The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed when RPS sponsored the Sunday Times Careers in Energy Supplements in July 2007 and January 2008

Since the 1960's the oil and gas industry has been a stimulating and rewarding environment, in which to work. In the last four decades the industry has changed significantly; there have been huge technical advances in areas such as directional drilling, 3D seismic imaging and the use of advanced graphics and visualisation technology. Partly as a result of these advances, which have helped to reduce the technical risks associated with hydrocarbon exploration, the industry has been developing a truly globalised business model with exploration and production now established in dozens of petroleum provinces around the world.

In parallel with the increasing geographical spread, the sector itself has broadened. Multinational oil and gas explorers and producers have extended their businesses and made significant investment to develop business stream in areas of non-fossil fuel energy resources. Renewable energy from such sources as onshore and offshore wind power, biomass, solar energy, tidal stream and wave power generation are set to become a significant part of the future energy mix of the newly positioned, integrated energy businesses.

There is also a move for businesses, which have their roots in the utilities and distribution areas of the energy sector, to move 'upstream' to develop exploration and production arms to their businesses. The need for oil and gas exploration and production will continue in order to support the transport needs and economic growth ambitions of both developed and developing economies.

However, in parallel with this, there is an increasing awareness of the need to investigate and develop diversity within the energy mix for both security of supply and carbon emissions reasons; alternative 'clean' energy resources will be an essential part of the mix.

This diversification is brought into focus by issues surrounding security of supply and, in particular, by the emerging debate over climate change and global warming, which forces us to examine the interplay between energy delivery and usage and environmental impacts.

This migration from an old style 'oil and gas industry' to an emerging 'energy sector' has had a significant impact on the businesses operating in the sector and their current employees. It presents significant opportunities both for those wishing to enter the sector and for those already working in the oil and gas business, who seek to gain a broader experience within the energy sector- possibly with an increased involvement in environmental aspects.

RPS is committed to developing its energy business further and to ensuring that it does so in a way that acknowledges and respects the impact that energy delivery can have on the environment - both in the present and for future generations.