Did you know that there is a vast range of careers within the Offshore Energy sector - from engineering and computing to business support and logistics? This means that there are many National subjects, qualifications and pathways that could lead to a career in this industry.
Explore your options below, take a look at our Career Pathway infographic and have a look at the videos in the 'What can I do in Offshore Energy?' section to hear from industry professionals.
Your career pathway starts at school and is influenced by the subjects that you choose to do.
School/College Partnership options
In addition to the National subjects, you might also have the opportunity to complete a Foundation Apprenticeship in fifth and sixth year. Those related to jobs in this industry are listed below. If you're interested in finding out more about these programmes have a look at our Foundation Apprenticeship section.
So, what are your choices after school if you want to work in the Offshore Energy Industry? That will depend on what job you want to do.
You can explore the Offshore Energy career area and job profiles. Having a look at the Getting In section of each job profile that interests you will show you what qualifications are required.
Here is a brief description of progression routes after school.
Modern Apprenticeships
If you would like to earn while you learn, then this route could be ideal. You would work for an employer who provides on the job training and work towards a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification. You might also attend college on day or block release.
There are over lots of relevant Modern Apprenticeships, including different areas of admin and IT, computing, engineering, garage services and science . These are available from SCQF Level 5 up to Level 8. Entry requirements vary depending on the level. Have a look at Modern Apprenticeships for more information.
Graduate Apprenticeships
This route gives you the opportunity to earn a wage and work towards a qualification from HND level up to Master’s degree. There are now a number of Graduate Apprenticeships available, some of which are suitable for working in the offshore industry. These include Accounting, Business Management, Construction and the Built Environment, Cyber Security, Data Science, Engineering: Design and Manufacture, Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control, and IT: Software Development.
Entry requirements vary depending on the subject and level. See more details at Graduate Apprenticeships.
Company Apprenticeships
Some large organisations offer apprenticeships for school leavers that range from qualifications such as SVQs, to degree. Some of these companies include BP, Equinor, Serica Energy and AISUS. See our ‘Useful Links’ page for more.
Further Education
There is a huge range of related courses offered by colleges in Scotland at lots of different levels. These include NC/NQ, HNC and SVQ.
If you study National 4 or 5 qualifications, you may go on to do a NC or NQ, then progress to an HNC, then even get an HND or degree level qualification.
If you do 1 or 2 Highers then you could enter at HNC level and then progress to an HND or degree.
Higher Education
This level of education includes HND, degrees and postgraduate courses. If you have 2 or 3 Highers you could gain entry to an HND and with 4 or 5 Highers you could get onto a degree.
Even if you don’t get the grades for entry straight onto a degree, you could do an HND first and then progress to the second or third year.
If you’re interested in College or University Courses you can find details of all courses offered at every Scottish College and University in the courses section of Planit.
