The industry body for the subsea sector in the UK, Subsea UK, believes there is a need for an overhaul of training and development bodies in the country so that clear career development paths can be created.

According to the organisation - which works to promote opportunities for the sector around the world - a move to create clearer pathways through training programmes would help to ensure the UK remains a leader in terms of global engineering.

"If the UK is to keep its place at the head of the global pack, greater alignment of skills and competency must start now so that it is much clearer to those both already in and new to the industry how to maximise their career opportunities," said Subsea UK chief executive Alistair Birnie.

He added that this issue stretches beyond the oil and gas sector, affecting all engineering and manufacturing industries in the country.

In the coming years, as part of a drive to meet growing demand, there will be a need for even more skilled resources, he said.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development