Sir Robert Smith Hails Proserv’s Apprenticeship Program

Sir Robert Smith Bt, MP has visited market leading production technology services company Proserv to see how the firm develops the engineers of tomorrow.

At Proserv’s test and assembly base at Birchmoss, near Echt in Aberdeenshire, the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine took a tour of the facilities and met with apprentices to learn more about the work Proserv is doing to bring through the next generation of talent.

The company has fast emerged as an industry specialist in the global energy industry, with over 1900 people worldwide. Across its four locations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, the company took on nine apprentices into their new programme during 2013, building on the five who were hired in 2012.

Sir Robert said: “It is very encouraging to see that a major local employer is committed to providing opportunities to youngsters taking their first steps on the career ladder. The shortage of skills in the energy industry is well publicised and it is heartening to see Proserv is working to address this by providing apprenticeships which can lead into a highly skilled lifetime profession.

“The company’s recent success and growth shows that it has gathered a reputation for the ingenuity, knowledge and hard work of its staff. It has been a pleasure to view the facilities here at Birchmoss and I wish Proserv continued success in the future.”

Proserv, which is headquartered in Westhill, has a 35-year track record in delivering bespoke technologies and services, particularly in the marine, drilling, production and subsea sectors.

Proserv’s facility at Birchmoss is believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK in terms of its size and industry-leading capabilities. Complete with large test pits and 75 tonne internal craneage, the facilities are used for the design testing, maintenance and installation of subsea equipment including system integration tests, factory acceptance tests, tree assembly and blow-out preventer re-certifications prior to deployment offshore or subsea.

Mark Williams at Proserv said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome Sir Robert to Birchmoss and to experience some of the work we do. The development of young people is rewarding for everyone involved and it is reassuring to have the support and endorsement of our local MP.

“Proserv as a company has supported apprenticeships for many years and some of our own senior members of staff started on similar programmes. It is as important for us to provide opportunities to those living in our nearby communities as it is to develop programmes that will support the future of our business.”

2013 apprentice Marnie Toal said: “I live locally so this is a great opportunity available to me so close to where I live. I started in September and so far it’s been great, hands on, really interesting and exciting. I’m going to go through my Modern Apprenticeship and Proserv technician courses which is going to set me up for an exciting career with Proserv.”

The success of Proserv was recently recognised when the company won Technology Implementation of the Year at the Oil and Gas Middle East Awards 2013 whilst making the shortlist for the Health and Safety Initiative of the Year. In addition, chief executive David Lamont took the Private Equity Backed Business title in the EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 awards.

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Press Release, November 06, 2013