Liam Minty

Liam Minty is in the third year of the Oil and Gas Technical Apprenticeship Programme (OGTAP) training in the Mechanical Engineering discipline and is working offshore on the Gryphon Alpha FPSO with Total.

How did you find out about the industry apprenticeship scheme?
My brother works for OPITO.

What inspired you to apply?
The opportunity to participate in one of the top apprenticeships available and to get the best possible start in the oil and gas industry.

What were your perceptions of the oil and gas industry before starting?
I didn’t know too much about it before the course but I now realise the technology and expertise required to operate efficiently.

What has been the best element of the training so far?
Putting the skills I've learned with ASET into real situations during my work placement and meeting people that I wouldn't normally have the opportunity to.

What has been the most challenging part of it?
Ensuring that all work is completed to a high standard and completed on time.

How do you think your apprenticeship will prepare you for entering the working oil and gas industry?
I think that it will prepare me extremely well. The fact that I have learned mechanical engineering but also dip into electrical and process disciplines means that I will have an understanding of all areas in the industry.

I think that the training I have received before going to my work placement has been excellent. I was worried about  going offshore and knowing very little but was able to immediately understand many of the processes and techniques used.

How does being on the industry training scheme help you compared to your peers in terms of progressing your career?
The scheme is definitely giving me a head start over some of my friends and peers. For example a close friend of mine went to university for 4 years and is struggling for work, whereas on the OGTAP scheme I will have two years of work experience at the end of my time. In today’s environment experience is second to none.

What is your ideal job after you finish your apprenticeship? 
Continuing to work in the Oil and Gas industry and to eventually progress into a managerial role.

Given the current climate of job losses within the industry, why would you encourage young people to enter the oil and gas industry - what are the rewards?
I really would. The risk is there but I feel the rewards such as an above average wage and rotational work patterns are more than a big enough incentive, many of my friends are already jealous of the amount of time off I have! There is also the opportunity to work all over the world which can be limited in other work industries.

What advice would you give to young people thinking of entering the industry after you?
To go for it! If you have an interest in any of the disciplines then you should not hesitate for a chance to work in an ever changing environment.