Aberdeen-based Scopus Engineering will today open a new and improved training facility following a £100,000 investment.
The energy services company first launched its training academy five years ago in a bid to tackle a skills shortage – a move it says has resulted in a 190% rise in turnover to £20.6 million for the year ending 30 April 2013, from £7.1 million in 2008.
More than 100 Scopus staff have been trained at the centre and 95% of those have remained working within the business.
Today Oil & Gas UK chief executive Malcolm Webb will open a new improved facility, featuring a real-life split-level offshore scenario and separate training room.
The new facility, located close to the company’s headquarters in Dyce, will provide training to Scopus recruits on how to operate survey hardware and software to company standards.
There is potential to train more than 100 trainees at the academy every year, and the company, which currently employs 255 people, plans to recruit an additional 30 people in the next six months.
“Many of our recruits come from a civil engineering background, but there is no further education course available in the UK to train people for the type of work we do offshore,” said company founder and director Tom Bryce.
“This latest investment in the academy allows us to increase the number of Scopus people we can train and, therefore, continue with the strategy to develop the business.”
Earlier this year Scopus sold a minority stake in the business to Growth Capital Partners for £13 million.
Following the deal, John Forrest – a former senior vice-president with Talisman Energy – was appointed non-executive chairman.
Recommended for you
