RNC of the WPC Youth Committee prepared an analytical note based on the results of the survey among high school students who studied at "EnerGenious" Winter School. The survey was conducted to assess the attitude of schoolchildren to the oil and gas industry and the vocational guidance efficiency of the RNC of the WPC educational programme.

The survey was conducted in February – March 2020 among students of 9 – 11 grade of St. Petersburg schools who participated in two "EnerGenious" Winter Schools organised by RNC of the WPC in Nizhnevartovsk (KhMAO – Ugra, Russia) and Stavanger (Norway).

RNC of the WPC Winter School is an intensive introductory course for school students of 9 – 11 grade and University students, allowing participants to get not only theoretical knowledge about oil and gas industry, but also to get acquainted with the organisation of production processes in practice. Authoritative specialists of the oil and gas industry from different countries of the world were involved in lecturing at "EnerGenious" Winter School. The programme included visits to production facilities, meetings with reputable industry representatives, veterans.

The survey results showed that many students had only superficial understanding of the oil and gas industry. Attitudes towards the industry were shaped by superficial stereotypes, such as high salaries and extremely difficult working conditions, significant environmental damage, and technological conservatism. By the end of classes at “EnerGenious”, the attitude of schoolchildren to the industry improved significantly and became more conscious. Students were impressed by the scale and innovativeness of the production facilities, high professionalism and friendliness of the industry representatives, strategic prospects of the oil and gas industry and opportunities for career growth. As a result, 82% of the survey participants said that they did not exclude the possibility of linking their professional future with the oil and gas industry. This is a very encouraging indicator for the industry. Especially considering the fact that as a result of the competitive selection process, the most educated, active and ambitious high school students – winners of international subject Olympiads, outstanding students and authors of youth innovative projects – received invitations to “EnerGenious”.

To get acquainted with the analytical note please follow the link.