UK Trainee Designer Apprenticeship

The structural group is responsible for all structures and supports constructed from steel or concrete both on and offshore. The main tasks within the team are to produce 3D models to solve various engineering challenges, in turn to produce 2D drawings to allow fabrication and final installation of our supports and structures. Before solutions can be designed, the job in hand will often require a survey that would entail travelling to site (either on or offshore), contacting the appropriate personnel, surveying the area concerned and coming up with innovative solutions, while taking into consideration material costs, fabrication, man-hours and above all the safe installation of the final design. The work is varied and challenging as generally no two structures are the same. The design, shape and form of structures are affected by many factors including support load requirements, available space, cost and installation restrictions. Types of structures designed and drawn can range from individual access platforms, stairtowers, and equipment supports, to complete modules and multi-decked topsides weighing thousands of tonnes.

The piping group is responsible for all piping systems and pipe supports, both on and offshore. The main tasks within the team are to produce 3D models to solve various engineering challenges, in turn to produce 2D drawings to allow fabrication and final installation of our pipe spools and pipe support. On brownfield projects, before solutions can be designed, the task in hand will often require a site survey that would involve travelling to a site (either on or offshore), contacting the appropriate personnel, surveying the area concerned and coming up with innovative solutions, while taking into consideration material costs, fabrication, man-hours and above all the safe installation of the final design. This work is varied and challenging as the fluids piping systems involved can vary from air to hydrocarbon gas to hydrocarbon and chemical-based liquids to water. The size, design and material of the piping systems can be affected by numerous factors such as space limitations, construction issues, requirements of the equipment being connected, temperature and pressure of the fluids. Factors such as these can also impact on the connection type used for the systems and interface with the other disciplines is crucial in ensuring the correct design is being implemented.

The electrical and instrument disciplines are closely related, and as such, trainee designers will normally start under the joint discipline of electrical / instrument and will gain a good knowledge of power generation, distribution, safety systems and process plant control. The main tasks within the team are to produce 2D drawings and documentation to allow procurement, fabrication, construction and commissioning. The type of work is varied and challenging, and depending on clients’ requirements can include lighting and power for on and offshore utilities, control systems, fire and gas systems, emergency shutdown, and communication systems. The electrical discipline is responsible for power generation and distribution, involving all items of electrical equipment ranging from switchboards and motors to light fittings and cables. The instrument discipline involves the control and monitoring of pressure, flow, temperature, level and density to allow automation of process plants on onshore and offshore installations.