Its award-winning professional development scheme was established in 2003 and is designed so that, over the four years, graduate engineers can accumulate evidence demonstrating the 17 competencies required by UK-SPEC. Once they have satisfied these requirements they will be able to apply for professional registration as either an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
What the Wood Group PSN scheme entails
The main features of the scheme are an intensive on-the-job training programme supplemented by specific technical and business skills training courses.
All developing engineers are assigned individual mentors, typically professionally registered engineers who will assist and support their progression.
Significant emphasis is placed on performing productive work and accepting a definite level of responsibility in each phase of the training.
“The nature of our business requires an ever-changing flexible approach to professional development, which will be mostly on-the-job, working as part of one or more of the Wood Group PSN contract teams,” says Gareth Broxton, Head of Electrical Engineering - UK. “In addition, there will be opportunities to work in different roles across our business. Examples include operations support engineer - typically client office-based, site-based field engineer, and construction engineer.”
Progression through the scheme is reviewed at regular intervals and the graduate engineers complete six monthly reports and development action plans within IET Career Manager that are reviewed by their line manager, mentor and function head.
In addition, the graduates organise and chair quarterly meetings that are attended by the UK Head of Electrical Engineering.
Benefits of a career at Wood Group PSN
The company offers competitive benefits packages with starting salaries in excess of £30k per annum.
“We also have an excellent pension scheme and individuals have an annual holiday allowance of 33 days,” Gareth notes. “In addition, other benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, life assurance, income protection and others. Every year, all benefits, including holidays and pension contributions, can be modified by the individual to suit their needs.
“Beyond this, the company actively supports further education with MBAs being most common. Plus, the IET annual membership fees are paid by the company,” he adds.
Although graduates are UK-based during the four-year programme, successful completion of the scheme opens up opportunities to work overseas.
“We work in over 50 countries worldwide so the opportunities to travel and broaden your experience are endless,” Gareth enthuses.
What Wood Group PSN looks for in an employee
Wood Group PSN typically employs graduates who have either a BEng (Hons) or MEng (Hons) degree. If the graduates have a BEng (Hons) degree then they can apply through the company to complete a suite of six master’s level modules to allow them to fulfil the academic requirements for CEng registration.
“Initially, we look for graduates who have excelled during their studies and who have had relevant and meaningful summer work placements,” says Gareth. “We are also keen on employing graduates who have completed a modern apprenticeship prior to their degree and we have reaped the benefits of candidates who have this experience.
“At the interview, we assess the candidate's technical knowledge and place a lot of emphasis on team working as this is critical to the success of our global business.
“Applicants can stand out by being enthusiastic, excelling in team challenges, well presented and by showing a good knowledge of our company and our company core values,” he adds.
Find out more about Wood Group PSN’s graduate opportunities.