Which route will you take to start your career in the Subsea sector?

School route
So you are in your final year of secondary school and are now thinking about your future. If going to college or university is not for you, the chances are you are now looking at getting into industry straight from school and securing a job to start your career.
Going straight into work after school is not impossible but it will take determination. Lots of subsea companies have training programs which will help you advance and give you experience without having to do extra learning – you will also earn money straight away. The key to finding these opportunities is doing research and writing to companies. Many companies offer a period of paid work experience and this is an excellent way to understand if you like the job and the working environment and of course get your foot in the door. Often, work experience allows you to try out a number of areas of the business and see which one you like. Work experience does not always guarantee a job but if you work hard and show the potential employer your skills you may just land your dream job within the thriving subsea sector.
You can also apply direct to subsea companies who have vacancies that you feel match your skills and abilities as well as interests. Generally all subsea companies have job openings on their websites. This is the most common way for securing a role straight from school.
Your questions
- You are earning a salary.
- You will learn from experienced people in the organisation.
- The employer may decided to put you on a formal training course to allow you to gain qualification.
- You have a job in an industry that is thriving and the only way is up!
College route
You have decided that you would like to further your studies at college and then enter the subsea industry. Wise move! Getting qualifications from college makes you a very attractive candidate for the subsea industry.
College qualifications can set you up for a rewarding subsea career. At college you can study towards qualifications that are in demand by subsea companies. These qualifications will make your entry into industry easier and you will most certainly enhance your technical understanding of equipment, allowing you a great start when you join a subsea company. If you attend college to study towards qualifications that are part of the support roles in subsea (financial, legal, catering etc) you are developing qualifications that are essential for the subsea sector. Many subsea companies recruit people from college and actively encourage people to come with good qualifications that show an ability to succeed.
Your questions
Mechanical/Electrical/Hydraulic Courses
Financial/Legal/Business Courses
Subsea apprenticeship
There’s never been a better time to use a Subsea apprenticeship to start your journey up the subsea career ladder.
Some of the most exciting and forward-thinking companies in the subsea sector offer apprenticeship programmes. It can even be easier to get your foot in the door with a major Subsea company as an enthusiastic apprentice than 4 years later as a graduate! Why? Because by the time graduates are knocking on their doors, many former apprentices will have had several years of experience in which to learn and get ahead.
Your questions
Of the many advantages of a subsea apprenticeship, the most important (and attractive to employers) is professional experience. An apprentice has a number of advantages over interns and graduates: First, as an apprentice you are directly exposed to the subsea working environment that companies desire. You can form close personal relationships with subsea industry professionals, witness the inner workings of the business, and make valuable contacts. No less important – an apprenticeship means direct, hands-on training. As a subsea apprentice you will learn by seeing and by doing. You will inevitably make mistakes, and learn from them. You also get a first-hand feel for the nature of the work as well as a chance to hone your skills needed to become an expert in your chosen Subsea field.Types of Subsea Apprenticeships on Offer:
- Subsea Controls Apprenticeships
- Subsea Technician Apprenticeships
- Subsea Design Apprenticeships
There’s no ideal person exclusively suited for apprentice work. However, there are some personality traits which might make you a good fit for a subsea apprenticeship. So if you’re still trying to decide whether or not an apprenticeship is a good fit for you, consider if you have any of these qualities:
- Aged 16-24, and still trying to decide which industry best suits your career goals.
- Interested in developing a particular skill set or technical knowledge.
- A keen learner, eager for self-improvement.
- A young person looking to adapt to workplace disciplines and routines.
- Passionate about creating/working with one’s hands.
- Want to earn as you learn and miss out on university debt.
Subsea graduate route
You got your grades and you are now heading off to university to study toward a course related to the subsea sector. How do you get employed after your studying is over? You apply for a subsea graduate scheme.
The subsea sector offers a wealth of graduate schemes and these are offered by many small specialist subsea companies as well as world leading subsea employers. Graduate schemes typically last a year, but some may run to 18 months or even two years.
Your questions
Types of subsea graduate schemes are on offer:
- Subsea Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Project Controls
- Survey
- Financial & Legal