This case study is representative of the work we have done in the production sector and demonstrates the entire picture of services including consultancy and practical, results driven implementation.

During the last ten years, we have helped this production company:

To re-design their approach to competency for operations and maintenance personnel working in both upstream and downstream UK assets. We started by implementing a paper-based approach and then moved the competency management system online. The competency management system was then implemented throughout US and Australian operations.

Polaris Learning main input was devising the following processes:

• Developing a strategy, transition and implementation across different regions to achieve integrity related goals
• Implementing a risk-based evaluation process for operations and production staff to enable us to migrate all personnel on seven assets from the previous set-up to the revised set-up.  We started by risk profiling personnel on an objective set of criteria.
• Developing competency profiles for operations and maintenance with an assessment approach that aligned with the safety case and MAH (prevention, detection, control and mitigation of Major Accident Hazards).
• Development of specifications
• Assessor and internal verifier training linked to a competency-based assignment and Certificate of Competence.
• Supporting processes for the HR cycle
• Creation of specifications for the online solution and development of user guides once this was ready for implementation.

• We have also assisted with several other projects including:
  • Preparation of Wells Competence arrangements for implementation, including the training of supervisors and process managers
  • Training and competency approach for brownfield and greenfield developments
  • Training, competency and reassessment of operations and production staff linked to COMAH requirements for downstream asset
  • Implement systems for offshore services, brownfield tie-ins, competence for Wells personnel and conducting audits of suppliers against Wells competence standards

And finally, providing online training solutions for their assessors and internal verifiers, as well as those who require the formal SQA qualifications in assessment and internal verification to support the in-house apprenticeship programme

Development and implementation of organisation’s competency management system to ensure it is ready for working within European waters. Polaris Learning provided the technical expertise to ensure the competency management system met these requirements by writing the necessary technical content for the critical positions. This included the provision of assessor and internal verifier training as well as onsite support services, including the achievement of IADC Accreditation.

Major transition project with multi-asset production company as part of a drive to take ownership of training and competence. A key focus included the development of approach for production competency, development of revised training matrix for staff and contracting positions, and the development of competence assurance strategy for contracted positions.

Major transition project with multi-asset production company as part of a drive to take ownership of training and competence. A key focus included the development of approach for production competency, development of revised training matrix for staff and contracting positions, and the development of competence assurance strategy for contracted positions.

Development of basic supervisory and non-supervisory training and induction processes for all offshore staff.
Development of in-depth training, development and competency processes for all drilling, technical and marine crew which linked training and competency for all positions to safety management system. (2011 > ongoing)

Development of training, development and competency processes for all drilling, technical and marine crew on a new build drillship utilising a range of new drilling systems.

Development and implementation of a competency management system, including assessor training. Provision of onsite support to lead the implementation of the revised Competence Development System on European based rigs including onsite assessor and verifier training as well as direct candidate induction and hands on support.

Development of competency portfolios and then the roll-out of assessor and internal verifier training across the diverse fleet to support the implementation of the competency management system.

Development and implementation of training and competency systems for the organisation’s dive support vessels including all diving and deck positions. Working in partnership with the company to implement an online competence assessment system (CAS) across the organisation’s Dive Support Vessels. Additional contracts to implement similar requirements for marine and technical positions. Ongoing support to the training and competency manager.

The company needed to address the issue of competency for its diverse, international fleet. Polaris Learning were initially contracted in 2011 to provide guidance through to the first road testing the new competence assurance and assessment scheme.  We used our CMS Health Check service to provide consistent guidance on the process and also our in-depth experience of working with the IMCA Competence Scheme to help the company get their approach right. Following initial implementation, we were re-contracted to provide assessor training for initial roll out and then to provide remote assessor training using our online blended learning platform PLUS.

Provision of accredited assessor training to assist with the implementation of its CAMS programme which gained accreditation with OPITO in April 2011. This was followed with the provision of accredited internal verifier programme to a number of the organisations internal verifiers.

A long-term relationship to assist the organisation development and implement training and competency initiatives across its international operations. Recent project focused on training and competency procedures and a cascade model for tool and workshop competency.