Staff at Wings Travel Management’s Aberdeen office are among the first ‘Energy Champions’ to graduate from the Wings Energy Academy™, a unique 12-month educational programme, launched last year by the global oil and gas travel spec
The course is designed to give Wings’ consultants an in-depth understanding of how the oil and gas sector operates and the insight to solve their clients’ travel challenges even more effectively. Split into four phases, the year-long programme focussed on four different roles in the industry – Roughneck, Derrickhand, Driller and Rig Manager – and covered topics such as types of drilling platforms, exploration, typical rotational schedules, what life is like for a rig worker, life cycle of an oil field and history of the industry.
The final stage required Wings Energy Academy students to study one of their oil and gas clients in detail, which included a presentation on the company’s history, main operations, structure, risks, challenges, current news and competitors. In addition students had to identify ways in which Wings could enhance its travel management services to support the client’s business more efficiently.
A total of 44 Wings Travel Management consultants worldwide graduated as Energy Champions after completing all stages of the course with a pass-rate of 80 per cent or more on all assessments. Each Energy Champion was presented with a crystal trophy containing a floating drop of oil. The next class of students will commence the course in June 2015.
Energy Champion, Fiona Gillespie, assistant team leader at Wings Travel Management in Aberdeen commented: “This training gave us great insight and a clearer understanding of how the oil and gas industry operates, especially learning about the different types of rigs and what the role of a rig worker entails. I now really understand what the crew go through on each rotation and have a new respect for the work they do. It makes me want to do everything I can to make their travel as smooth as possible.”
Tracey Beveridge, head of operations for Wings in Scotland added: “As specialists in solving the toughest travel challenges for companies in the energy sector, we felt that it was important for our staff to have an indepth understanding of how the oil and gas industry operates and the different roles of employees in this sector.
“The training focussed on the aims and challenges that our customers can face. Armed with this knowledge our consultants can appreciate the vital role they play in organising travel efficiently and offering solutions in what can be critical situations,” she added. “We believe the Wings Energy Academy takes a unique approach and that no other travel management company is giving its staff such extensive training which is specific to the oil and gas sector.”