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Standards Mapping

As the UK energy industry is transitioning to a low carbon economy, there is a growing need for flexibility. For the workforce, there are many new and exciting opportunities in complementary offshore energy sectors. For employers, there is demand for an agile and dynamic workforce ready for an integrated future.

  • The background

    Historically, there has been overlap between qualifications issued by the awarding bodies in different sectors. Without a system in place, duplication is common. This has meant that workers have had to complete new training and qualifications, creating obstacles to transition for both employers and individuals.

    Securing industry-wide agreement to recognise qualifications and training across different sectors in the energy industry has been fundamental to support the development of a mobile workforce. This is the key driver behind the Energy Skills Passport.

  • Collaborative approach

    Leading sector skills bodies, regulators and offshore energy companies worked together to map and confirm the qualifications and training standards that are now recognised by all participating parties.

    Following the launch of the Energy Skills Passport, these mapped standards will be updated by representatives from each sector with any changes to qualifications and training communicated to the wider industry. The mapped standards are the foundations of the Energy Skills Passport and will help to deliver a just transition for the energy workforce.

The Standards

Please click on the categories below to learn more about the standards that have been mapped across the industry and underpin the Energy Skills Passport.

  • Technical qualifications and training

    • Technical qualifications and training are courses required for the ongoing management and maintenance of technical assets within different industries
    • Technical qualifications and training cover they key technical skills that the workforce need to work across different sectors whilst continuing to perform their roles with no impact on their technical performance  

  • Safety and survival training

    • Safety and survival training is critical training enabling workers to safely perform their roles, both on and offshore

    • Currently, there is sector-specific safety and survival training for both the oil and gas (BOSIET / MIST) and wind sectors (GWO Basic Survival Training)

    • OPITO is working with GWO to map the two different standards, looking at the individual training modules and areas of overlap to enable mutual recognition and collaboration

  • Specialist emergency response

    • Specialist emergency response training prepares workers to react to and deal with critical emergencies that may arise on or offshore

    • Not every member of the workforce has specialist emergency response training; however, it is a key consideration to support safe working when transitioning between different sectors

Additional Resources