3sun Starts Apprentice Skills Development Program

3sun Group, a specialist provider of products and services to the global energy industry, has established a new training program as part of the Group’s continued commitment to developing future industry talent.

The program, which has been created in collaboration with the international engineering and operation contractor, Offshore Design Engineering Limited (ODE), aims to enhance the skillset of apprentices aspiring to enter the energy industry.

Throughout April and May, six third year apprentices will get the opportunity to spend time offshore as part of their NVQ course, Electrical, Mechanical Instrumentation. The new initiative is set to develop the technical skills and competency levels of the apprentices by offering them the opportunity to work on an operational platform alongside an offshore crew.

Graham Hacon, Chief Executive of 3sun Group, said: “Developing the skills and experience of our apprentices is of significant importance to the company. Nurturing the next generation of industry talent is key to overcoming the current skills gap, with on-the-job training an essential feature of this.

“With the vast competition that youngsters come up against when trying to secure a job these days, an on-paper qualification isn’t enough. Employers are looking for a workforce with hands-on experience and the 3sun Group apprenticeship scheme provides the apprentices with the head start they need to establish a successful career in the energy industry.”

Apprentices undertaking the program are provided with the opportunity to work on a gas installation, located off the East coast of England. Tasks are assigned by assessing individual skills sets and interests to determine which discipline suits them, as they study to attain a qualification in these fields.

Alex Armes, 23, a 3sun Group apprentice who has participated in the program, said: “The training initiative has allowed me to obtain hands-on technical experience on a working offshore platform, an opportunity I would not have been given normally as an apprentice. The time spent offshore provided a real understanding of the instrumentation, control and maintance field, supporting my work at 3sun and my NVQ coursework.”