Last updated 22:01, Sunday, 23 November 2008

CAREFULLY DOES IT: Gary Fraser (right) receives instruction from BAE Sytems training co-ordinator Jim Ireland

IT must be daunting returning to a job after a career change – imagine what it’s like going back to a trade after more than two decades.

Gary Fraser knows all about it. This May he returned to pipe fabrication at BAE Systems, a company he left almost 26 years ago.

The 47-year-old joined Barrow shipyard from school as an apprentice plumber and became a fully qualified marine plumber, working on boats such as HMS Manchester.

Gary worked for BAE for 23 years, leaving in 1982 to join an engineering firm at Rampside gas terminal.

A well-known figure in local sporting circles, Gary gained sports management qualifications and worked in sports and recreation for Barrow Borough Council.

He was involved in setting up the Park Leisure Centre.

Then family members and friends recommended he go back to BAE.

Gary admits the first thing he said was “don’t be silly” because of the length of time he’d been away.

But after a first day induction and tour, he was able to take advantage of the company’s re-training programme.

This is run by Jim Ireland in a training centre within the Pipe Production Facility.

The training co-ordinator prepares those returning to the company to be ready to rejoin the workforce. He makes sure they can meet the workmanship standards for the trade.

Gary said: “Obviously being away from the game you are very apprehensive, but it was made easy by Jim’s attitude. There were new starters from different environments. Jim’s training programme was belt and braces, like how to read drawings, because that has changed.”

Jim said: “I will assess them depending on how long they’ve been away. I do a 21-question questionnaire.

“If you’ve been out 10 years things change. If they can’t answer the questions I keep them here for a week.

“That first week Gary started I’d put the course together and it was actually over a fortnight. I’ve cut it down to a week now. Gary was here the very first week we started this so it was daunting for me too.”

A range of subjects are covered like how to read isometrics with theory and practical work.

Jim said:“We build these boats to workmanship standards. And as long as we build to these procedures then we are doing the job right.

“The whole training exercise in the week is based on those workmanship standards.”

The groups are shown videos of the correct procedure, they see an expert demonstrate it, they do the work themselves and then they are tested.

Once competent in all areas to reach the requirements they are classed as suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP).

Gary, who is working on Ambush, said the biggest challenge initially was working toward the standards.

He added: “But there is always someone to ask for help.

“The course was brilliant for me. The learning was beneficial – I’m enjoying it. You have to check everything out and double check. It’s belt and braces. If in doubt you have to ask.”

Gary said he would encourage others considering returning to look into it.

He said: “I’m a prime example – 25 years away and out of the pipe fitting game. It can be difficult but there are plenty of people in here who will help. It’s local, there is no travel involved, and the starting salary was good. It gives you a very good quality of life.”

Jim had about 500 go through his level one course and about 150 people like Gary on the week course. People have heard about the training through word of mouth and joined from other companies.

Jim said: “There have been quite a few groups since Gary. It’s turned out to be a success. The feedback has been positive. Most companies only give a day’s induction.”

For more information email careersinsubmarines@baesystems.com