Oil and gas academy OPITO has announced the appointment of a new skills director to support the institution as it continues its rapid growth.

Longstanding oil and gas industry expert Mike Duncan joins the team to build on the strong foundations laid in 2008, which culminated in the opening of a new £1.5 million training and development facility at the start of this year.

Speaking to OilVoice, Mr Duncan said that the company will continue to focus on providing course programmes that have a tangible impact on the oil and gas industry.

Chief executive David Doig added: "Like the industry itself, to meet current and future challenges we are reliant on the abilities, technical skills and ambitions of our people."

He added that Mr Duncan's 25 years' experience in the oil and gas industry will prove invaluable in steering the academy through its second year.

Commenting at the opening of the organisation's new headquarters earlier this month, Mr Doig insisted that the slide in oil prices will present some acute long-term challenges for the industry, which will require a strong commitment to staff training in order to overcome.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development