Aker Offshore has received a record number of applications from university graduates looking for a place on the company's engineer training programmes.

Speaking to the Aberdeen Press & Journal, Rod Buchan, managing director of the company, explained that more than twice as many graduates have applied for the programme this year than did so in 2009.

"It is extremely encouraging to see this level of interest from our future industry workforce and marks a real desire among the next generation to get involved in the oil and gas industry," he commented.

The company has been canvassing universities throughout the year and has produced a DVD to attract bright engineering graduates to the industry.

Aker has also this month celebrated the extension of a new exploration and production agreement with Maersk Oil North Sea.

The one-year extension to the deal is valued at around £25 million, according to a statement from Aker.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development