.png)
.png)
7 December 2015
Time for an update! What has been accomplished, where can we improve and what are the plans for the year ahead?
Challenges from the ACS
The start up phase brought its challenges such as the ACS enrolment process, assessment phases and how to get competency assessed by external verifiers. However, through these challenges we have developed as a programme and have ensured that these issues have been solved. The training has increased knowledge and experience of both Account Managers and professionals and has contributed to several steps within the development of the programme.
Competency Management System
Over the last few months, the focus of the ACS programme has aimed to integrate a competency management system into the entire recruitment process. By training our Account Managers to become qualified Internal Verifiers this confirms the determination and enthusiasm of Atlas to ensure that we are supplying a safe and competent workforce.
Next year we would like to retain our focus on Competence Management and expand Competence Assurance possibilities for our clients.
The Future for the ACS
In the current economic climate there are factors that influence the Competence Management segment. The market is tight and the forecast for 2016 could be more positive. Practical challenges are becoming apparent, for example, a professional will need to be on a job to execute competence assessments and obtain product evidence.
So where do we currently stand? Within our offshore survey sector, more and more professionals are joining the programme and gaining their certifications. In ROV we are planning to invite the first group of professionals to join. Despite these challenges, Atlas is determined to keep investing in Competence Management to ensure a safe and reliable workforce.
Fugro's New Training Facility
After the recent move of the Fugro Academy's global in-house training centre to Plymouth’s Turnchapel Wharf, Chris Girdlestone and Ash Theasby met with Iain Slade for a tour and introduction of Fugro’s new facility.
The in-house training centre for Fugro will provide training, development in competencies and skills for its offshore survey personnel across the geotechnical, survey, subsea and geoscience divisions.
Not only are the new training facilities, simulation rooms, study areas, workshops and library able to support the growth and professional development of its employees, but it also has access to three survey vessels which are moored alongside the facility to further expand the training experience.
The site also uses the latest cutting edge technology to ensure they are working at the forefront of the industry. The facility also works in collaboration with a number of survey equipment suppliers, testing the next generation of sensors and other survey hardware.
“Fugro have proven their commitment to developing a competent and skilled workforce by investing in the new training facility,” says Atlas Account Manager Chris Girdlestone. “It will enable their employees to improve technically through hands on and classroom based experience. These are also the key principles that Atlas share and are the main reasons behind our investment in our own training programmes and Competency Scheme.”
