RRC Rosyth's Oil and Gas Fair took place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 29th October, and provided the perfect opportunity for Service leavers to network with potential employers in the offshore sector.
Almost 700 Service leavers visited the fair, which was attended by 50 exhibitors including employers and several Service support agencies. A number of exhibitors were themselves ex-Service leavers, and so were well placed to provide advice to those in attendance. 
The event attracted a wide range of employers from the offshore sector including Chevron, WoodGroupPSN, Subsea7 and Shell who all experienced queues of Service leavers at their stands throughout the day. The local media also reported from the event, and focused on how Service leavers may be one of the solutions to the current and projected 'Skills Gap' in this industry sector, due to an ageing existing workforce and increased contractual demands from commercial business sources. 
The event proved to be very productive for many Service leavers who attended, with many leaving the fair with offers of interviews and follow-up meetings. TV coverage also included an interview with Wood Group PSN's Dominic Boyd, formerly RAF, who joined the company via their ‘Re-engineer’ programme last year. Both Dominic and Ian, another Service leaver interviewed, spoke about their range of transferrable skills and experience, and positive work approach. Dominic said that thanks to their experience working away from home in tough environments, many Service leavers are 'well placed, well qualified and have all the skills needed in the industry'.
A news report from the event was shown on Scottish TV channel STV, and spoke about how the fair brought together 'an industry screaming out for experience and skills, and an ex-Military workforce with both in abundance'.
Next year’s Oil and Gas event is scheduled for 23rd October 2013 – if you’re planning on working in the offshore sector, don’t forget to add the date to your diary, and it’s not too early to book your place - click here to register!