Petans inspires students with valuable work experience

Every July, the company welcomes up to four Year 10 students from local schools to complete one or two weeks of work experience. This year it is hosting students from Aylsham High School, Reepham High School and Cromer Academy.

“We like to think our work experience differs from most employers,” said business manager Andie Marshall. “Students join our delegates in doing various theoretical and practical training activities including firefighting, first aid, confined space, sea survival techniques and helicopter underwater escape training.

Andie Marshall, business manager at Petans (Image: Petans)
“They get a real insight into the variety of roles available in the offshore energy sector. A chance to mix with people who are employed in the industry can give them first-hand experience of the opportunities that exist.”

As well as those with an interest in offshore work, Petans often has applications from young people who may be looking to embark on a career in the military or the fire services.

“Spending a week with us means that they get to talk to our staff,” said Andie. “We have a real eclectic mix of backgrounds representing all the armed forces, the emergency services and commercial divers, and several of our training team are also serving firefighters.”

Ian Richards, training and operations manager, added: “Due to the training that the students take part in, they get a real sense of whether they have an automatic fight or flight response.

“Firefighting in particular gives a very real experience as to what it would be like to firefight. They wear breathing apparatus, go into smoke-filled rooms, and learn search and escape techniques as well as having the opportunity to put out real fires.”

Ian Richards, training and operations manager (Image: Petans)
One of Petans’ current instructors completed work experience with the company almost 30 years ago and used the experience to pursue a career in the fire service. Another attended only a few years ago and is a valuable member of the training team.

“We hear back from many of the students who have completed work experience, who have then gone on to have successful careers,” said Andie.

“Some do join the offshore energy sector and come back to train with us as part of their chosen career. It is great to catch up with them as they fondly recall their work experience week with us.

Training activities include sea survival techniques and helicopter underwater escape training (Image: Petans)
“As a registered charity, we take our corporate social responsibility seriously. This is one way that we can really give back to our local community and, at the same time, give an insight into a sector which is so valuable when it comes to the local economy.

Emma Durand, Skills for Energy manager at the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), said: “As a former careers adviser and work experience coordinator at Aylsham High School, and now as skills for energy manager at EEEGR, I have seen first-hand how beneficial and transformational work experience can be.

​“Work experience bridges the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world applications – preparing students for their transition into work and improving confidence and motivation once they are back in school.

Emma Durand, Skills for Energy manager at EEEGR (Image: EEEGR)
“Every year without fail, Petans supports various local schools with their Year 10 work experience programmes. Students return to school incredibly enthused about the fun, hands-on and highly interactive experience they have enjoyed.

“They are very fortunate to have this opportunity.”

To discuss work experience opportunities, please contact your school careers team. 

For more information about Petans, visit petans.co.uk or call 01603 891255.