Petrofac : First year of Petrofac mentoring scheme with UK school a resounding success

As part of Petrofac's ongoing relationship and mentoring scheme with Fullbrook School, in West Byfleet, UK, students were recently welcomed into our Woking office.

Marking the mid-way point of our two-year programme of learnings with the nearby school, around 25 students received an overview of Petrofac and the type of work we are involved with, including the Berantai project in Malaysia, and performed a teamwork challenge.

Charlotte Wright, Senior Process Engineer, has worked in the Woking office since 2012 and heads up Petrofac's team of ten mentors. She believes the office visit was a good way of providing context to the learnings shared with pupils over the last year: 'We work really hard with the school to try and equip the pupils with all the skills they need for succeeding at school and beyond, whether that is entering employment or going on to further education.

'We aim to cater for all categories of personal development so this year we have visited the school on a monthly basis and covered a wide range of subjects, including CV writing, presentation skills, time management, career development and team work. It was great to round things off with a visit to our offices to provide some context.'

In order to ensure the pupils gain as much as possible from the scheme, Petrofac has incorporated the valuable input of external speakers; one being an apprentice within the construction industry who has climbed his way up the corporate ladder to become a successful project manager. He was able to highlight potential career routes to the children, proving that successful careers are as possible for those who don't necessarily want to pursue academia.

Independent adviser, Barney Tremblay, Managing Director of human development consultancy Professional Impact, has helped the mentors shape the programme. She said: 'Petrofac's commitment to the success of this scheme is remarkable. This is the true meaning of CSR - corporate contribution to the enrichment of the local community.

'Highly educated and well trained professionals volunteering to affect and influence the lives of the young students is a superb example of a positive, forward thinking and high achieving society. I am proud and humbled to be part of this stellar scheme.'

Mrs Kinal, Fullbrook School's link teacher for the scheme, added: 'It has been wonderful to see the confidence shine through the students. The activities have been perfectly suited to meet the students' needs, allowing them to gain valuable skills.'

Reinforcing Petrofac's commitment to Fullbrook School, three pupils were based in Woking for one week of work experience earlier this month, spending time with our Business Development, Marketing and Technical colleagues.