An inspirational new book which shines a light on leading women in the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry will be published this week.
Titled The Oil Industry’s Best Kept Secret: A book full of inspiration and advice, the project, penned by Oil & Gas UK operations optimisation manager Katy Heidenreich, aims to encourage more girls to pursue careers in the critical energy sector.
It includes profile pieces and advice drawn from interviews with high profile women across the sector. Profiled interviews include Dame Judith Hackitt, chemical engineer and leading health and safety expert who most recently led the UK Government’s independent review into building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower fire, lead geologist at Shell UK Ltd, Caroline Gill, and BHGE wireline field specialist, Lauren Adams.
Oil & Gas UK today revealed the book will be launched on November 2, where Katy Heidenreich will give her thoughts on its findings.
It will be followed by a panel discussion with Katy Heidenreich. Women’s Business Council chair, Dame Cilla Snowball, Oil & Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie, Premier Oil North Sea director Robin Allan and chaired by Axis network chair Jenny Junnier. Dame Cilla Snowball will provide an insight on the work the Women’s Business Council has done to progress the diversity and inclusion agenda.
Speaking in advance of the launch, Katy Heidenreich said:
“The UK’s offshore oil and gas industry is a fast-moving and innovative place, with career opportunities all over the world. At the heart of this project is a shared love for an exciting industry and a desire to celebrate what a great place it is for both men and women to work.
“The process of writing the book was hugely empowering. I’m extremely grateful to the inspirational women who shared a window into their diverse professional lives, showing how they have successfully managed their careers and the fun that they have had along the way.
“From chief executives of global organisations to young engineers, it shows that while women represent one in four of the workforce, we already make an incredible impact. I hope that by reading it, more young women will have the confidence and feel encouraged to join our ranks.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our key sponsors BP, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, Shell and BHGE. They have helped not just to make this book a reality but also to ensure the material reaches as many people as possible.”
Praising the book, Oil & Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie said:
“There are many women leading the way across our sector and this book shines a light on their stories. We know that role models are critical to enabling greater diversity in the workforce.
“By sharing their stories and giving advice, Katy provides us with a great insight into the positive opportunities that are offered by our industry. I’d encourage every girl thinking about her future to give it a read.”