Houlder’s recent projects have presented a welcome opportunity to recruit two Aberdeen engineering apprentices.  Callum Duthie (pictured) and Scott Pirie, both 18, are studying Performing Engineering Operations through ITCA Training. They have joined Houlder’s Bridge of Don team as Trainee Designers as part of Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeships scheme.

Rupert Hare, Houlder’s CEO commented “Our Aberdeen office is full of experienced and knowledgeable engineers who have benefited from years of North Sea and offshore experience. With Callum and Scott on board, we are confident that this will now be passed on to the next generation and tomorrow’s in-house draughting capability will be in safe hands.”

Houlder supports offshore oil & gas owners, operators and energy companies with all forms of offshore engineering from its base at the Aberdeen Science and Energy Park. This includes supply of marine equipment, project management services, design and analysis work and technical consultancy. Trade teams are recruited directly and deployed to anywhere in the world. Baku, Azerbaijan, with just a few days’ notice, is a typical request fulfilled by the team which includes project managers, administrators and document controllers. Closer to home, a large team recently worked off Scapa Flow for one of the North Sea’s main accommodation unit operators. Key to success is the fact that clients find all the support upstream assets require under one roof. This includes 2D and 3D draughting and modelling which is where Callum and Scott are now learning the ropes.

Rupert Hare continues “The fact we can look forward, commit to young Aberdeen engineering apprentices like Callum and Scott and contribute to the future skilled workforce in Aberdeen is fantastic. The support the Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship scheme and ITCA Training provide is both timely and incredibly valuable.”

The move in Aberdeen follows successful apprentice placements in our Portsmouth and Tyneside offices and reflects Houlder’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong marine and offshore UK skillsbase.