Managing director at Polaris Learning, Keith Adam (photo: Polaris Learning)

A north-east UK firm’s innovative approach to business-critical training and competency is reaping rewards with clients in the global oil and gas market, following the announcement of new contract wins and expansion into new geographical areas.

Polaris Learning, which specialises in training, development and competency management systems for high-risk industries, has significantly expanded its energy sector base following the development of its online and blended learning portal, PLUS.

The technology – which recently welcomed its 650th unique learner – allows firms affected by the low oil price to reduce training costs whilst simultaneously continuing to promote competency across their respective workforces.

More than 600 oil and gas workers have received support through this portal since January 2015, covering the company’s traditional UK and international base as well as new client operations in Norway, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Malaysia, among others.

In the past six months, Polaris Learning has struck deals with key industry players worth a six-figure sum. This has included the provision of assessor and verifier training, through PLUS, for SQA L&D 9DI and SQA L&D 11 awards on behalf of personnel at an international drilling company based in the Middle East.

The company also devised a new approach to competency management for a North Sea oil and gas operator which was then successfully integrated with other business processes, including the management of major accident hazards.

A management development programme, which combined online learning with practical training workshops and assignments, was also created for an international service company; resulting in greater understanding of managers and supervisors’ roles, responsibilities and workplace behaviours.

Keith Adam, managing director at Polaris Learning, says, “We are hugely appreciative of the loyalty shown by our clients across the oil and gas industry in what is still a challenging market. While training is sometimes seen as something of a luxury, we have found companies to be increasingly receptive to new ways of doing things which will allow them to maintain business-critical functions. In turn, our approach of casting the net far and wide has paid dividends and created a host of opportunities for the company, particularly in terms of our ability to tap into new geographical regions. This would simply not have been possible in the current market without the successful adoption and implementation of our online learning portal, PLUS.”

“Equally, we remain fully committed to supporting our established clients throughout the learning experience – whether that’s through online, blended or traditional learning – to not only reduce costs but ensure that all key personnel are fully compliant and able to perform their roles to the best of their ability,” adds Adam.

Tags: Polaris Learning