Case studies : Operations at Petrofac: Paul Clueit

Paul Clueit did a degree in mechanical and offshore engineering before joining Petrofac to work in operations on the Heather platform.

I’m currently completing a year’s offshore experience with the intention of moving onshore into an operations engineer role or similar.

Having previously worked for the organisation I was aware of the culture within the company (friendly and safety conscious for example) and the training facilities available as well as the vast range of experience within the company.

As a graduate there are lots of people you can speak to regarding any issues you have - HR, line manager, colleagues, peers (other graduates past and present), the organisational development team and your mentor.

A vast range of training is available through Petrofac Training, the Competent Person Profile guides you through the first few years of your development and there are also opportunities through the institutes which in my case is ImechE.

My current project involves red-lining the Heather Alpha’s critical valve register. This involves checking and correctly tagging all critical valves on the platform and ensuring they are in the correct position according to the register.

The holidays are excellent and usually available to take whenever required. The pension is another perk as there are great offers available if you want to start saving early, otherwise (like me) you may need your full pay in the present.

Sometimes my role is slow to get started but once up and running it is probably more than I thought it would be, especially the training and time available for development.