Fisherman and farm workers targeted as offshore labour market tightens
Posted: 18 May 2005
Fishermen, agricultural workers and motor mechanics are being targeted to meet the high demand for offshore technical staff.
Personnel recruitment agency Buchan Technical Services Ltd say the move to attract staff from outwith the traditional oil and gas sectors is a direct result of a highly competitive labour market.
BTS managing director Andy Buchan, said: “Due to high levels of activity, UK personnel migrating to overseas markets and an ageing workforce, the flexibility of the offshore labour market is extremely restricted at the moment.”
To address the problem Aberdeenshire-based BTS are running a series of training courses for workers who have a technical background but no offshore experience.
Course participants undergo three days intensive training and assessment to determine their suitability for offshore work and applicants typically include commercial mechanics, fishermen and farm hands.
Successful candidates will work for pumping, pressure testing and environmental service companies and depending on ability can earn between £30-£45,000, which compares favourably to farming and fishing opportunities.
Mr Buchan added: “Using a range of offshore pumping equipment, we can raise awareness of and assess basic safety functions and procedures. This allows us to introduce suitable personnel into the ad-hoc offshore labour pool with confidence.
“With the co-operation of our clients, successful participants are introduced into offshore teams where they receive continuous supervision and on the job training. A range of more comprehensive training and assessment programs supplement the offshore work experience through time.
“Since we introduced the courses a large number of participants have secured full time employment or become well known faces in the flexible offshore labour pool.”
Mr Buchan said it was unusual for a personnel agency to take the initiative and to absorb the costs involved in this type of training programme but BTS view it as an essential requirement to enable the company to capture the placement and ad-hoc technical recruitment business that is available.
Posted by Editor Offshore Arabia Magazine
Information supplied by companies or PR agencies who are responsible for content. Send press releases to info@reflexpublishingme.com |
