Aberdeen-based Sparrows Group has won the Society of Petroleum Engineers’s Outstanding Skills Development Award at the Offshore Achievement Awards 2020 (OAAs), which was held as a virtual ceremony for the first time, hosted by TV presenter Rachel Riley.

Now in its 34th year, the OAAs is the biggest and longest established oil, gas and renewables industry awards for the UK offshore energy sector, covering all aspects from supply to upstream operations and offshore renewables. This year, more than 80 companies submitted entries.

Sparrows was recognised by the judging panel for its investment in training and broadening the skills of its people internally. The company delivers a range of apprenticeship schemes and engineering scholarships, as well as running successful development programmes for its engineering graduates and managers.

The global provider of specialist equipment and integrated engineering services to the energy and industrial markets was also recognised for its upskilling programme which promotes dual skills within the offshore workforce.

The company was congratulated too for its schools’ engagement programme - the Engineering Education Scheme - which earlier this year saw the firm working with students from Oldmachar Academy.

Stewart Mitchell, Sparrows Group CEO, said: “Winning this award is testament to our excellent team and their commitment to supporting others within the business and inspiring the next generation.

“Over the years we have developed and implemented a number of programmes to help our people to thrive and progress their careers within the company, and we are proud to have a high number who started as apprentices or graduate trainees and are now in management and senior management roles.

“I would like to thank everyone at Sparrows involved in our development schemes for their dedication and drive, they are truly deserving of this award.”