Today’s tough job market can be a daunting prospect for young people, with unemployment affecting upwards of 20% of 16-24 year olds according to the Office for National Statistics.
With job prospects uncertain for school leavers and graduates alike, apprenticeships offer an exciting opportunity for those seeking hands-on training across a range of sectors within the oil and gas industry.
Combining practical workplace experience with classroom-based training, an increasing number of energy-sector companies are choosing to invest in apprenticeship schemes to counteract the continuing shortage of skilled engineers and technicians.
CHC Helicopter in partnership with Resource Group, last year launched an advanced engineering apprenticeship scheme to foster the next generation of engineering talent to work in its growing business. The first cohort of seven apprentices is progressing through the programme.
“Through apprenticeships, we are training and nurturing young engineers which, along with the benefit that brings to our business, creates sustainability in the wider engineering industry,” said Mark Abbey, CHC’s regional director for West North Sea.
“Our global team represents an exceptional combination of skill and dedication to helicopter engineering excellence so we set the bar very high in terms of the calibre of candidate we look for. There was strong interest in the first round of the programme and we expect the same again.
“All organisations want to have the ‘best of the best’ working for them and this is particularly true in the dynamic and challenging North Sea sector, where young people can be at the forefront of cutting edge technology, frontier projects and activities while working to the highest safety standards in the world.”
Following a structured programme, traditionally staged over between two and four years, apprentices work for a real employer, earn a salary and acquire a qualification while gaining valuable workplace skills and experience that set them up for rewarding careers.
In Resource Group’s programme, delivered through their aviation technical training division LRTT Ltd, apprentices undergo eight months of classroom training and 16 months of practical experience at a CHC operation in Aberdeen or North Denes, or Den Helder in the Netherlands.
They work towards a European Aviation Safety Agency Part 66 CAT A3, as well as Level 3 Aeronautical, On Aircraft Maintenance Diploma and a level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Aeronautical Engineering.
“We have found the apprentices to be motivated and enthusiastic people who bring a new dynamic to our established engineering team,” added Abbey.
“The skills they learn will last a lifetime, and open doors to opportunities in the oil and gas industry around the world.”
Case study: Rosie Clarkson
As a youngster, Rosie Clarkson was fascinated by flight and how different types of aircraft are used to transport people in different parts of the world.
Today, the 21-year-old is finding out first-hand what it takes to operate in the harsh environment of the North Sea as an apprentice engineer as she prepares for a job with one of the world’s most prestigious helicopter operators.
She enrolled on Resource Group’s advanced engineering apprentice scheme in September, which includes 16 months working in Aberdeen with CHC on some of the most technically advanced machines in the world.
She said one of the best parts of the programme – which includes eight months of classroom learning – is being taught by professional aviation engineers.
“With something new to learn every day – from improving our hand skills to learning about the human factors of flight – it’s reassuring to have people who have trained to the highest standard helping us build our skills base,” she said.
Rosie studied for a diploma in aeronautical engineering before applying for the apprentice scheme.
She said that studying the right subjects was essential to get ahead in the industry, but that the most important thing was to be passionate about working alongside some of the most talented engineers in the world.
“I have always been fascinated by helicopters, so it’s a dream come true to be learning from a company that is dedicated to helicopter engineering excellence,” she said.
“I cannot wait to start working from one of the world’s busiest heliports, and play a vital role in making sure people working in the North Sea return home safely.”
Apprentice engineer Rosie ClarksonMark Abbey, regional director for CHC HelicopterApprentice helicopter engineers in training to join CHC Helicopter
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