Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been working with partners in the drilling industry to create a summer intern programme which will help strengthen ties and develop the future workforce. 

RGU’s Oil and Gas Institute and Employability & Professional Enrichment Hub have developed the programme for engineering students, which will give them the opportunity to gain hands on, practical work experience within the participating companies. 

Working closely with the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) North Sea Chapter, RGU has successfully placed three interns who will now benefit from a paid work placement over the summer vacation.

Bryan Atchison, Drilling and Well Engineering Excellence Manager at the OGI, commented:
"We are really pleased to have been able to develop this placement programme for our engineering students, while helping to further strengthen our very strong relationship with the industry.

"While employers derive benefit from employing students for work experience, students also benefit through direct exposure to a potential employer and direct correlation between academic and real work applications which can often result in higher academic achievement. 

"At RGU, our students are eager for that first step on the ladder in building a portfolio of relevant work experience.”

The IADC is running a conference in Amsterdam in September when three of the placement students will have the opportunity to deliver a presentation on their experience to an industry audience.