Fire fighting would have been his second career choice but, instead, a career in the nuclear industry has led to James Watmore picking up industry association NOF Energy’s New Talent Award 2012.
Here the 24-year-old tells us about his job, career and the way he sees the industry.
What is your day job today?
I am currently working as a manufacturing engineer within Darchem’s nuclear and special fabrications business unit.
Why did you choose your career in the oil and gas industry?
I started as an advanced apprentice within Darchem’s Thermal Protection business unit which deals heavily in the oil and gas industry. I spent approximately 18 months on the shop floor and was then offered a role as a production engineer within this same business unit. This allowed me to look in more detail at the types of contracts that Darchem secured within the oil and gas industry. I was then offered a role within a Nuclear Bid Team before moving into a manufacturing engineering role.
Who or what has influenced you most in your career to date?
I have to admit that the most influential people have been Graham Payne, managing director of Darchem, and my close family. Graham Payne has given me many of the opportunities I have had within Darchem Engineering and my family has given me the drive to succeed with every opportunity that arises.
Where do you see your career going?
I would like to continue my work at Darchem as a manufacturing engineer for the foreseeable future. I have recently been asked to be an Ambassador for Apprenticeships within the north-east of England. I could see myself working more closely with apprentices to offer guidance and support and to try and branch out down that route instead.
What advice would you give to others looking to get into the oil and gas industry?
The advice I would give to people trying to get into the oil and gas industry is that at the moment in the UK the oil and gas market appears to be very strong.
There is a vast amount of work available within this industry so I would suggest that if someone was to have the opportunity of getting into a role within the industry they should take it.
It has allowed me to move rapidly through my career path and has made me the engineer I am today.
If you weren’t doing the job you are in now, what else would you be doing?
If I wasn’t working with Darchem then I would have to say that I would have tried to follow my original career thoughts.
I always wanted to become a fire fighter as I have always found that career fascinating and I think I would enjoy the more physical job.
It is something I think I could have succeeded in as it has a duty of care and its emphasis is on helping people in need.
I would also like to spend more time playing rugby but this is only a hobby and it has to come second to work.
Recommended for you
