Petrofac Competent Workforce Scheme (PCWS)

The Petrofac Competent Workforce Scheme provides our customers with a complete managed solution in respect of competence development for operations and maintenance personnel.

The PCWS is both a system and a methodology. It is based on the ‘accelerated learning' philosophies that enable personnel to achieve competency faster and more successfully than other traditional methods and systems.

The purpose of the PCWS is the successful development of personnel by the application of ‘blended and accelerated learning' methodologies and is focused on the person's job tasks and functions on a specific asset or facility. Unlike most other forms of training programmes it is based on the person's ability to demonstrate competence, and not on time.

This is achieved by the utilisation of a range of classroom based and computer based training (CBT) training modules, designed to provide the necessary underpinning knowledge for both new entrants and discipline technicians entering into the oil & gas, and other energy industry sectors. The curriculum provides solid knowledge and skills foundation in production, instrument, electrical, and mechanical operations.

This is combined with a highly structured ‘On the Job' training programme, which ensures that the main focus of learning is both experiential and relevant to their job requirements and provides them with ‘real' skills and experience.

The three entry levels for the PCWS are:

  • Apprenticeship

  • Graduate/cadets

  • Cross discipline/non-oil and gas discipline

The entry levels differ on the basis of inherent knowledge and experience within each of the categories with the assumption that a discipline technician coming from a different industry will take less time to work through the programme transferring his or her skills to oil & gas than a new entrant with no existing skills whatsoever.

On that basis the length of time to work through the programme will vary but the end result of all categories will be the achievement of a single standard of competence for working in the oil & gas industry.

PCWS has the flexibility to be aligned to a recognised industry or national qualification, or enterprise-based competencies. If the customer does not require a qualification outcome or has a structured Competency Assurance Programme, Petrofac has a ‘Competency Catalogue', which contains competencies to suit oil & gas ‘up' and ‘down' stream facilities, petrochemical and energy sectors, from which a ‘Competency Portfolio' can be derived to meet the needs of a specific job function on an asset or facility.

The scheme comprises three main elements:

  • Competent Person Profile (CPP) - STRUCTURE
  • Pathway to Competence (PTC) - METHODOLOGY
  • Competence Management System (CMS)- RECORDING AND TRACKING