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. It was announced in November 2014 by former energy minister Matthew Hancock, who said at its launch:

'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.'

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.
• 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