'The real strength of OPITO is its connectivity with the upstream industry both in the United Kingdom and overseas.  By listening to industry employers we gain a clear understanding of the Emergency Response and Technical skills that are needed in the workplace now,  as well as those anticipated in the future'

David Doig, Chief Executive, OPITO

OPITO's strategic role lies in identifying current and future skills needs and ensuring that education and training arrangements are in place to meet them. Based in Aberdeen, OPITO is also the body responsible, on behalf of the offshore oil and gas industry, for ensuring the quality and content of key safety and emergency training. OPITO represents employers, trade unions and academia.  Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive  of UKOOA, heads the OPITO Board.

Board members are drawn from:-

• UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA)
• Inter Union Offshore Oil Liaison Committee (IUOOC)
• Offshore Contractor Association (OCA)
• International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC - North Sea Chapter)
• Well Service Contractor Association (WSCA)
• Health and Safety Executive
• Department for Education and Employment advisors
  

OPITO business includes:- 

• Development and maintenance of Emergency Response Standards
• Approval of training delivery (56 global training centres in 18 countries) 
• Petroleum Open Learning
• Workforce Competence and Technical Standards and Qualifications
• Management of the Upstream Modern Apprenticeship Scheme (500 Apprentices)
• Oil Industry Workforce Skills Development (data gathering and analysis; design and implementation of skills interventions).