Few involved in energy sector will have missed the Energising the Nation campaign, with the ‘Proud to Be Oil and Gas’ message at the heart of it.
At ITB it got us thinking about the positives we take from working in such a vibrant industry, as well as what we aim to put in through our own efforts.
I’m ‘Proud to Be’ part of the oil and gas industry because it is so diverse and the creation of jobs is not just restricted to offshore or onshore chemical sites. As a trainer the industry provides our company with opportunities to contribute towards continuous professional development while raising awareness and understanding of the important part competence plays in creating a safe working environment for all.
My job as the internal verifier, assessor and trainer at ITB Competence Assurance can find me delivering training in relation to managing effective competence assurance across the world from Houston one week to Jakarta the next - as well as on home soil, based at our main office in Thistle Place in Aberdeen.
ITB is an accredited training provider capable of delivering OPITO approved courses as well as those approved by the SQA, ILM and City and Guilds. We also deliver bespoke in house courses to suit our clients’ needs and assist in the implementation of effective competency systems.
I personally feel our work contributes not only to the development of our candidates but to the wider safe working environment by clearly defining what competency means and the benefits involved when managing it effectively. Even with the daily pressures of working within the environment of oil and gas this can realistically be achieved and avoid competency becoming a paperwork exercise.
After delivering classroom training, I assist our candidates with advice and guidance surrounding the submission of their evidence and truly believe our candidates return to the workplace better prepared to coach, manage, assess and verify the capabilities of those working alongside them.
I take pride in the positive feedback we receive from our candidates and have numerous examples where candidates from all over the world have gained their qualification at ITB and have taken the time to recognise the part we have played in helping them in the workplace.
It is a very rewarding role as we have candidates with various experience ranging from new technicians right up to those with more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of disciplines and roles who still value the training and support given. I am proud to be part of ITB and the support and guidance that we provide to the oil and gas industry.
