Petrofac Supports Surrey SATRO to Train Engineers of the Future

Petrofac, the international oil & gas facilities service provider, is helping to train engineers of the future by supporting Surrey SATRO (Science and Technology Regional Organisation) to deliver interactive workshops in local schools.

The Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) programme run by Surrey SATRO is aimed at supporting teachers to inspire and enthuse young people about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through the delivery of the STEM curriculum and highlighting the career opportunities they offer.

Petrofac Engineering & Construction (Europe), based in Woking, took part in two half-day workshops at Broadmere Community Primary School in Sheerwater, to help Year 6 pupils learn about LogIT Data Logging technology. The aim of the workshop was to teach pupils to measure temperature, light and sound, log the findings and display the data, while also encouraging them to work together in groups.

Petrofac is one of the largest employers in Woking and has an established graduate training programme for engineers. During the workshops nine graduate engineering ambassadors from the company showed pupils how modern techniques can also have positive effects on the environment.

Kerry-Kay Jones, one of the Petrofac ambassadors said: “I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that has created an opportunity for me to give back to the community. Participating in the Broadmere Community School workshop has given me an opportunity to share what I do with the students, but has also enabled me to give them an insight into how engineers use their knowledge and technology to create useful everyday products in an environmentally friendly way.”

Rob Jewkes, managing director of Petrofac Engineering & Construction (Europe) comments: “It’s important to get children interested as early as possible in science and engineering. We have a very successful graduate training scheme within Petrofac and by supporting Surrey SATRO we can help demonstrate how developing real skills can result in worthwhile and interesting careers in the future.

Surrey SATRO provides a vital link between business and schools by facilitating relationships and developing workshops to further the students’ understanding of science, technology and business skills.

STEM Manager at Surrey SATRO, Adam Hunt said: “Without Petrofac’s kind support Surrey SATRO would not have been able to run the Data Logging workshop at Broadmere. Judging by the smiles on the pupils’ faces and their enthusiasm, they thoroughly enjoyed the day as well as learning about Data Loggers and the environment. The Petrofac ambassadors were excellent and very hands-on working with the students. I hope that Petrofac continues to work with Surrey SATRO in supporting educational projects in schools.”