AIS capitalise on demand for safety stamps in heavy lifting roles

North Shields-based offshore training providers AIS are looking to capitalise on demand for ‘rubber stamping’ workers with safety qualifications in one of the most dangerous jobs in the offshore sector.

The firm have been getting an increased number of requests from employers who want to test the competency of their banksman slinger - the role responsible for directing crane and slinging operations.

A one-day assessment course will test the skills of workers before AIS provide certification under the OPITO (oil and gas training body) stage three standards.

Training manager at AIS, Emma Spiller, said: “An increasing number of offshore employers were asking us to verify their employees’ knowledge and skills to ensure they could work to the required industry safety standards. We subsequently introduced a number of industry approved competency assessments, with the OPITO level 3 banksman slinger being the latest.

“Skills shortages remain a key challenge for the offshore sector but competency testing like this can help by enabling employers to gauge current skills’ levels and identifying possible gaps.

“We’ve invested heavily in developing world-class training facilities where individuals can get all the skills they need in one place. Our aim is to give customers greater choice by offering a true ‘one-stop-shop’ for training and competency assessment in North Tyneside – which is an extremely cost effective and easily accessible location.”