Ikon Science runs ‘Geo’s Between Jobs’ program for geoscientists during the oil and gas downturn

Ikon Science, a software and service provider to the oil and gas industry, is in the process of running various initiatives under a ‘Geo’s between Jobs’ program aimed to support industry professionals affected during the downturn in the current market.  

In late June 2016, Ikon Science Americas invited the first group of twelve winners into the Ikon office for RokDoc training.  Following the class, they will have free use of a three-month license, with data and support.  It is intended that they learn new rock physics skills and broaden their CVs.   

Michael Hines, Senior Geoscientist and Proven Oil Finder from Houston, was one of the winning applicants.  In a blog post on LinkedIn Michael wrote ‘Ikon Science really should be congratulated for running a 3-day geophysical software training course for ‘Geos between Jobs’ from their Houston office. The excellent RokDoc modeling package training was for 12 geoscientists in transition. It covered rock physics log analysis, QI, Gassmann substitution, synthetics, wavelet estimation, tuning models and 2D model building.’

In the interest of delivering this opportunity to more geoscientists, Ikon Science has set August dates for the next courses in Houston (now full), London, and Malaysia.   Ideally, this initiative will make it to the Middle East, Australia, Asia and beyond: Ikon Science would be open to hearing from organizations that would be able to donate training facilities (room with computers) to the cause. 

A further part of the ‘Geos between Jobs’ program includes an open invitation for job seekers to in-house Ikon Science client events.  Ikon Science staff share expertise and showcase technology, workflows or ideas.  Geo’s between Jobs can use the opportunity to network, learn new things and of course enjoy ikon’s famous hospitality.  

The final offering under the initiative is to ensure that no seats are left empty on the company’s public software or theory courses. Once running  a course is economically viable, spare places are to be donated to the ‘Geo’s between Jobs’ program.  Availability of places and how to apply will be posted on Ikon Science’s LinkedIn page as and when they arise. 

Martyn Millwood Hargrave, Ikon Science CEO, commented ‘learning new technology and skills is a sensible way to spend time between jobs.  You have to do everything you can to give yourself the competitive edge for when things pick up.  We are fortunate to be in a position where we can help the industry, even whilst geoscientists are betwixt employers’.