The downturn in the oil and gas sector has brought about change in the jobs market which is allowing small to medium enterprises to capitalise by recruiting experienced personnel previously employed in the energy business.
Clark Integrated Technologies’ latest recruit Mike Scott was made redundant from a global oil and gas firm earlier this year.
A matter of a few months after losing his job he was appointed a senior technical support analyst at the Turriff-based firm – and is enjoying the challenges his new role brings.
He has gone from working for a multi-national organisation to being part of a small but go ahead company that’s core business is providing IT managed services to a large and diverse range of clients.
While Mike (40) admits that losing his job was a blow, he says that it led him to seek out new opportunities.
He says: “I’m a great believer that you can react or respond to any situation and I try and respond and aim to find the best solution I can.
“Losing my job has given me the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills and join a company that has a real buzz about it. Clark has a wide range of clients and that in itself provides different opportunities and clients to work with.
“I’ve settled in really well, and it’s a friendly workplace where people are motivated to perform and deliver results that meets the demands of the business. There’s a fantastic close knit team spirit throughout the organisation.”
He adds: “Apart from working from home, I’ve got one of the shortest commutes to work as the Clark IT office is just 2.9 miles from home!”
After more than 23 years of working, 17 of those in IT, Mike has seen many changes in the industry and says it is now much more positively embraced by the business world.
“The view of IT has certainly matured,” explains Mike. “We used to be viewed as techy geeks like you see in the IT Crowd, but over time it has emerged and developed and IT has become more aligned to business strategy and policy.
“IT has shifted from being reactive to taking a more proactive approach, getting ahead of issues and taking control into IT instead of constantly firefighting. There’s more planning and that in turn provides better services.”
Mike has filled one of three new posts at Clark IT, reflecting a growing demand for its specialist services. Clark is expanding by taking on a new apprentice and new client account manager to support the provision of managed ICT solutions to a range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.
Globally, thousands of oil and gas jobs have been shed within the last few months as a result of falling production levels. Personnel are now are looking at different sectors for employment, with benefits for small to medium enterprises.
Commercial director Margo Robertson says: “We’re thrilled to have Mike on board and already he has become a valued member of the team with his positive can-do approach.
“The down turn in oil and gas has seen an upturn in individuals contacting us to seek out alternative job opportunities. Whilst experience is required for many of our roles, the personal qualities of an applicant are important too.
“We look for individuals who are dynamic and who we know will fit in with our culture, current team and our clients. Qualities which are relevant in our current round of recruitment where we are looking to appoint two apprentices and two client account managers.”
Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.
With a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, Clark IT has also expanded into the Inverness area.
For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com