TSA Insight Magazine Issue 18 - Magazine - Page 21
HYWEL BAKER
Technical Operator
What is your educational or working background?
After completing my GSCEs, I was actively seeking apprenticeship opportunities in the Oil
and Gas Industry within my home county, Pembrokeshire. Although, I reached interview
stages at local companies unfortunately I was not unsuccessful at the time. I felt that this
was due to the lack of experience having just left school. I therefore, decided to attend
Pembrokeshire College to Study a Level 3 BTEC in Operations and Maintenance. This was
a great course and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Towards the end of my first year I was informed
that Puma Energy UK, Milford Haven, were looking for apprentices. After a successful
application I was invited to the Milford Haven Terminal to complete an aptitude test which
I successfully passed and was then invited for an interview. I was also successful in the
interview and I was offered an apprenticeship with Puma Energy UK.
How would you describe your apprenticeship journey?
The first year of my apprenticeship was based full-time at Pembrokeshire College, where
I completed a Level 3 City & Guilds course. This involved machining tasks on lathes and
milling machines as well as domestic electrical installations, pipe fitting and a wide
range of skills that are carried out on local sites. Following completion of my first year,
I was offered a two-year fixed term contract to complete my apprenticeship within the
operations team at Milford Haven. The next two years of my apprenticeship were on day
release to college. During my onsite days I worked alongside a very experienced team. I
carried out tasks such as, blending, shipping and routine maintenance.
What skills and competencies have you developed?
During my training, I was exposed to all aspects of Terminal Operations and gained
experience from a very knowledgeable and supportive team. The hands-on experience
really helped improve my knowledge and confidence and following successful completion
on my apprenticeship I was offered a permanent Operator role.
What are your career aspirations? Do you think you can fulfil them within the tank storage
industry?
I am very grateful to Puma Energy for giving me this opportunity as not only do I have
a future career but I have also gained many qualifications including a Mechanical
Maintenance NVQ, Liquid Bulk storage NVQ and have recently finished studying my HNC
in Process Operations Engineering, which I passed with a Distinction Grade. In the future,
I hope to progress within Puma Energy and challenge myself with new opportunities and
goals.
For more information, visit www.pumaenergy.com
