As Europe’s Energy capital, built on more than 30 years at the leading-edge of oil and gas exploration, Aberdeen’s image is inextricably linked with the energy industry. Whilst it is the beating heart of the region’s economy, the energy industry is only part of the varied and vibrant economic make up of Aberdeen City and Shire
The region mixes new technology with time honoured industries, an energetic and lively city lifestyle with the tranquillity of a stunning countryside, a cosmopolitan and international environment with traditional Scottish culture and boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in Scotland, with incomes well above the national average.
The region’s multi skilled workforce specialises in a huge variety of different areas – from oil and gas and engineering to maritime and construction; from food processing and agriculture to tourism and retail; from medical and sciences to computing and IT; from legal and financial to education.
While the outlook is very positive for the area it continues to look to the future and is actively encouraging both businesses and people to move here.
Laura Sarkis, now works for Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) as a project assistant. Laura left the army in 2003 after five years in the Royal Military Police and initially moved back to her hometown of Edinburgh, however after a while was unable to settle. “I found that I missed the close comradeship of the military,” she explained.
Laura then moved to Aberdeen to study at Aberdeen University - partly to try a new place, and partly for the great reputation of the university. “I’ve found that many ex-military people have the skills which readily transfer to the oil, gas and renewable energy industries. People who live in Aberdeen often refer to it as a village - you see the same faces at work, the supermarket, the beach - and its nice, especially when I first came to the city and didn't know many people. Also, the proximity to the mountains and landscapes of Aberdeenshire are amazing - less than one hour's drive leads to Braemar, Banchory, the Cairngorms and the mountain climbing and hill-walking, activities military folk tend to like. So I have the city, the sea and the hills all on my doorstep, as well as a small and friendly business community. And importantly, especially at this time in the downturn, Aberdeen offers a good employment and training environment compared to the rest of the UK, all of which makes it a great place to relocate to.”
Aberdeen is a truly vibrant city that offers a great range of cultural activities, festivals and events in addition to a fantastic array of shopping, restaurants, bars and night life.
However its’ proximity to some of the most awe-inspiring countryside and coast-line is something else that sets it apart from other international cities. A whole range of outdoor sports are available on the doorstep – hill-walking, mountain-biking, kayaking and sailing, while adrenaline junkies have snow sports in winter, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing and even kite surfing. And there is world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout the region.
All of this, combined with great career prospects, a safe environment and a quality of life second to none …. Aberdeen City and Shire, a truly exceptional place to live.
Visit http://www.aberdeencityandshire.com/ for more information
