TSA Insight Magazine Issue 18 - Magazine - Page 12
JAMES WATTS
Electrical Technician
How did you come across this opportunity in the tank storage sector?
Whilst carrying out my A-Levels in 2016, I was actively looking for apprenticeships
in oil and gas and utility based companies in Pembrokeshire. I wanted to complete an
apprenticeship because it offered ‘hands-on’ experience and I felt that this would be more
beneficial to me. After a series of tests, I was invited to an interview with Puma Energy UK
where I was successful in obtaining an apprenticeship as a technical operator.
What skills and competencies have you developed?
As I progressed, I was given more responsibilities which began with carrying out minor jobs
independently and then progressed to larger tasks such as running projects. This involved
me having to seek quotes for parts to identify what would work and what wouldn’t. This
experience and responsibility has improved my confidence level and helped me to gain a
better understanding of the job.
What has been your career journey to date?
The first year of my apprenticeship was based at Pembrokeshire College, which consisted
of a diploma in Operations and Maintenance. This included carrying out machining tasks
on lathes and milling machines, as well as domestic electrical installations. Following
the completion of my first year in college, I was then offered the chance to join the
Instrument/Electrical maintenance team, which I accepted. The next three years of my
apprenticeship were on day release to college and working on site four days a week as part
of the Instrument/Electrical team at the Terminal. There were broad ranges of experience
at the terminal which included responding to all electrical faults on site and carrying out
preventative maintenance on equipment such as switchgear and motors to working
on voltages ranging 12V to 11kV. This on-site experience has really helped improve my
capabilities whilst still gaining the theoretical knowledge from studying my NVQ and HNC
in Electrical Engineering.
What are your career aspirations? Do you think you can fulfil them within the tank storage
industry?
I was fortunate enough to be offered permanent employment with Puma Energy UK
following completion of my apprenticeship. In the future, I hope to progress within Puma
Energy further and challenge myself with new opportunities and career goals.
For more information, visit www.pumaenergy.com
