Nurturing the Next Generation: Ashton Blakeway’s Work Placement at Elevate Offshore

This summer, 17-year-old Ashton Blakeway, a Business Studies student at Truro College, joined Elevate Offshore’s team in Cornwall for a work placement that offered him hands-on experience and valuable insights into the offshore energy industry.

Ashton’s opportunity to work with Elevate Offshore arose when the company needed additional support during the busy summer period. His mother, Jodie, a valued member of the team working as Operations Executive, helped facilitate the introduction, but Ashton quickly made the role his own. Over the course of his placement, he took on various responsibilities, including CV formatting and updates, job advertisements, mobilisation emails, certification checks, and distributing company merchandise. Ashton is pictured alongside his father, who also works in the offshore energy industry, reflecting the family’s strong connection to the field.

Reflecting on his time with Elevate Offshore, Ashton said, “I appreciated the opportunity to step into such a professional work environment, especially one that’s often challenging to access at my age.” The experience allowed him to develop new skills, from improving his understanding of software to honing his communication abilities. He noted, “I gained a much better work ethic, higher motivation, and improved foresight, all of which will be valuable in my future career.”

One of Ashton’s key learning moments came when he realised how interconnected the offshore energy sector is. “The way the entire industry works together really surprised me—that was my ‘aha’ moment. Every part plays a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly,” he explained.

In addition to gaining practical skills, Ashton faced new challenges that pushed him out of his comfort zone. One such challenge was dealing with the various formats in which CVs were submitted, which required creative solutions to ensure the work was completed efficiently. “It was tricky at first, but finding ways to overcome these obstacles helped me improve my problem-solving abilities,” he said.

The company culture at Elevate Offshore left a strong impression on Ashton. He described it as warm and supportive, quite different from the often competitive and high-pressure environments he had imagined. “The atmosphere felt homier than a typical office. Everyone was friendly and worked together, which made it a great place to learn and grow,” Ashton noted.

This positive environment extended beyond the office. Team lunches and social outings made the placement even more enjoyable and helped Ashton build strong relationships with colleagues. “One thing that really stood out was the team spirit at Elevate Offshore. It made the work experience feel even more rewarding,” he added.

Looking ahead, Ashton believes the skills and knowledge he gained at Elevate Offshore will be instrumental in shaping his future career. “This experience has given me a head start and a set of skills I wouldn’t have been able to obtain anywhere else. It’s influenced the direction I want to take after college,” he said.

Ashton was enthusiastic when asked if he would recommend a summer job in the offshore energy sector to other students. “If you’re interested in business or want to experience a dynamic work environment, I’d definitely recommend it. My friends were really keen when I told them about what I’d been doing, and I think many would be interested in exploring a similar opportunity.”

Ashton’s placement is just one part of the company’s broader commitment to nurturing the next generation of offshore energy professionals. Elevate Offshore has also established a scholarship initiative in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, which fully funds the tuition fees for aspiring hydrographers. This year’s scholarship has already been awarded, further demonstrating Elevate Offshore’s dedication to supporting young talent in the field.