A LEADING North-east marine equipment specialists highlighted the importance of apprenticeships during a national campaign last week.
Motive Offshore, which was launched in 2010 by James Gregg, Dave Acton and Bob Smit, participated in the fourth annual Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which is organised by Skills Development Scotland, in a bid to raise awareness of the benefits of modern apprenticeships and encourage more employers to take on apprentices.
Motive directors, James and Dave both started their careers as apprentices and have continued to support apprentices by developing strong links with North East College and Skills Development Scotland. The firm currently has 12 apprentices working and learning, with three additional apprentices starting in July.
Operations director at Motive Offshore, Dave Acton, said: “At Motive we realise that there is a skills shortage within our industry and we are striving to do our part to reduce this.
“We are continuing to employ apprentices to get new blood into the business and to ensure that key skills are handed down.
“We have a responsibility to invest in our company’s future and, indeed, the future of our industry because we can all have the best policies and procedures in place but without people none of that matters.”
This year more than 150 events took place across the country as part of Scottish Apprenticeship week, and Motive worked with Skills Development Scotland to compile case study reports of their successful apprentices and visited the North East College apprentice fair to share their knowledge and opportunities with students.
One of Motive’s first apprentices, Kevin Day, joined the firm in 2010 aged 18, and is a true example of how successful apprentices can be. Kevin is now in his final year, due to complete his apprenticeship in 2015 to become a time served welder/fabricator.
Kevin said: “My apprenticeship works great for me and I have definitely learnt a lot about various engineering products.
“I split my working week with two days at college, where I learn the theory to support my practical work at Motive.
“I am currently getting hands-on experience offshore, which is pretty unusual for an apprenticeship but as this is my long-term goal, Motive has supported me and given me the opportunity to get a glimpse of work offshore.”
Motive Offshore, which has over 80 employees across its three locations in Banff, Aberdeen and Stavanger, has a total of 24 apprentices and trainees working in the factory and offices.
The firm is continuing to invest to support and work with apprentices, and has future plans to take on additional apprentices each year.
To find out more about Motive Offshore call 01261 843 537 or email info@motive-services.com.
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