OPITO Group Ltd is the internationally recognised skills body for the energy sector, playing a crucial role in shaping workforce safety and competence. With over five decades of industry experience, OPITO works alongside regulators, operators, and training providers to establish training standards that support both traditional and emerging energy industries. Operating in over 60 countries, the organisation has become synonymous with quality-assured training frameworks.

OPITO’s standards underpin training for roles in offshore drilling, production operations, and emergency response. Its BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) certification is widely acknowledged across the industry, serving as a mandatory requirement for offshore workers globally. In addition to oil and gas, OPITO is expanding into renewable energy, helping the sector meet the demand for skilled professionals as the global energy transition accelerates.

In support of international consistency, OPITO accredits a global network of approved training centres which deliver certified programmes to thousands of learners each year. These centres adhere to rigorous quality assurance procedures, ensuring all participants receive training that aligns with the latest industry demands. OPITO’s UK-based headquarters lead strategic development while regional offices in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas adapt standards to local contexts.

For instance, in the UAE, OPITO has collaborated with national oil companies to tailor emergency response training for high-temperature environments. Likewise, in Malaysia, training centres have partnered with OPITO to deliver bespoke competency frameworks for deepwater exploration. This global footprint allows OPITO to remain responsive to regional workforce needs while upholding its core commitment to safety and capability development.

Digital transformation is a key pillar of OPITO’s modernisation agenda. Recognising the changing expectations of both learners and employers, OPITO launched its digital learning platform to deliver flexible access to approved courses. Interactive modules, virtual reality simulations, and remote assessments now complement hands-on training, creating hybrid learning pathways suitable for varying geographic and operational constraints.

For example, the online ‘Introduction to Renewable Energy’ programme helps individuals transition into roles supporting offshore wind projects, particularly those coming from traditional oil and gas backgrounds. OPITO also integrates digital tools into refresher training, enabling offshore workers to maintain competencies while reducing travel and downtime. By embedding technology into its curriculum delivery, OPITO is improving accessibility, reducing costs, and future-proofing energy workforce development.

Looking forward, OPITO is investing heavily in strategic partnerships and research to support the global energy transition. Through initiatives such as the Global Energy Workforce Outlook, OPITO forecasts skills demand and supports governments in workforce planning for low-carbon economies. It collaborates with educational institutions to develop STEM-based career pathways and with energy majors to co-design training that reflects emerging operational realities.

In Scotland, for instance, OPITO has partnered with Skills Development Scotland and colleges to create hydrogen safety modules tailored to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. The organisation also supports military veterans, offering recognition of prior learning programmes that facilitate career change into energy roles. By championing inclusive, future-oriented workforce strategies, OPITO ensures the energy sector is equipped with the skills, standards, and leadership it needs to navigate complex global challenges.