Aberdeen pupils are experiencing life on an oil and gas rig as part of a three-day hands-on experience.

Children from five schools who are studying science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, will take part in workshops with experienced oil and gas professionals.

During their on-site sessions, they will participate in heavy oil challenges, draft field development proposals, operate a crane and experience an interactive tour of an oil rig.

Industry skills, standards and workforce development organisation Opito is running its programme with a range of major north east employers.

Opito interim chief executive John McDonald said: "Our industry awareness programme sparks young imaginations and ambitions by inviting pupils to spend time in real-life oil and gas workplaces.

"Immersing pupils in this way can have a significant impact by opening their horizons to a variety of career opportunities.

"Those who may have been undecided or unsure of the direction they want to go after school have in the past made up their minds by engaging this closely with the roles they aspire to."

He added: "We want to inspire and harness local talent because the fact remains that oil and gas is a major employer that offers the chance to work with technically brilliant people all over the world."