one of the items in deliberation when someone is considering a package; professional development and progression are often at the top of the list and can help you secure your chosen candidate.

“The same rule can be applied to existing employees. What development and progression can you provide them with? Finding a way to develop an existing workforce is key to closing in on the skills gap and reducing the cost of recruitment in the long-term.

“Developing our talent in the UK will be the key to our success.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gemma Lonsdale .