News

As the impact of the economic climate begins to take its toll across the north east of Scotland, hundreds of people across a variety of industry sectors are considering a change of career. Re-training can put you one step ahead of the crowd in this highly competitive recruitment market and hold the key to the job of your dreams.

Specialist training provider AquaTerra Solutions has experienced a spurt of interest in its recently launched Introduction to Rigging and Lifting course. And it expects the recent trend to continue with more individuals within the energy sector training to ensure they are employable by adding to their skill set in this challenging financial climate.

Mark Pearce, training director at AquaTerra, explains: "Historically when the industry has entered into periods of sustained moderate oil price this has stimulated an increase in maintenance activities in the oil and gas sector providing additional job opportunities for personnel with rigging and lifting qualifications.

"We have recently launched an Introduction to Rigging and Lifting Operations course aimed at people seeking employment within this sector of the energy industry. The OPITO approved course is widely recognised as the industry-standard and gives certification in the basics of rigging and lifting providing delegates with the required skills and knowledge which are crucial to secure a job in this sector.

"The course is aimed at individuals who are looking to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in this field. We have had delegates with varying backgrounds including scrap metal, vehicle maintenance, as well as offshore rope access technicians wanting to increase their portfolio of skills and knowledge".

AquaTerra Solutions is an Aberdeen-based company that specialises in work at height and rope access related services including NDT/Inspection, maintenance and construction services, work at height and rescue training, and work and rescue equipment supply.

Simon Chinn, senior engineering consultant at one of Scotland's market leading recruitment consultancies, Thorpe Molloy, supports self funded courses as a way to help get ahead of the crowd, commenting, "We always advise our clients to do as much as they can to make themselves as attractive as possible to potential employers. This includes having the required training and skills to effectively carry out the job. Self funded training courses are a great way of obtaining these skills while demonstrating initiative and drive to get the job they want.

"Despite the current financial climate and increased unemployment in the UK, there is still a major shortage of good engineers in the Aberdeen area. There are concerns in the oil and gas industry that the offshore North Sea has an ageing workforce, which is likely to exacerbate the skills shortage in the not too distant future. Any innovative ideas, including courses to attract and re-train non oil industry workers, will no doubt be beneficial to the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry".

Mark continues, "We've had several people sign up for this course after being advised by potential employers and recruitment agencies that by gaining certification in Rigging and Lifting Operations they would have a better chance in being employed in a related role.

"The aim of course, which takes place at AquaTerra's purpose-built rigging and lifting training facility in Aberdeen, is to introduce practical skills into the workplace. Among the many elements of this course, delegates will learn about the relevant legislation, how to undertake risk assessments, rigging principals and terminology, weight identification and estimation, and the placement of loads. Delegates will also take part in a range of rigging and lifting operations to provide them with the required experience for carrying out these activities in the field."

In addition to providing comprehensive services both offshore and onshore for the oil and gas industry, AquaTerra clients also include those in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, marine, renewable energy, communications and civil engineering sectors. The company is based in Stoneywood in Aberdeen. More information about AquaTerra can be found at www.aquaterra.co.uk, by emailing info@aquaterra.co.uk or calling 01224 710100.

AquaTerra Solutions Ltd

AquaTerra House, Tofthills Avenue, Midmill Business Park, Kintore, Aberdeen, AB51 0QP

Tel: +44 (0) 845 257 7570

Fax: +44 (0) 845 257 7572

info@aquaterra.co.uk

Registered in Scotland No. 262031,
Registered Office: 34 Albyn Place
Aberdeen, AB10 1FW