Work-based Learning in an Offshore Environment

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper describes the pilot stage of a work-based learning project. The partners were the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Shell Expro UK and seven Shell technicians who are also part-time students on the Robert Gordon University HND/BSc in Mechanical Engineering. The part-time course follows a day release format but the technicians are employed on a rota of 2 weeks offshore followed by 3 weeks onshore. It was recognized that their work was highly technical and that they had considerable responsibility. Shell have a formal competence assessment scheme and the project team compared this with the learning outcomes of the course. Areas of commonality in four subjects were identified as satisfying certain outcomes although in all cases some secondary evidence of understanding was required in addition to the competencies. A major problem is the inaccessibility of the workplace. Assessment was conducted by rig supervisors and two academics paid a quality assurance visit to a platform. All of the partners have found benefits from the programme although academics also reported an increased workload. It is planned to extend the scheme next year.