05 September 2007 - Global construction and engineering services group Aker Kvaerner has entered into a partnership with offshore training provider Falck Nutec in a new move which aims to address the skills shortage within the oil and gas industry.

One of the premier training organisations in the UK, Falck Nutec has opened a new GBP 250 000 Offshore Training Portal in Aberdeen's Union Street in an effort to provide clearer information and access to anyone considering a career in the offshore industry.

Under the new agreement, Aker Kvaerner will have direct access to new recruits coming into the industry and be able to match their skills set to the range of job opportunities currently available within the company. This, the first week of the joint venture, coincides with Offshore Europe.

The 12 month partnership also gives Aker Kvaerner access to Falk Nutec's training facilities in Dyce and Teesside, where they will be able to further engage with an audience eager to pursue a career offshore.

Aker Kvaerner Offshore Partner HR Director Ruth Tulloch said: "This is the first facility of its kind within our industy and we are delighted to be involved in a venture that seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of training for anyone thinking about a career in oil and gas.

"This new partnership between Aker Kvaerner and Falck Nutec will not only simplify the recruitment process for individuals by providing a gateway to offshore careers, but will also help plug the skills gap by putting companies like Aker Kvaerner directly in touch with their potential recruits.

"Like every company supporting the offshore industry we face challenges in ensuring we have the right levels of personnel and this is another example of our strategic efforts to offer the best opportunities to the best people."

The Portal is manned by people who have knowledge of the training standards which are a prerequisite for working offshore and, importantly, will provide an opportunity for individuals to carry out a skills screening exercise highlighting strengths, deficiencies and the means of achieving required standards.

Work stations are available at which computer based training can be carried out, helping participants achieve theoretical knowledge in preparation for practical training at Falck Nutec's training centres in Aberdeen and Teeside.

Aker Kvaerner is one of the north-east Aberdeen's biggest employers with more than 2 100 personnel.

ENDS

 

 

Media:
Torbjørn S. Andersen, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kvaerner. Tel: +47 67 51 30 36, Mob: +47 928 85 542

Bill Phillips at the BIG Partnership. Tel. +44 1224 57 81 74 or +44 7970 54 46 63.

 

Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, VP Investor Relations, Aker Kvaerner. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39

 

Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akerkvaerner.com/Internet/CareerCentre

 

AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals and Power Generation. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities.

The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 50 billion and employs approximately 23 000 people in about 30 countries.

Aker Kvaerner is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine-resources industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and long traditions of industrial innovation. As an industrial owner with a 40.1 per cent holding in Aker Kvaerner, Aker ASA takes an active role in the development of its holdings.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com