Member Article

Maersk Training celebrate Newcastle College student success

Students at Newcastle College have been honoured at a special awards ceremony for their completion of a unique training programme in conjunction with Maersk Training.

In total, 55 students studying at the College’s Energy Academy were put through their paces on a six-week programme, hosted by Maersk Training at their North Shields site. The course provided students with fundamental offshore training skills required by the industry.

Some of the region’s leading offshore employers attended the awards ceremony at Newcastle College where students were recognised for their hard work, application and success during their course.

Andy Stephenson, Director of School of Construction, Engineering and Science, said: “This is a brilliant way for our students who are studying subsea and renewable energy engineering to see what it’s really like to work in the industry.

“It’s important that we recognise and celebrate the success of our students and the excellent partnership we have with employers such as Maersk Training who have made a significant investment in the programme.”

The programme which was launched in October last year was specifically developed for 16-18 year olds who were keen to form a better understanding of the wind turbine industry. Students were taught a whole range of mandatory skills and took part in site visits to employers, such as Port of Blyth where they were able to benefit from practical career advice and guidance.

Samantha Finch, Education Business Development Manager at Maersk Training, said: “When presented with the opportunity to work with Newcastle College, Maersk Training jumped at the chance to support engineering students with their aspirations to further their knowledge in the renewables sectors.

“The Fundamental Skills for Offshore Wind Technicians course completed by the students allowed them to showcase their skills and determination to train in real-life working environments. The awards ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the student’s dedication whilst on the programme with Maersk Training. Due to the success of the partnership, we are working with Newcastle College to create market and employer specific training that will add value to the engineering minds of the future.”

The College’s Energy Academy, situated in Wallsend is a hub for producing sector specialist young engineers to work in the offshore, subsea and renewable energy engineering technologies.

Student Josie Watson who studies at the Academy received an Outstanding Student Award at the ceremony for her excellent conduct and commitment whilst on the programme.

Josie, 18, from Walker, said: “I feel really proud that I won the Outstanding Student Award. The training programme with Maersk was a fantastic experience. Being able to go on site and learn about the industry was really useful in helping us apply what we’ve learnt in college to a real environment.

“I really enjoy my course at the College and I plan to go on to an apprenticeship in renewable energies or study my Foundation Degree at Newcastle College. The course with Maersk has given me the confidence and experience to be able to pursue this as a career option.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucy Baird .