Wireline Issue 46 - Autumn 2019

Act locally At Baker Hughes, Rich says the strategic decision to invest at Montrose reflects not only the capabilities of the workforce there, “but also about where we are as a company.” He adds: “We’re part of the communities where we operate and we have a responsibility to support those. We’re happy with the work we’ve done with the Scottish government in terms of investment, developing our workforce and supporting employment in the region - in short, being good corporate citizens.” Baker Hughes too has increased the size of its local apprenticeship programme — it now typically features over 40 trainees — and it also encompasses around 10 internships through partnerships with universities. “I visited the site recently and saw the work we’re doing in additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, data analytics and other areas. It’s clear we need young talent to support us in that work,” adds Rich. The investment programme at Montrose has also led to an enhanced learning and development capability at the site, encompassing not just subsea training but also leadership, customer and wider group training. “It’s all about driving the technology and the solutions forward for our customers in the ever-challenging space in which we work,” he continues. “This centre allows us to develop the technology and the people. We have the capability to work in conjunction with

our customers to take this space forward. With that, clearly, comes additional growth. I feel very optimistic about our ability to take energy solutions forward through this site.” Muir shares that optimism with regards to TÜV SÜD’s confidence in its site and its skilled people: “The development is a positive message to our staff in terms of securing the future, but it’s also very positive for Scotland and the UK. On a global basis it anchors the future of multiphase flow testing in Scotland.” Anchoring expertise in the UK is vital to the future of the domestic supply chain, and by extension, the UKCS as a basin. OGUK supply chain director Matt Abraham notes that: “These are great examples of how the supply chain is fundamental to pioneering the cutting-edge technological solutions we need to deliver safe and secure energy from the UK North Sea, developing expertise that is highly exportable and contributing to the creation of a net-zero carbon economy.” It’s therefore encouraging to see commitment from government and companies to centres of excellence such as the AMF and Montrose subsea facility, particularly as the industry works to double its export opportunities as part of the strategy set out in Roadmap 2035. Moreover, the training and upskilling of new generations of staff will help secure that expertise for many years to come.

Image above: Operating the gravity test separator at the TÜV SÜD Advanced Multiphase Facility.

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