Petrofac workers based at the Shetland Gas Plant (SGP) have ‘upskilled’ to become qualified tradesmen thanks to a new training programme partnership.
The ReSkill programme - one of a number of initiatives developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) – is the first craft-related qualification Petrofac has ever run, resulting in three qualifying as Mechanical Fitters and four as Pipefitters.
The group completed an intensive six-week training programme, gaining their ECITB Certificate in ‘Supporting the Installation of Engineering Construction Plant and Systems –SCQF Level 5’ last year at training provider, MetTECH’s centre in Grangemouth. The second stage, putting knowledge and skills into practice, then led to the achievement of the ‘ECITB Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems – Pipefitting and Mechanical Fitting’ – a site-based vocational qualification which tested their competence within the workplace with full assessment from MetTECH.
One of the Petrofac graduates, Andrew Leaper, moved to SGP from the fishing industry. He said: “At the start, the training consisted of simulated training exercises and we were then able to transfer our skills and knowledge to site which was the perfect practical environment. The qualification means I am now a Grade A Craftsman as a Mechanical Fitter which stands me in good stead to develop my career further within the construction industry.”
Blair Barclay, Provider Technical Manager at the ECITB, added: “Great work has been achieved over the last 17 months by Petrofac, MetTECH and ourselves to train these learners and equip them with the necessary skills and competence levels to achieve vocational qualifications. This demonstrates the strength of these training products and how, through collaboration, we can address skills gaps in a cost effective way whilst training to the highest standards.”
Pamela Ringrose, Managing Director at MetTECH, said: “Congratulations to the candidates who we thoroughly enjoyed working with to develop their careers. Petrofac has demonstrated real commitment to training and development throughout the programme, and MetTECH is proud to have been part of that journey.”
The ReSkill programme was supported by funding from the ECITB and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).