The UK oil and gas industry is expecting to create almost 40,000 jobs over the next two years.
A survey of 100 companies within the industry, conducted by Bank of Scotland, revealed that companies are likely to create more jobs than they expected compared with 2013.
Sixty-nine percent of company executives were confident about their jobs growth prospects for the next two years. But respondents (38%) also cited a shortage of skilled workers would be a problem in their recruitment.
Looking at the overall business, 64% of oil and gas companies see international expansion as a priority. Africa, North America and the Middle East were three key areas where investment is expected to grow.
Bank of Scotland commercial area director Stuart White, said: "The findings of this report are excellent news for the economy, demonstrating the employment-generating nature of the oil and gas industry now and in the future.
"With most of the UK's oil and gas firms clustered in Aberdeen and the north-east, Scotland should reap the largest share of these new jobs, however other parts of the UK will benefit from expansion plans.
"The report also highlights the growing challenges posed by the lack of a skilled workforce."
Mr White said apprenticeships could be a solution to the shortage of skilled workers.
He said: "The results also demonstrate the global nature of the industry as more firms look to expand internationally and tap into the markets with the largest levels of recoverable reserves," he explained.
"With 44% of income already generated internationally, this is not a new trend, and reflects the reach UK firms have as the industry benefits from the expertise gained in the challenging North Sea environment."
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