Ross Brownlee - GA in BEng (Hons) Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control

Having completed an HNC before first going offshore around 20-years ago, Ross Brownlee began thinking about how he could further develop both his skillset and satisfaction.

“I approached TAQA UK to ask about the possibility of support to go into further education, initially thinking an HND would be a reasonable next step. Luckily, we have fantastic and supportive HR and Learning & Development (L&D) teams in TAQA UK, so not only did they very much support this, but they also encouraged me to set my sights a bit higher and to consider a GA to gain a Bachelor’s degree instead.

“When the L&D advisor explained the GA process and how it aligned with my current work activities, and how it was to be supported by the company, it looked like the ideal combination of theoretical learning with the chance to apply it practically in the workplace. The blended learning aspect also appealed to me as I have never been one for sitting in a classroom, preferring to get my hands dirty and learn on-the-job.”

Over his career in the energy industry, Ross has worked for Shell both as an Operations Technician and in instrumentation before joining TAQA UK in 2011. He has since worked on the Cormorant Alpha and the Brae Alpha platforms, working in production as a Technician, Control Room Operator, and then as an Area Authority and Shift Supervisor.

A GA provides a fantastic opportunity to combine education while retaining employment and progressing to that next step. Key to his success on the RGU course was being suitably supported throughout the four years of his GA in BEng (Hons) Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control.

“The GA actually started just after lockdown, which was a very strange experience anyway, let alone starting out in education after so long away. Doing the degree alongside full-time employment was certainly difficult at times but being offshore based made this a lot easier.

“The hardest part was having the self-motivation and discipline to set aside time and do all the study, coursework and assignments. This meant a lot of time after an offshore shift and dedicating time during leave periods to studies.

“We had also started some fairly substantial renovations at home which continued throughout the degree and during the fourth and final year, I changed job roles into Decommissioning Engineering. Throughout my time studying TAQA UK has been very supportive in offering access to relevant mentors within the organisation and with facilitating time off for the few times where I had to attend on-campus days or exams.

“RGU has also offered great support by offering access to any software or hardware that was required throughout the course. The library facilities are fantastic too, with free and easy access to all materials that were required throughout the four years.”

The GA has provided Ross with a platform for further success and he cites many highlights, particularly from a career perspective.

“During my final year of the GA, I moved to another role within the Engineering team in TAQA UK, working on decommissioning projects. This was precisely one of the reasons for going back to education, to gain further skills and knowledge that would allow me to progress further in my career.

“Learning the theory behind the systems that we use every day at work has also given me a more holistic view into the massive engineering required to keep our plants safe and reliable - how closely interlinked each system is. It has also enabled me to work closer with other disciplines which I may not normally have been able to do.

“It was fantastic that TAQA UK supported me doing the degree, and having this qualification along with the years of industry experience really sets me up for the future.

“Socially, meeting a whole new group of people on the course has been great too. Such as hearing about their different career paths and what areas of industry each are in, and how we all came from different routes to the same course.

“However, the absolute highlight will be walking across the stage and being recognised having accomplished something that I wasn’t sure I was capable of when I first started.”