HSOG Launches Apprenticeship Program

HS Ocean Group (HSOG ) celebrates National Apprenticeship Week by committing to long-term Apprenticeship program. The marine services specialist HSOG has launched a formal Apprenticeship training program following the successful progression of its first ever apprentices.

The global company – which has offices in 12 countries across four continents – engaged six apprentices at its McTays Shipyard and Warbreck Engineering facilities in Merseyside last year.

The apprentices are training across a range of disciplines including steelwork, fabrication, mechanical fitting, machining and engineering.

Lee Foster, HSOG Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are delighted to announce our Apprenticeship programme to tie in with UK National Apprenticeship Week 2014.

“As a fast growing group of companies we are fully invested in committing to training a future generation of talented young ship-builders and engineers. We took on our first apprentices last year and due to their progression we are now looking to establish a long-term program with additional apprentices joining us in the summer.

“Four apprentices are based at the McTays Shipyard facility and two at our Warbreck Engineering site. We believe that these apprentices will develop into highly skilled, qualified tradesmen who will have a significant impact in the expansion of our global business.”

The current apprentices receive on-site training with the Apprenticeships delivered through Wirral Metropolitan College, which provides classroom-based learning. The National Apprenticeship Service also assisted in developing the training plan going forward.

The apprentices – all aged between 17 and 23 – have been taken on from the surrounding areas, providing a boost to local employment.

After completing their Apprenticeships, they will move into shipbuilding and ship repair, conversions, mechanical engineering, offshore oil and gas, renewables and a host of associated projects.

Lee Foster added, “We are delighted that the success of our first batch of apprentices has led to a sustainable Apprenticeships programme and look forward to welcoming additional young people to the company. The international maritime and oil and gas sectors are crying out for more talented young workers and HSOG is providing a perfect platform to provide career opportunities for skilled workers both in the U.K. and abroad.”