Petrofac has become the first company to sign up to OPITO's new minimum industry safety training course.

The module, which is aimed at new starters in the oil and gas industry, was designed in accordance with Step Change in Safety's framework to make the UK's offshore industry the least hazardous in the world by 2010.

Gordon Caird, regional manager for Europe and the Americas for Petrofac Training, said the company is delighted to be the first to subscribe to the training and development programme.

"With over 25 years of experience in delivering offshore safety training, this new course will add to our extensive portfolio, where we already cater for new entrants to the oil and gas industry," he added.

OPITO opened its new £1.5 million flagship Aberdeen-based training centre earlier this week, promoting its ambition of establishing the UK as a internationally recognised centre of educational excellence within the oil and gas industry.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development