Jess fears her diving dream could be sunk

A TEENAGER fears she may have to pay the price of giving up her dreams of becoming a commercial diver as she struggles to obtain funding to train on a course which would give her the qualifications needed to work in the industry.

Jess Lawrence requires almost £14,000 to enable her to attend a Premium Industry Career Package Course at the Underwater Centre in Fort William.

However, despite writing to a number of energy companies, asking for sponsorship to attend the course, she has not received any support so far.

Despite her own attempts to save money to obtain a place, she needs help to get the required amount of funding if she is to ever realise her ambition of ­becoming a commercial diver, an ­industry which is traditionally male dominated.

Miss Lawrence (18), from Skerray, is a former pupil of Farr High School in Bettyhill and has ­attained a Professional Associ­ation of Diving Instructors qualifi­cation from the Scapa Scuba Dive Centre in Stromness.

Despite having all the necessary qualifications required to enter the course, the £13,840 entry fee is the only stumbling block.

“My predicament is I wish to become a commercial diver but I cannot afford the cost of the course myself, although I am ­saving what I can from what I earn,” she said.

“I am seeking access to training, funding or sponsorship to enable me to pursue my desired career.

“I have written to seven dif­ferent companies involved in oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy.

“The general response has been that I would need to be already employed by them in order for them to fund extra training, or that they have funds available but only for community projects and not for individuals.

“I could continue on my desired career path by taking smaller ­individual courses instead, but the cost ends up the same.

“The subsea industry demands very high standards of training ­together with specific essential skills and dive experience, all of which are provided by thecourse.

“Without these industry recognised skills and qualifications it is unlikely I will be able to pursue a career in commercial diving.”

In February, Miss Lawrence ­attended an introduction to commercial diving careers day at the centre in Fort William.

She has also been in contact with a number of diving con­tracting companies which have offered her advice, as well as received help from Skills Development Scotland and far north MP John Thurso.

She is determined to find a way of obtaining a place on the course and achieving her aim of becoming a successful commercial diver.

“The cost of the course reflects the high level of training provided by the Underwater Centre and the opportunities made available in the subsea industry upon its completion,” she said.

“I wish to pursue a career in commercial diving with a focus on underwater inspection and salvage.

“I am sure if I stay positive and do not give up I will find a way of becoming a commercial diver.”

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Miss Lawrence can contact w.clark@nosn.co.uk and the information will be passed on to her.

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