Colin Beard
- Name
- Colin Beard
- Job Title
- Instrument Technician
- Company
- Mobil/BP
Time in employment: 30 Years
- What is your educational background?
- Passed the Eleven Plus and went to a technical high school
- What subjects did you like at school?
- Maths, Design and Technology, PE
- Who influenced your decision making?
- My Father
- What has been your career path so far?
- Apprentice, Craftsman, Technician.
- What would a typical day contain for you?
- Carrying out repairs to tank farm instruments.
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- No two days are the same.
- What skills are important in your job?
- A good mind for fault finding, being logical in the way you start each problem.
- What are your main responsibilities?
- Maintenance of refinery instrumentation.
- What training (on & off the job) has helped you perform your role or progress?
- A good three year apprenticeship, plus numerous on and offsite training courses run by the instrument manufacturers
- Why did you choose a career in the oil industry?
- At the time it was considered a job for life and a well rewarded career
- What advice would you give to someone considering their career?
- Get as much information from employees of the work places you are considering as you can.