Jack Bruce

What have you enjoyed about the Trainee Scaffolder programme?

I have really enjoyed learning something new at this stage in my life, I wish I would have done this years ago. The time in the yard was a bit longer than I initially expected, however, with the guidance and support from onshore colleagues, it has been well worth the wait to get offshore and put everything I’ve learnt into practice.

How has this benefited your career development?

The trainee programme has given me a chance to gain new skills and a job for the rest of my career. I’m turning 30 this year and didn’t think I would get a chance like this again; I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity. 

I am quite a shy person but being put in a new environment / with new people I have come out of my shell and came back from my first trip offshore with a newfound confidence, which my family have also commented on.

How have you found working offshore as a trainee?

I have found working as a trainee offshore brilliant, I wish I could do more but there are limitation at the moment of what I can do until I complete my qualification. 

Through observing and working alongside qualified scaffolders my understanding of the role has increased and supported my continual development.

What are your career aspirations for the future?

In the short term, I am focused on completing stage 1 and part 2 of my training. After that I would consider looking into the requirements for an advanced scaffolder and continue to progress as far as I can within the industry.