Maersk Training UK launches upgraded £720k training and safety centre

Maersk Training UK (MTUK) has launched the first half of its refurbished Aberdeen safety and survival centre which has undergone a £720k refurbishment to ensure it meets the needs of the industry as it looks to the future and the energy transition.

The investment has allowed for the training facilities to be upgraded and strengthens the centre’s safety offerings to the North Sea workforce. The installation of new technology will allow the centre to deliver training courses specifically for the renewables industry and enhances its service offering to the oil and gas sector, allowing MTUK to provide a complete service offering from the UK base.

The courses and facilities have been developed to allow a straightforward transition between subjects to ensure that training at the centre helps to support companies in the current climate and for the future energy mix. New facilities available at the centre include a larger pool, a bespoke work at height and confined space training unit, a first aid simulator, and a dedicated basic technical training simulator – which is the only one of its kind in Aberdeen.

Leonardo Machado, managing director of MTUK, said: “The opening of our upgraded training centre is the culmination of months of hard work and research to ensure that we have an offering which reflects the ever-evolving energy sector.

“The North Sea has always been at the forefront of innovation and safety and our new facilities will allow us to provide a one stop shop to companies to support them as they embrace the opportunities which the energy transition create, while also servicing oil and gas and ensuring the industry continues to be world leaders in safety and innovation.”

The second half of the refurbishment will be complete by the summer. This will include a brand new advanced firefighting facility to provide a full suite of accredited emergency response training for oil and gas, marine and industrial firefighting teams.

MTUK has also invested in e-learning courses and has increased its digital offering. This includes the upgrade of its Training Management Service (TMS), which allows MTUK to offer an effective and safer solution for delegate training.

Mr Machado added: “The last year has seen a seismic shift in how companies work and as a result of this we have invested in the technology required to allow us to provide training to companies digitally. Our use of smart technology to manage training needs allows us to form a better partnership with our clients and ensures we are providing a complete service offering.

“In line with one of the company’s values of ‘Our Employees’, we have initiated an internal ‘people skills’ programme with the investment of time, energy, and effort into each employee’s development. The focus is on identifying personal and shared values to ensure every facet of the business continues to operate as one multifunctional high performing team, intending to provide each client with a better learning experience.”

The Portlethen centre will offer a number of courses including training in OPITO approved Renewable and Oil and Gas products, GWO approved Renewable Energy products, STCW approved Maritime products as well as a number of bespoke company specific training courses.