A specialist training course designed to help people launch a career in the subsea sector is returning to Fort William this spring.
UHI North, West and Hebrides has confirmed that its “Pathway to ROV – 101 Essentials” course will begin on 13 April 2026 at the college’s Fort William campus on the shores of Loch Linnhe.
The ten day programme is aimed at people looking to move into the offshore and subsea industries, providing both technical knowledge and hands on training with remotely operated vehicle systems.
The course was developed in partnership with subsea resourcing and training specialist DRIFT Offshore and follows a successful pilot programme last year.
Participants will learn the core systems used to power and control modern subsea remotely operated vehicles, which are widely used in offshore oil and gas, renewable energy and marine operations.
Training focuses on three key technical areas including electrical systems, hydraulic systems and networking and data communications.
By the end of the programme, trainees will gain the practical skills needed to support, maintain and troubleshoot ROV systems in line with International Marine Contractors Association standards.
Recent course graduates say the training opened new opportunities within the offshore sector.
Ian Connal, who has worked as an electrician for 16 years, said the programme helped him take the next step in his career.
“I’ve been an electrician for 16 years.
“It wasn’t my original plan, but I decided I wanted to move into the offshore industry and the natural progression for me in the offshore industry was to somehow utilise my electrical background.
“Undertaking the ROV course allows me to challenge myself and have more of an option in my career.”
Another graduate, Colin MacKay, said the training helped build confidence to pursue a new role.
“I’ve been working offshore since 2013 but I am looking for a change of career but still in the oil and gas or offshore sectors.
“I’ve been looking around courses, such as wind turbines, and I saw this pop up on the BBC website.
“I was worried about the electrical side.
“So, I’ve gained a good understanding from the basics to the level where I feel comfortable now applying for a trainee ROV co pilot role.”
The course will again be delivered by subsea specialist Thomas Pitman of DRIFT Offshore, whose career spans more than four decades in subsea operations including commercial diving, electronic workshop supervision and ROV field service.
David Campbell, Director of Business Enterprise and Development at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said the programme plays an important role in supporting skills within the subsea sector.
“We’re delighted to be able to continue offering ROV training in Fort William.
“This course has been designed in partnership with industry experts to deliver high quality subsea training that directly responds to sector needs.”
He added that the collaboration between the college and DRIFT Offshore provides a clear pathway for people seeking careers in the industry.
“By combining DRIFT Offshore’s expertise in delivering industry recognised training with UHI North, West and Hebrides’ shoreside facilities and academic excellence, we’ve created a powerful collaboration that supports the skills pipeline for the subsea industry.
“Together, we’re committed to providing effective, career focused training that supports individuals at every stage of their development.
“By aligning with both IMCA and SQA standards, we can offer a robust, quality assured route to competence, providing confidence to trainees and reassurance to employers.”
For more information about the course and to book a place, visit Business – ROV training or email enterprise.nwh@uhi.ac.uk
