Azerbaijan turns to industry leader to train mew oil and gas engineers

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out the first steps of a long-term collaborative partnership that aims to give the university access to technology and engineering expertise. The office in Azerbaijan is supported by ABB’s UK operation.

ABB’s involvement in the deal is aimed at raising the awareness among local graduates of the benefits of a career in oil and gas control and instrumentation engineering. 

Azerbaijan needs to increase its base of skilled engineers if it is to grow its engineering sector. The collaboration between ABB and the BHOS supports education by giving tomorrow’s engineers’ exposure to real, cutting-edge technology.

Rustam Gasimov, ABB’s General Manager, Azerbaijan said, "ABB’s involvement in the project signals the company’s commitment to shaping the next generation of industrial engineers.”

The MoU was signed in front of a delegates from the British embassy including:

•    Professor Charles Hendry (www.gov.uk/government/people/charles-hendry) MP, the UK trade envoy to Azerbaijan

•    H.E. Irfan Siddiq, OBE, HM Ambassador to Azerbaijan

•    Swiss Ambassador  

•    Senior members of the school including the Rector, Elmar Gasimov

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Azerbaijan supported event under the Technology is Great campaign. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Hendry highlighted ABB’s 20 year involvement in the country observing that ABB "provides most of the automation and control systems for the oil and gas assets in the region.”

Professor Hendy said, "It is clear that ABB and Baku High Oil School are passionate about ‘up skilling’ and re-investing in education and training.” 

"They have both decided to take the skills challenge to the ‘next level’ by collaborating in this new training facility. I am pleased to attend the event today and to witness this MoU ‘signing’ – proving that ABB and Baku High Oil School really are ‘Partners of Choice’.”  

Partnerships such as this enable even greater collaboration and stronger, more successful ventures between Azerbaijan and the UK.

Martin Grady, General Manager for ABB’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals business in the UK said, "By collaborating with the BHOS, we are effectively investing in our own future, by making sure that there is a stream of bright young engineers familiar with ABB’s broad range of technology and solutions.” 

"One of the biggest problems is finding enough suitably qualified engineers to fill the ever growing range of opportunities the sector can offer. Obviously if engineering in Azerbaijan flourishes, then we flourish too.”

ABB has had offices in Azerbaijan since 1995 and has experienced periods of rapid growth to support high demand in systems and services from oil, gas and power industries.