National College for Onshore Oil and Gas
The National College for Onshore Oil and Gas is a specialist school jointly funded by the government and the shale industry. It is designed to 'train a generation of onshore oil and gas specialist, helping the UK to seize the economic opportunities offered by natural shale gas'.
Background
The college was set up in September 2015 and is headquartered in Blackpool, Lancashire. In November 2014, the government announced it would invest half of a £1.5 million initiative to develop the college, jointly funded by 'industry bodies', including UKOOG. At the announcement, former energy minister Matthew Hancock said:
- 'Shale gas is an enormous opportunity for the UK and one that we simply can’t afford to miss out on.'
- 'That’s why we are investing in the people behind project. Only by arming people with the skills they need to be shale specialists can we provide career opportunities for thousands of young people, boost the power and competitiveness of our firms and help the UK economy remain strong and competitive.' [1]
Ken Cronin, CEO of both UKOOG and the college said:
- 'Our vision is of a thriving onshore oil and gas industry employing highly-skilled British workers and operating as an international centre of excellence. A National College will help to train the next generation of onshore oil and gas specialists, providing first class qualifications and career opportunities for young people.' [2]
In May 2016, The college was awarded a further £5.6 million of capital funding by the government, announced by then skills minister Nick Boles. [3]
People
- Ken Cronin - Chief executive officer, appointed in September 2015.
- Gary Haywood, Chief executive officer, appointed in September 2015.
- Paul Howard - Secretary, appointed in September 2015.
- Matthew Betts - Vice-president, appointed in September 2015.
- John Blaymires - Chief operating officer, appointed in September 2015.
- Colette Cohen - Senior vice-president, appointed in September 2015. Head of Centrica’s UK oil and gas production business. [4]
- Beverley Robinson - Principal and chief executive, appointed in September 2015.
- Esme Winch - Chief executive, appointed in September 2015.
Former
- Lee Petts - Managing director, appointed in September 2015 and resigned in September 2016.
Contact
- Address
- 15 Olympic Court Boardmans Way,
- Whitehills Business Park,
- Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom,
- FY4 5GU
Resources
Compahnies House | National College for Onshore Oil and Gas]
Notes
- ↑ Skilling up shale: First national UK onshore oil and gas college announced, GOV.uk, accessed 12 November 2014.
- ↑ National College for onshore oil and gas unveiled, UKOOG, accessed 31 January 2017.
- ↑ National College for Onshore Oil and Gas awarded £5.6 million funding, UKOOG, accessed 31 January 2017.
- ↑ National College for Onshore Oil and Gas appoints Colette Cohen as first Chair, UKOOG, accessed 31 January 2017.
