BP is the exclusive Official Partner of the Baku 2015 Games Academy initiative, an innovative learning programme which supports the creation of a capability legacy in Azerbaijan. It specifically aims to develop national staff members including university graduates from Azerbaijan and Europe, preparing them for the efficient delivery of a major multi-sport event, as well as developing skills which will assist them in their future career.

A total of 188 high potential university graduates from Azerbaijan and across Europe were enrolled in the Graduate Excellence Programme in July 2014. Six training modules will be delivered throughout the duration of the programme, with the 162 Azerbaijani and 26 international graduates learning important skills and knowledge which will help contribute to the successful delivery of the inaugural European Games.  

The participants will be provided with further opportunities to continue hands-on, practical experience in planning the Games and with operational roles at test events. There will also be opportunities for learning through experiencing other major sports events. All of the participants will be mentored by experienced international team members, including experts in a variety of specialist fields to ensure that their learning continues on the job.

Addressing the event held in Baku today, Gordon Birrell, BP’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey said: "I am sure the training modules, which the participants in the Games Academy have already completed, have been extremely useful. BP will continue to support further trainings within this one year programme as participants build their skills and knowledge in preparation for the upcoming great event. 

"I am also confident that for the majority of the 188 graduates from across Azerbaijan and European countries the Games Academy will be a bridge to their long-term career. It will help them select areas where they can meet challenges and deliver major projects using the skills they learned here.” 

Mr Azad Rahimov, Baku 2015 Chief Executive Officer and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sport, said: "Next year will see the proudest moment in Azerbaijan’s sporting history when we host the inaugural European Games and we are delighted to be working with BP to prepare for this historic event. 

"The development of the Games Academy Graduate Excellence Programme has incorporated ambitious and talented young people into our Baku 2015 team.

"The programme has exceeded our expectations and the support we have received from BP from the outset to deliver it has been both vital and fundamental to its success.”