As one of Norway’s biggest trainers of skilled workers, Statoil says it plans to take on 184 apprentices in 2010 – 16 more than last year.
The latest trawl for future talent has just closed and the likelihood is that the company will have plenty of choice. The intake will be decided in May and the apprentices will start work in September.
Statoil is looking for future potential:
Chemical process technicians.
Electricians.
Laboratory technicians.
Computer electronics technicians.
Office and administration workers.
Automation technicians.
Industrial mechanics.
Logistics technicians.
Crane and lifting operators.
The energy giant is currently placing heavy emphasis on the Arctic/sub-Arctic sector and is hoping to secure 25 apprentices from the country’s three northernmost counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.
This is double the number of last year’s intake and recognition of the growing strategic importance to Statoil of hydrocarbon resources in northern Norway.
Moreover, there is an emphasis on local recruitment of new talent.
The Hammerfest LNG plant at Melkøya is one of the facilities which is increasing its intake this year, and will take on 20 new apprentices.
Statoil says most of the apprenticeships are at its onshore facilities, with the majority at the Mongstad complex north of Bergen, where 34 apprentices are due to begin.
However, 40% of apprenticeships are on offshore installations.
Many get permanent jobs at Statoil once they have completed their apprenticeships, but the company takes on more apprentices than it actually needs and – be warned – the clear preference is for Norwegian nationals.
Ivar Aasheim, senior VP for Statoil’s operations north cluster, said: “We want to give more young people the chance to get trade qualifications to ready them for working life, either with us or in other enterprises.
“Those who have been apprentices with the company are allowed to apply for jobs advertised in the in-house job market for two years after they have completed their apprenticeship.”
Under the Norwegian apprenticeship scheme, the first two years are spent at a vocational college of further education. After that, the apprentices work for two years in a company and are paid.
At the end of the apprenticeship period, they are set a practical exam which they have to pass before they get their trade certificate.