OilVoice - Technip Appoints Local Apprentice Who Has Achieved Qualification ‘First’

Technip Appoints Local Apprentice Who Has Achieved Qualification ‘First’

12 November 2009

Leading subsea engineering and construction contractor, Technip has announced the appointment of an apprentice who has already achieved a significant ‘first’ in his career.

Euan Stewart, 17, of Whitehills who attended Banff Academy, is currently working within the company’s diving workshop. Euan is one of the very first group of students to have successfully achieved an HNC in Engineering while attending school. This achievement was due to the pioneering Higher + programme run by Banff and Buchan College, in partnership with Aberdeenshire schools.

This innovative programme enables young people in Aberdeenshire to study for an HNC qualification while in full time education. The qualification is undertaken on a day release basis, over a two year period and is available in a range of subjects. On completion, due to the accelerating learning process, students have a variety of options including progression to university.

Euan joined Technip in August and is currently working within the company’s workshop on a part-time basis (3 days per week) on electronic dive support. For the remainder of the week he attends Banff and Buchan College, where he is working towards his modern apprenticeship.

Euan said: “I found the HNC course extremely interesting and informative. It was challenging managing the course work, which comprised 12 different modules, around my school work, but with sensible forward planning and good time management, I was able to gain my qualification.”

He continued, “I am delighted to now be working with Technip as the job allows me the added benefit of learning in an engineering environment as I continue to study. I am in an extremely fortunate position”

David Cook, technology sector manager at Banff & Buchan College, said:
“Euan worked extremely hard to achieve his HNC while studying on day release. As one of the first group to have completed his HNC through the Higher + scheme, Euan has paved the way for other pupils to explore the industry and do the same.”

Katrine Sharp, HR director at Technip, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Euan to Technip. He has worked very hard to complete his HNC. I am sure the on-the-job experience he gains while working with us, will be invaluable to his continued success. Technip is very pleased to be able to extend its support to the college through the offer of an apprenticeship to Euan.”

Technip has supported Banff & Buchan College’s Next Step Initiative for a number of years. The initiative is focused on educating young people, aged 14 - 16 about the opportunities on offer within the oil and gas industry. It offers students a bespoke ‘on the job’ training opportunity as they study, combining practical and theoretical engineering training endorsed by major international companies.

Banff Academy rector, David Dunn, said:
“We are delighted for Euan and are very proud of his achievement. He spent one day per week at college throughout his 5th and 6th years and showed real dedication in ensuring he made the very best of the opportunities provided by the collaboration between school and college. I hope other young people can follow his lead in the future."