Training Fund gives Pearl wind in her sails with new career
A former oil and gas worker has told how she has been able change career into the renewables sector with help from the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund.
Pearl Stephen from Fraserburgh has 15 years’ experience working offshore, carrying out a range of admin jobs on oil rigs such as radio operator, heli admin, logistics, personnel on board planner, permit to work coordinator and liaising with helicopter pilots.
However, after the company she was working for was bought over and didn’t secure a contract, the work dried up, leaving Pearl and many of her colleagues facing redundancy.
She said: “Since being made redundant, I’ve been picking up bits of agency work here and there. People kept saying to me that the way to go was into renewable energy – windfarms, turbines, that kind of thing.
“While I was offshore in January, I got a call from someone who was interested in taking me on in the windfarms, but I had to decline the offer as I hadn’t done the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training, which is a mandatory requirement for anyone working in windfarms.
“I didn’t want to be in that situation again, I wanted to be ready to go if another opportunity came up, so I looked into doing the training.”
Pearl heard about the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund from a colleague.
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will help increase the pipeline of skilled workers needed as part of the move towards sustainable energy.
Aimed at current or former oil and gas workers living or working in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, the fund will help provide access to industry-recognised training required for a range of opportunities in sectors such as such as offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, covering roles such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
She said: “He had done the GWO course in England said he was sure that funding was available in Scotland. I’m really glad he told me about it!”
“I’d applied for the fund previously, but it wasn’t available at that time. I then got an email just as I was looking into booking my course to say it was available again. I took time and gathered all the information required and submitted my application.
“The adviser, Jacqueline, told me that my application was approved really quickly because I’d sent over everything they needed. I was so happy to be accepted for the funding.”
Pearl undertook the GWO training and applied for more posts. She then got a call offering her a job.
She said: “My new role is site co-ordinator on an offshore vessel in a big windfarm field with enough work that will keep the site going until at least 2029. I’m absolutely delighted and can’t wait to get started. I’m really excited about the challenge.”
Pearl added: “I would definitely encourage others to apply to the fund if they’re able. Some of the training can cost a lot of money, and the fund is a big help, as there’s a lot of people looking to transition into the renewables sector.”
Find out more
Further information regarding eligibility and how to apply can be found at transitiontrainingfund.scot. Anyone looking for advice on their options can call the dedicated SDS customer helpline on 0808 100 1855.