A new apprenticeship scheme has been launched by InSite, the UK-based technical consultancy that serves the oil, gas, metals, chemicals, renewables, technology licensing and financial industries.
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The new apprenticeship scheme is set to boost employment in the local area and to benefit InSite by providing skilled employees as it grows. Since InSite’s formation in 2014, the company has grown from six directors up to 60 employees in 2018.
“The apprentice scheme will directly benefit the apprentices, Pembrokeshire College, InSite and clients of InSite,” said Jon Scarr, InSite’s General Manager. “The indirect beneficiary is the local economy, which will benefit from well-paid skilled jobs being retained in South Wales.”
He added that the scheme will specifically address the issue of declining engineering opportunities in the region.
[/aoa]“There has been a strong engineering talent pool in the area for many years since the refining boom in the 1970s. The work opportunities have shrunk since this boom as major petrochemical sites have closed.
“InSite works alongside several companies in the supply chain to deliver engineering services to clients. The area will benefit not only from increased job opportunities directly with InSite but also with the other companies that rely on InSite, and that InSite rely on. The overall aim is to retain the engineering talent in the area.”
The new apprenticeship scheme began last month with an intake of a mechanical designer and an electrical, control and instrumentation designer.
“The primary purpose of the apprenticeship scheme is to develop and nurture talent,” said Scarr. “We are looking for talented individuals who are keen to develop their skills in an engineering design capacity. Good numeracy, problem solving and communication skills are a must. .”
The apprentice scheme lasts for up to four years, at the end of which the individuals will gain a HNC qualification. The time to attain the HNC depends on the qualifications of the individual at the time of starting the scheme. At the end of the scheme there is an expectation that the individual will be offered a permanent full time role within the company, contingent on demonstration of consistent excellent performance throughout the apprentice scheme, and business needs.
“The apprentices will get out what they put in,” said Scarr. “They can develop from zero experience all the way through to designers, degree level engineers and chartered members of recognised engineering institutions.”
The apprenticeship scheme is part of InSite’s ongoing commitment to employee development. Other initiatives include day release for engineering or other qualifications up to degree level, and support with chartership applications.
Each apprentice is assigned a buddy, line manager, mentor and course administrator to ensure they are supported throughout the full duration of the scheme. There is ample opportunity for on-the-job training, day release to college for the academic course requirements, internal training courses and specifically selected external training courses when relevant. An example of the latter is the CCNSG Safety Passport, which is a standard course for the apprentices to attend.
“Successful recruitment and development of apprentices is vital to the long term success of InSite,” said Scarr. “Since inception in 2014, InSite has grown rapidly through recruiting experienced engineers, designers and managers. This has resulted in a perfect environment to provide apprentices with engineering design exposure and an opportunity to learn from a workforce with useful and varied experience.”
