Eight new recruits at Grantown-based firm MacKellar Subsea Limited have gained welding skills and a nationally recognised engineering qualification after completing an innovative fast-track training scheme developed by Inverness College UHI and supported by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
To fulfill the requirements of several upcoming contracts, MacKellar needed eight new welders trained to welding code standard 6G – the high quality standard required by the energy industry – in the space of just 15 weeks.
Working with SDS, Inverness College UHI developed a delivery model through its engineering team to provide the ideal solution – a tailor-made training course that could be delivered from MacKellar’s own premises.
This meant that the company could recruit the required personnel and provide intensive training to specified national standards within the short period of time available to them.
As well as meeting the business needs of MacKellar, the programme has opened the doors to lucrative careers for the eight recruits. Each has gained a Performing Engineering Operations level 2 qualification and achieved the 6G welding standard, providing a solid base on which to build a career in the wider engineering sector.
Each is now fully engaged on welding projects and making excellent progress. They will also have the opportunity to continue with further on the job training and development to support the future needs of the business.
Speaking of the success of the programme, Fraser MacKellar, director at MacKellar Subsea Limited, said: “Having well-trained staff who can deliver contracts to the highest possible standard is very important to MacKellar Subsea Limited.
“Through our collaboration with Inverness College UHI and SDS, we have been able to create opportunities for local people, expand our team and deliver quality services to our customers.
“Our new recruits are progressing extremely well and we are delighted with the standard of training they received as well as the quality of work they are producing. A bespoke training programme was definitely the right option for us.”
Diane Rawlinson, principal and chief executive at Inverness College UHI, commented: “Inverness College UHI enjoys a close working relationship with the Highland business community, and through our active engagement with employers we have sought to gain a deeper understanding of their needs.
“This project with MacKellar Subsea Limited is an excellent example of the college’s ability to work flexibly with industry to help it achieve real business needs and create valuable career opportunities. I’d like to wish MacKellar’s new recruits all the best in their new roles and future careers.”
Derek Cairns, relationship accounts executive with SDS, added: “The commitment shown by Mackellar Subsea Ltd in developing the skills of its workforce has brought real benefits for both the firm’s employees and the business itself.
“This is an employer
that recognises that investing in training can bring opportunities for growth, and SDS is delighted to
be able to play a part in that.
“We would urge other businesses to follow the example shown by Mackellar Subsea, as SDS can offer a wide range of help to employers, from advice on funding to taking on modern apprentices, skills planning and HR support or recruitment.”