Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 celebrates the value apprenticeships can bring to individuals, employer and the economy.
This year’s theme is Business Backing Talent and STATS understands the benefits of backing young talent through apprenticeships.
Going back to its earliest days as a fledgling business working from a small unit near Aberdeen Airport, STATS has recruited, supported, mentored and promoted apprentices who took their first steps into the world of design and engineering.
Now, as an internationally focussed business with 293 staff employed in the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, STATS continues to seek out the best young talent who can grow with the company and become the next generation of leaders.
STATS Group’s HR & QHSE Director, Derek Smart, said: “At STATS we understand that our people are our biggest asset. We recognise that by hiring apprentices we are able to offer a blended learning approach between college, and the hands-on experience gained within the workplace.
“By taking on Modern Apprentices we can tailor training to close any gaps and attract fresh talent to develop the existing workforce. To date, STATS have successfully recruited more than 20 apprentices, who later gained long term employment opportunities within our administration, manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering departments.
“We currently have four active Modern Apprentices, two of which were recruited in 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and who are all working towards mechanical or manufacturing qualifications. STATS would encourage any young individual who is looking to gain workplace experience and an industry recognised qualification to seek apprenticeships within the energy industry.”
Past and current STATS Group Modern Apprentices discuss their experience as apprentices -
Operations Support Team Lead, Moira Cook
Apprenticeship Discipline: Business & Administration
“The flexibility of working and completing a Modem Apprenticeship was very appealing to me when starting at STATS 11 years ago, and being able to continue learning but also to gain the experience of working in an office was very helpful in my career.
“The different projects I took on during my apprenticeships allowed me to see different areas of the business which I also feel as assisted me in job during my time at STATS Group. Being able to see the various departments allowed me to gain understanding of the organisation. After my Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration, I then went on to complete my Level 4. Since these, I have progressed through STATS Group from Office Junior to my current role as Operations Support Team Lead. I have had the opportunity to complete leadership courses to help me progress my supervisor role. And recently I have started an online university course on Leading and Managing Projects. I am very grateful STATS Group offer this and it will assist me in my current role.”
Lead Project Engineer, Ryan McIntosh
Apprenticeship Discipline: Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship
“The apprenticeship scheme is the perfect fit for any young girl or guy who enjoys getting out there and seeing how things work first-hand. The broad knowledge I was able to gain was invaluable not only for the oil and gas sector but all engineering. This ranged from mechanical fitting and machine skills to classroom-based learning in CAD drawings and engineering calculations, which are all vital.
“Looking back, I did not realise how useful the Apprenticeship training actually was and how those skills stick with you, helping throughout your career. Leaving school 12 years ago, I did not think I could have went straight to university, but with the backing and build-up of the apprenticeship learning starting from college, it made tackling university much easier.
“I would encourage anyone to go via the apprenticeship route for learning, the skills you learn being hands-on whilst studying set a fantastic base for the rest of your career. They can give a large advantage in comparison to those only from the university route, who haven't had the same mechanical and operational awareness gained working from a young age.”
Trainee Workshop Technician, Mark Forsyth
Apprenticeship Discipline: Assembly & Testing Mechanical Engineering
“Throughout my apprenticeship I have learned a lot of life skills and as STATS is a bespoke tooling company I have built a good understanding of various pieces of equipment and tools. Over the last three years I have learnt the different processes involved in the business, from the raw material coming into the machine shop, right through to the tools being sent out to a live workscope.
“Another important element of my apprenticeship has been gaining essential life skills, such as good communication, good time keeping, decision making, as well as problem solving. As I come closer to the end of my apprenticeship, I have been given more responsibilities as well as bigger tasks/jobs to manage and complete. In the future with STATS, I hope to start going offshore more and get to see some of the world, which I think would be a great opportunity.”
Operations Administrator, Courtney Simpson
Apprenticeship Discipline: SVQ Business and Administration SCQF Level 6
“I first started a Modern Apprenticeship with STATS when I was in the office junior role. This apprenticeship helped me gather the basic understanding of how a business worked and the administration duties and responsibilities that I would at some point or another be undertaking within my role. I thought this course would also ease me into further education and show me how it worked alongside working full time, in which it taught me how straight forward, easy and rewarding it was. I learned a variety of skills during the apprenticeship, these include people skills, hands-on skills, and my confidence grew massively through-out my modern apprenticeship.
“I would 100% advise anyone considering doing an apprenticeship to go for it, it allows you to learn and gain a qualification, while you are working and earning money. There is a lot of positives that you can gain from an apprenticeship if you are willing to work. I had a great support group to get me through times that I felt I struggled, which made a huge difference. Doing an apprenticeship can led to positive benefits within your career, and I can say mine did.”
Remotes Systems Technician Apprentice, Glenn Murison
Apprenticeship Discipline: Assembly and Testing Mechanical Engineering
“I have had the chance to attend college and earn a HNC in mechanical engineering and having learned the theory side of the job it is also beneficial being able to put the knowledge into practice.
“In the short time I have been at STATS, I have been exposed to multiple aspects of the job and learning new skills throughout with help from a good team in the Remotes Department. I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself and progressing whatever I do in life, and feel that being part of STATS has been a very positive step in my progression. I will continue to work to progress my career furthermore.
“For anyone considering an apprenticeship, remember - learn as much as you possibly can. No question is a silly question if it’s to help with understanding. Look to progress yourself as much as you can and take any opportunity that allows you to do so. Most importantly enjoy what you are doing.”