Technicians are a key part of the North Sea oil and gas industry’s backbone.
One such individual is 25-year-old John Piper, from Falkirk, who works for BP and was a winner in this year’s Oil & Gas UK awards.
Why did you choose a career in the oil and gas industry?
After working for a year in the motor trade, I realised that I’d like a different career that was both inspiring and challenging to me. After some research I realised how vast the oil and gas industry is and liked the idea that it is ever changing, with constant advances in technology. I liked the idea that I could make a difference.
Who has influenced you most in your career and why?
I have been influenced by many enthusiastic and driven people so far in my career, but the most influential would be Colin Tate, a former supervisor of mine who showed me that having respect for your colleagues, along with a good old-fashioned work ethic, greatly improves safety, motivation and productivity.
What do you want to achieve in your career?
I’d like to gain as much experience and education as I can by working in many environments with a wide variety of talented people, in order to continue challenging both myself and others around me. I would like to be involved in the development of new technology and its implementation, so as to be personally responsible for improvements in the safety and efficiency of the oil and gas industry.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Every day’s a school day, and always look to push your boundaries – never work in your comfort zone.
What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?
In my line of work I never know what the next day is going to bring, or what challenges I may face. This is the most exciting aspect of my job as it means I’m constantly learning, and frequently given the opportunity to make improvements to equipment and procedures.
Where in the world would you most like to work and why?
I really enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures, so I’d like to take the opportunity to work in as many different places as possible, something very achievable in this industry. I’d especially like to experience working in Brazil, as it’s a beautiful and interesting country I’ve never had the chance to visit before, with a strong future in oil and gas.
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