https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08 Made with curiousity. This is your space to ask industry professionals questions. Our industry professionals include: Graham, Business Development Manager - AqualisBraemar LOC | Alexander, Software Engineer, Oil & Gas, Kents Plc | Laura, People and Organisation Development Director - Net Zero Technology Centre | en-us 2021-10-19 18:05:36 UTC 2025-12-24 16:37:26 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/638135702/2b4fc5f3d5f4b4e12957327bcb6dfacd/Energy_Icon.png Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098407 Graham's answer - Communication is a must, either written or spoken. In its simplest form I need to be able to convey information to others irrespective of their level of knowledge and skills. I also need to be able to discuss technical projects and have a good understanding of the energy industry from technical developments to how the business and economics work.]]> 2021-10-19 18:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098407 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098410 Graham's answer - When I worked in an Engineering Team maths and physics are top of the pile. Nowadays I tend to use them less directly and rely on my career experience, but they are still the basis of what I do. Written and oral communication is also key, something I didn't really excel in at school but I have worked and made up for it since.]]> 2021-10-19 18:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098410 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098416 Graham's answer - They say that we don't even know what the jobs of the future will be named. You can be sure there will be a huge emphasis of digital and virtual application and technology. To develop and use these tools we need motivated and engaged engineers, mathematicians, and scientists, even more so given the speed of technology development.]]> 2021-10-19 18:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098416 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098419 Graham's answer - I'm lucky to work across a large section of the energy industry, the best bit is the variety, no two days are the same. One day I am discussing upcoming offshore wind farms, the next looking at carbon capture and hydrogen production, and then perhaps decommissioning oil and gas platforms.]]> 2021-10-19 18:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1828098419 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893937560 Graham's answer - I will always say communication. You can be the best engineer or scientist with he best ideas and solutions, but unless you can convey this information either written or orally to the person that needs to fix the issue or build the widget the idea doesn't go any further. Also in industry we need an accurate record of why we do what we do, the decisions that were made, by whom, and why, this record keeping is all part of communication. Other than that virtually any specific skill is beneficial, obviously STEM subjects are very relevant, but there is always a need soft skills to help work with teams and colleagues. ]]> 2021-11-16 12:15:18 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893937560 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893946435 Graham's answer - both or either one. Adaptability and flexibility will serve you well. There will always be a need for someone to work independently but also to contribute and participate in a team. if you have a diverse team, you will always get a better solution but you need different team players such as coaches and someone to encourage participation. We will always have a preference as to team/independent working but the ability to adapt is crucial.]]> 2021-11-16 12:20:21 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893946435 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893952623 Graham's answer - virtually every subject has a use. Maths/tech/science is directly applicable to design and development of technology. We also need other skills and capabilities to make the industry work such as finance and business people, human resources, lawyers, medical etc etc. Take a look at an offshore platform with 100 people onboard, there are probably only half the people directly involved with getting oil/gas out of the seabed, but there are also engineers, maintenance, electricians, mechanics, caterers, medics, not to mention the pilot and mariners utilised to get people and equipment to the correct place.]]> 2021-11-16 12:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893952623 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893956953 Graham's answer - Interesting question, will robots replace us all? Who will design these robots, who will program them, who will have the knowledge to instruct them to do a task? Robots or perhaps more correctly automation with a degree of artificial intelligence can and have been deployed to carry out repetitive tasks, just look at a modern factory. A robot will always lack the creativity of a human and will always be best suited to repeatable work or that in an environment hazardous to humans.]]> 2021-11-16 12:26:09 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893956953 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893960140 Graham's answer - it depends where in the mix you fit. Historically Oil & Gas was deemed well paid. On reflection this is relative to the risk and hardships endured if you work offshore or the demands of your time in other areas. The flip side is the oil & gas industry has always been cyclical and the peaks have inevitably been followed by troughs. ]]> 2021-11-16 12:27:54 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893960140 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893962197 Graham's answer - there are many different routes and answers to this question. Initially there are 2 ways - 1st, further education in a relevant academic subject, or (as I did) an apprenticeship in a trade or something practical. As we transition to more sustainable energy, many careers will unfold, some of which we don't yet know exist. Find what you have a passion for, and work hard. Opportunities will present themselves and you must be prepared to make the most of them by a combination of research/understanding, application of your abilities and a sometimes just faith and confidence in yourself.]]> 2021-11-16 12:28:59 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893962197 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893963458 Graham's answer - it's almost limitless. There are direct design and technology development jobs, but new design and tech only works if they can be developed efficiently and have a business case. The energy industry works as much on economics as it does on technology. There's accountancy, law, engineering, science, teaching, training, thinking and doing. The extent is vast, even in our corner of Scotland.]]> 2021-11-16 12:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893963458 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893967254 Graham's answer - Once I realised I couldn't be an Astronaut, Professional footballer or one of the many "dream jobs" that my generation aspired to be, I looked to engineering. I've always been fascinated by how things work, how they are made, how they come apart and hopefully go back together. I started with an apprenticeship within a factory and through a number of opportunities worked my way into the energy industry initially via Oil & Gas. A combination of hard work and in many instances being in the right place at the right time helped me to my position now. Am I where I saw myself at the start of my career? No. Few of us set out on a straight line and our careers end up as we planned, the key is to learn and gain experience and apply that knowledge to the next opportunity that presents itself.]]> 2021-11-16 12:31:49 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893967254 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893978894 Graham's answer - A long time. We are always changing our energy mix. Energy Transition is seemingly a new phrase, but North Sea Oil & Gas is a relatively recent energy source in the last 50 years. Prior to this we used coal extensively, even to make "town gas", we transitioned to natural gas in the 70s and 80s, similarly we transitioned to nuclear power in the 60s/70s/80s. Similarly way before all of that, factories and mills were operated by water wheels and wind power, before the invention of steam power and internal combustion. Our energy mix will always be changing, only now given what we understand with regards to climate change we are aiming towards low-carbon and sustainable sources.]]> 2021-11-16 12:38:25 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1893978894 islaelliott https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1894037791 Graham's answer - There are many different jobs within the energy sector, each requiring their own set of skills and capabilities. The ability to communicate clearly is a requirement in most positions. Maths/tech and/or science subjects are desirable in many fields, but as the industry is Global many things are relevant such as international languages or an understanding of business and accounting.]]> 2021-11-16 13:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1894037791 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908151639 Graham's answer - I've been working in the energy sector for 25 years, so I guess it's taken me that amount of time to get here. More seriously, I am always learning, I often choose roles that allow me to start learning something new to increase my knowledge and experience. I tend to think less of the destination and more about the journey.]]> 2021-11-23 11:07:25 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908151639 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908301012 Graham's answer - by moving up, do you mean promotion and career progression? There are usually so many opportunities to grow and progress. Depending on your career path you will probably have a logical order in which to progress, but I almost guarantee that when you look back in 15 or 20 years time the route taken will be quite different to that which you planned on the outset.]]> 2021-11-23 12:45:47 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908301012 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908324352 Graham's answer - That's a generalisation that there is always overtime required it doesn't occur in all roles. Obviously there are times due to operational or other circumstances that additional hours may be required, but most companies pay you extra or give you time off.]]> 2021-11-23 12:58:14 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/p1x4k002n6c9fa08/wish/1908324352