Since the launch of Subsea 7’s Engineering Conversion Programme in 2005, the company has benefited from, and proactively led, the integration of engineering talent from non oil and gas industry sectors to Aberdeen.
The initiative was developed from a need to address the engineering skills gap within the oil and gas industry, by tapping into the wealth of experience available within other industries such as automotive, aerospace, civil, construction and manufacturing.
As a result, Subsea 7 has been able to bring a diverse range of engineering expertise to the subsea market through regular intakes of the programme over the past seven years.
Subsea 7’s specialist technical services manager and safety engineering and technical risk team lead, Gavin Hedge, is an example of a qualified engineer who came into the subsea industry through the conversion route.
“I joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) when I was 16 as an apprentice aircraft avionics engineer. During my time with the RAF, I worked in numerous locations and roles, advancing to engineering manager/commissioned officer responsible for all engineering and personnel.
“Subsea 7’s conversion programme gave me the opportunity to enter the subsea industry, starting as a member of the technical safety team before progressing to senior then principal engineer in charge of leading the team. Last year, I was promoted to specialist technical services manager, once again finding myself back in a management role.”
Gavin’s career success demonstrates how running a conversion programme allows specialists from traditional engineering backgrounds to access a new and buoyant industry, providing job security for those working currently within struggling industries.
Alan Black, engineering director at Subsea 7, said: “We offer a great opportunity to engineers to develop their expertise and knowledge in a growing and technologically advanced industry.
“We have been actively sharing our experience and programme structure with other subsea operators, encouraging them to develop and run their own conversion programmes. Our main message is to convey the clear benefits we all can reap by replenishing the available pool of subsea engineers within Aberdeen’s engineering community – attracting highly experienced people who have the right set of skills we are all looking for.”
In 2006, Gavin was one such individual. He applied after spending 20 years in the RAF where he gained valuable hands-on, management and life experience, attaining numerous technical qualifications, ultimately achieving a BSc (Hons) in engineering management. He has brought this depth of knowledge to Subsea 7.
The application process is only the start of the conversion programme. Covering five weeks of intensive development and tutoring, conversion engineers are given comprehensive training to help them gain an appreciation for not only the subsea industry, but Subsea 7’s capabilities, processes and procedures, and the role they will play ultimately within the company’s global operations.
The programme consists of a mix between classroom-based internal training and external activities, such as site visits to Subsea 7 facilities, subcontractors and a dive vessel, as well as Offshore Survival and Minimum Industry Safety Training (Mist).
Once the programme is complete, engineers are allocated to a project team to become fully integrated, where the conversion engineer will continue to be mentored and coached, meaning they can immediately start to contribute to their project and can develop quickly under the team’s guidance.
“I feel lucky that Subsea 7 believed in me early on,” said Gavin, “converting me from an aircraft engineer to a subsea technical safety team member.
“Through focused training and development from the start, I soaked up as much as I could about the subsea industry and my discipline.
“Subsea 7 has demonstrated a long-term commitment to their people, by investing in my development and ability which in turn can be developed for the subsea industry. Career progression is truly there for the taking for those who want to develop themselves, and Subsea 7 provide the training and platform to do so.
“If you are looking for a career which has variety, challenge, development and progression coupled with a good working environment working alongside forward-thinking professionals, Subsea 7 can offer it.”
The conversion programme will see an average of 50 engineers recruited annually.
With an ambitious growth strategy over the next five years, Subsea 7 is not relying solely on the conversion programme to expand their engineering teams.
The company is also recruiting to a number of subsea engineering positions, across all career levels, providing opportunities for professional development and promotion.
To keep up to date on applications for the next conversion programme or to view current vacancies, please visit www.subsea7.com/careers
Recommended for you
