Partnership aims to tackle global skills shortage in subsea industry
Subsea training and resourcing specialist Drift Offshore has partnered with UHI North, West and Hebrides to deal with the global skill shortage in the subsea industry. Formal links have been established to develop and deliver introductory training courses for using remotely operated vehicles (ROV), trenching, and subsea equipment.
Drifts specialist training expertise can be utilised in the partnership, hopefully increasing the skill base of staff in the subsea industry. It is important to have knowledgeable staff in the sector due to its role in the renewables sector.
Kyle Pitman, founder and director of Drift Offshore, said: "This is an exciting new initiative that capitalises on UHI’s advanced facilities to deliver practical exercises, and will directly help ensure the availability of competent, skilled subsea personnel. There is an acknowledged industry shortage of such personnel, who are absolutely key to the safe and successful delivery of offshore projects.”
A range of sectors connected to the subsea industry can also see benefits from this training. UHI North, West and Hebrides will manage the training at its Fort William campus on Loch Linnhe.
Pitman added: "It's an issue which is particularly pertinent to energy transition. It presents many new opportunities to the subsea sector but also makes new demands – not least in terms of requiring the right people, with the right skills, to support it."
David Campbell, director of business enterprise and development at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: "We’re delighted to be partnering with industry experts to deliver high-quality subsea training that directly responds to sector needs. By combining DRIFT Offshore’s expertise in delivering industry-recognised training with UHI North, West and Hebrides’ shoreside facilities and academic excellence, we’ve created a powerful collaboration that supports the skills pipeline for the subsea industry.”
The existing Drift Offshore ROV training course, the 101 basic fundamentals of an ROV system, will act as a base to develop the new training course content. This ensures the high quality of the course along with health and safety standards.
Campbell said: “Together, we’re committed to providing effective, career-focused training that supports individuals at every stage of their development. By aligning with both IMCA and SQA standards, we can offer a robust, quality-assured route to competence, providing confidence to trainees and reassurance to employers.”
Campbell said: “Our initial course is designed for those seeking a pathway into the sector, equipping them with the core knowledge and practical experience that will prepare them for success within the industry.”
