Connected Competence, facilitated by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) was developed in collaboration with some of the UK’s largest contracting companies, each committed to using standardised training and testing based on the ECITB’s technical tests.
The industry-led scheme is now mandated by Aker Solutions, Altrad Integrity Services (formerly Stork), Bilfinger UK, Boskalis, Petrofac, Ponticelli, Petrofac, Semco Maritime, Wood and Worley. Together, they employ more than 75% of the craft and technician workforce in the UK’s upstream oil and gas industry.
Connected Competence Council shaping the future
The Council leads the strategic discussions, decision-making and action planning to drive Connected Competence forward. Stuart will set the agenda and actively influence the adoption and engagement in the programme.
Stuart said: “Connected competence supports the industry to create a safe, skilled and agile workforce. Workforce mobility is particularly key if we are to meet the skills challenges ahead.
“I am delighted to take over the helm from Paul Binnie in this second year of Wood’s tenure. I would like to thank Paul for his hard work and I’m excited to become more involved in shaping the future direction for this important scheme.”
Assuring ongoing base technical competence
Through industry-recognised and standardised testing, Connected Competence assures an ongoing base level of technical competence for workers across the engineering construction industry to create a safer, more competent and transferable workforce across sectors.
The trade disciplines required to verify competence through technical tests before mobilisation include: pipefitters, platers, electrical maintenance technicians, electrical installation technicians, mechanical maintenance technicians, instrument & control technicians, industrial coatings technicians, riggers, appointed persons for rigging and thermal insulators.
Earlier this year the ECITB announced a further £300K for temporary workers within the engineering construction industry (ECI) to verify their base level of technical competence as part of the Connected Competence scheme.
Temporary workers who are working (or seeking work) with Connected Competence employers can access technical test vouchers that enable them to complete the tests free of charge.
Industry support for Connected Competence
20 clients have signed the Connected Competence Charter including Apache, bp, Centrica Energy Storage+, CNOOC, CNR International, Dana Petroleum, ENI, EnQuest, Equinor, Harbour Energy, INEOS Energy, Neo Energy, Neptune Energy, Repsol, RockRose Energy, Serica Energy, Shell, Spirit Energy, TAQA and TotalEnergies.
It also has the backing of Unite the Union, GMB Union and the RMT as well as industry stakeholders including HSE, the Scottish Government, Step Change in Safety, OEUK and NSTA.
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£300K for Connected Competence voucher scheme
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has allocated £300K for temporary workers within the engineering construction industry (ECI) to verify their base level of technical competence as part of the Connected Competence scheme.
