Sebastine Chibueze Osita

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme

Full Name: Sebastine Chibueze Osita
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Enugu, Nigeria
Lived in Scotland: Since September 2002

The Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme made it possible for Sebastine Osita from Nigeria to gain valuable work experience after completing his studies.

He believes the scheme has helped to give Scotland a more diverse population and, as a result, the number one destination among overseas students who contribute to the economic success of the country.

"Besides the economic, social and cultural gains of having a large number of oversea students studying in Scotland, the economy will benefit further from the pool of skills they and other migrating skilled workers contribute," said Sebastine who is now an engineer. 

"The scheme itself is real value for money for thousands of oversea students that spend thousands of pounds studying in Scotland, as they not only gain academic knowledge but practical experience.

"Kudos must be given to the First Minister Jack McConnell* for championing this exemplary scheme. Generations to come will be grateful to him for his vision and courage."

With the introduction of the Fresh Talent Scheme, Scotland is following in the footsteps of countries like Australia and Canada where similar  schemes are successful in attracting competent oversea workers, he added. 

Sebastine came to Scotland in September 2002 to take an MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.  He already had a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics Engineering and a professional qualification, CCNA (Certified Network Associate).

He now works as a junior engineer with BJ Services Company, Process and Pipelines in Aberdeen who supply oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Sebastine is part of an operational team working on various projects in the North Sea and overseas. These projects range from pipeline pre-commission, commissioning, to fluid pumping. He is also currently enrolled on the company's Technical Career Advancement Program (T-CAP), a structured program offering over ten years of continuous training and development opportunities.

Aberdeen, where Sebastine and his family live, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city where the local people and foreigners co-exist peacefully, he said.

"As the oil capital of Europe, there are growing numbers of foreign workers and their families living there.

"I am more than impressed with the way the locals have accepted the changes taking place in their city and I see a bright future for Aberdeen.

"The city is tidy and conducive to family life and the schools are ethnically diverse.

"Aberdeen boasts two world class universities, making her a popular destination amongst prospective oversea students."

Sebastine says Scotland is a “friendly, lovely country with a breathtaking countryside and many places of interest."

Having spent over three years in Aberdeen, he and his family are fully settled and integrated into the local community.

"My long-term goal is to solidify my engineering career in Scotland, build an adorable family, and make a meaningful contribution to the growth of Scotland," he added.

* Archived Material - May 2007 Alex Salmond was elected as First Minister

Information correct at November 2007

Related links

• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
• BJ Services Company