James Gladden of BG Group won the Young Technician of the Year category at the 2013 Oil & Gas UK Awards. Here he tells us why he joined the North Sea industry and why it could be a brilliant choice for those of you who are looking to make your first step into business and industry.
Name, age, where you live
My name is James Gladden; I am 28 and live in Liverpool.
What is your day job today?
Control Room Operator and Area Authority on BG Groups Lomond Platform.
Why did you choose a career in the oil and gas industry?
After I had successfully completed GCSE’s in school, I felt that further education following the A Level then university route wasn’t the career path I wanted to take. I wanted “real life” experience and to learn practical skills to set up the foundations for a lifelong, rewarding career.
I wanted to be challenged and given the opportunity to learn something new. When researching various careers, I came to the conclusion that the oil and gas industry was where I could find these opportunities.
My father saw an advertisement for Opito Offshore Modern Apprenticeships. I applied for Instruments and Control and was accepted on to their 3-year programme starting at Jewell and Esk Valley College in Edinburgh. I was 16 years old at the time.
Who or what has influenced you most in your career to date?
I started my career offshore as an instrument technician on BHP Billiton’s Douglas Platform. Colin Hancox was allocated as my mentor, a highly competent tech with both onshore and offshore experience.
Over four years, Colin played a massive part in improving my technical understanding and skills. He also instilled in me behaviours that will stay with me for the whole of my career – commitment, courage to challenge and to always look for continuous improvement.
I’ve got to say that so many people offshore are willing to help others and give up their own time and effort to share knowledge and it is something the industry should be proud of.
Where do you see your career going?
In the short to medium term I am keen to remain offshore moving towards leadership and managerial roles of OTL, MTL and PTL, hopefully giving me the skills to become an OIM.
I have applied to start a BA (Hons) Business Management degree in September at Aberdeen’s RGU that will allow me to progress on to an MBA course. I hope in the long term this will open up new opportunities in onshore positions later in my career. I truly hope to work in the UKCS for the long term and believe there are still many excellent prospects and fields to be developed to keep the UK oil and gas industry producing for a long time yet.
What advice would you give to others looking to get into the oil and gas industry?
This truly is a great industry to work in! The opportunities are endless; there are many companies willing to fully support your career progress if you have a desire to learn, show dedication and enthusiasm. We have a massive skills shortage, so there is no better time to join.
Look on www.myoilandgascareer.com – a website set up for aspiring members of the industry for more information on various career options or go to Opito/ECITB’s websites for information on apprenticeship training programs.
If you weren’t doing the job you are in now, what might you be doing instead?
Difficult! I probably would have completed A Levels and then an engineering course at university. Possibly working in another industry such as petro-chemicals or manufacturing.
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