Seacat Services in conjunction with UKSA and the Isle of Wight College has launched its third apprenticeship programme to provide training for a career in the offshore renewable energy sector.
The two-year, government funded programme is designed to give 12 apprentices all the bespoke skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work as a crew member in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Successful apprentices will learn Seacat Services’ core operating values of safety, availability and reliability, which are fundamental to effective vessel support.
Starting in April 2021, the 12 selected apprentices will undertake an initial four-week training programme at UKSA in Cowes.
They will then learn on the job on one of Seacat’s offshore energy support vessels on a three-week on, three-week off rotation.
On completion of the apprenticeship and the end point assessment, there will be the opportunity of full-time employment with the maritime operator.
Recruitment for the apprenticeship scheme will start this month, and apprentices must be aged between 18-25, pass the MCA’s ENG 1 medical and be a resident on the Isle of Wight.
UKSA director of training and operations Chris Frisby said: “The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’ and this is very much in line with UKSA’s ethos of providing training pathways that create exciting, long-term maritime career opportunities.
“With the backdrop of Covid, never has it been so important to provide opportunities for employment for our young people whose futures have been so severely impacted.
“So, I am delighted to be launching this fully funded programme for twelve students this year and my aim is to broaden this workboat apprenticeship scheme in 2022 to welcome more young people onto the programme.
“The new programme represents a fantastic opportunity for students. Over the course of the two years, the apprentices will obtain no less than 10 industry recognised qualifications from STCW Navigational Watch certification through to food preparation and hygiene, ensuring they are fully prepared for an exciting career path.”
Seacat operations director Andy Calderbank-Link said: “We’re proud to be providing new opportunities for homegrown talent to be developed.
“These apprentices will be amongst the first generation of truly specialist offshore wind support crews in the UK.
“Offshore renewables are now a bona fide career choice for young people, and the apprenticeship scheme will train recruits to the highest possible standard – providing a key point of entry into the sector, and a clear path for progression.”