The global upstream oil and gas industry needs to invest heavily in new training and development programmes to avoid a potentially catastrophic skills shortfall, according to Saudi Aramco's Huda Ghoson.

Ms Ghoson, the company's general manager of training and development, made her comments at the World National Oil Congress held in London at the end of June.

Arabian Oil and Gas reports that in a speech to the congress, she urged attendees to invest in vital areas such as training and development proactively and extensively to avoid deterioration of a global skilled workforce.

"It is obvious that the business is best served by employees who possess the passion for continuous personal growth and development and lifelong learning, whatever their career and professional interests may be," she told listeners.

Saudi Aramco has made integral contributions to the Saudization programme, which operates to increase local participation in the oil and gas industry.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development