Offshore Group Newcastle (OGN) one of the UK’s leading EPC service providers to the offshore oil & gas and offshore wind energy sectors, announced that four final year apprentices have been hired to complete their apprenticeship at the OGN Hadrian yard facility.
The news comes as light relief for the four apprentices (3 Welders and 1 Plater) who were all unfortunately made redundant in mid-February when their employer McNulty Offshore Construction Limited went into administration.
The future had appeared uncertain for the apprentices who were faced with the distinct possibility that over three years of apprenticeship training may have resulted in no formal qualification.
David Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at OGN said: “This gives the four young apprentices an excellent opportunity to complete the practical aspect of their studies, while also helping OGN during a busy period within the construction phase of the Forties Alpha Satellite Platform (FASP)”.
OGN who are planning to start an apprenticeship programme in the near future were approached by Tyne North Training Limited and asked to consider taking on the four final year students. OGN saw this approach as not only an excellent opportunity for the four apprentices, but also as a stepping stone towards establishing OGN’s apprenticeship programme.
The four apprentices will now work alongside and be mentored by highly experienced foreman and other members of OGN’s workforce, who will aim to pass on their wealth of knowledge and expertise before the completion of their apprenticeships in July.
Danny Baker, apprentice welder said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to complete my apprenticeship in the local area, which a month ago I thought wouldn’t have been possible”.
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Offshore WIND staff, April 13, 2012; Image: OGN show commitment to community by taking on four apprentices