Subsea contracting major Technip has a well developed graduate development programme, one that currently takes on about 20 fresh faces a year.
The company says it receives in the region of 1,500 CVs every year from across the globe. These are then narrowed down with the final shortlist’ attending an assessment day in an external location, usually in March.
Graduates are typically recruited into engineering disciplines, contracts and finance roles.
The programme is designed to give each participant a firm grounding in the structure and operation of the relevant area of the business, through a series of formal development activity, including placements and offshore experience (where applicable).
The annual cohort generally starts at about the same time each year (August or September).
There are four main sub-sets under the umbrella title Technip Graduate Programme. These refer to each of the business units that make up Technip UK. Periodically graduates may be recruited within other areas of the business, for example IT.
According to Isabel Howden, HR co-ordinator, the grad programme is a key component of the company’s recruitment strategy, as it provides a platform for recruitment of quality graduates and a steady supply of talent for the future.
“The programme aims to develop graduates within various business units, normally over a two-year period, and ensures that they receive breadth and depth of experience to allow them to develop into well-rounded professionals with a view to future management positions,” said Howden.
In addition, Technip operates an annual scholarship scheme with RGU and the University of Aberdeen. Every year, two scholars are appointed from RGU. They are on offer to mechanical engineering and quantity surveying undergraduates and provide the students with financial assistance of £2,000 per year for the duration of their degree course*.
It should be noted that “Surveying Scholar” funding is provided for years 2-4 of the course.
A new scheme for Technip this year is the creation of a scholarship opportunity for MEng (Master of Engineering) students studying at the University of Aberdeen.
This is to be awarded annually to a fourth-year student, and will carry on into their fifth year. The students are selected by the University of Aberdeen’s scholarship committee and each receives £2,000 per academic year.
Both scholarships afford students the opportunity to become closely linked with the company, dedicated industry support and other access to other company resources to help them make connections between classwork theory and the working environment.
An apprentice scheme is also available, namely in the workshop and drawing office departments. One or two students are taken on per year, and this runs in conjunction with day-release college programmes at Banff and Buchan College for the workshop, and Aberdeen College and Tullos Training for the drawing office.
Take three girls
A significant number of Technip graduate trainees have gone on to develop careers within the company, including Ailsa Wylie – lead engineer (Engineering Development); Sarah Mutch – draughtsperson and Vicki Woodburn – naval architect.
Wylie joined in July 1996, having completed a degree in mechanical engineering with management studies at Napier University in Edinburgh. Her advice is simple: “Work hard and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.”
Mutch joined Technip in 2007, halfway through her sixth year at Westhill Academy, after deciding that university wasn’t for her.
Instead, she signed up as an apprentice draughtsperson within the drawing office alongside another classmate.
She has successfully completed her apprenticeship.
Woodburn, a naval architect, is working towards a Master’s degree with a view to becoming a chartered engineer. “One of the aspects of my job that I love is the variety and the fact that no one day is the same,” she said.
Recommended for you
