My journey with Expro: Chris Stewart, Subsea Engineer

My first day in Expro was in the summer of 2005. At the young age of 14, I had a week of work experience in Group Engineering. This was an excellent opportunity to see what the engineering profession had in store before making my own career decisions. I strongly believe it is important to encourage young people to take opportunities like this as it allows them to begin developing the necessary skills early on in their careers. I completed four summer placements throughout my university degree before joining as a graduate in 2013. I then undertook the fourth phase of the Graduate Development Programme before completing various departmental placements in Group Engineering. I’m currently an Engineer in the Electro-Hydraulics (EH) Subsea Products Team.

Expro has given me some great opportunities. Coordinating and presenting at the Offshore Europe 2015 ‘Inspire Programme’ kicked off my initial involvement with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). I was asked to join the Young Professionals section in Aberdeen, and after attending a couple of their presentations known as the ‘Simplified Series’, I realised I could offer some valuable experience in order to improve them. I’ve helped put the 2016 session together and through hard work we have improved the calibre of the events significantly with a number still lined up for the remainder of the year.

This involvement then led to voluntary work with the SPE Aberdeen Section Technical Programme. Working alongside other industry professionals of varying backgrounds, putting the monthly technical programme together is a great way to expand my technical knowledge, professional network and promote Expro’s business. This year, we’ve managed to get both John McKay delivering a presentation on Expro Meter Technology, and Alastair Morrison presenting Innovations in Rigless Well Abandonment.

Expro’s Neil Sims presented ‘Entrepreneurship in the Oil & Gas industry’ at a recent Young Professionals SPE event attracting a room full of industry professionals. Expro really gets involved in encouraging the next generation from an early age to try and open their eyes to the industry and the opportunities available to them. Along with two of my colleagues, I have just attended the Robert Gordon’s College Careers Convention to encourage young students to consider a career in the industry, and take advantage of any opportunities, like my work experience placement, that come up. It’s great to get the chance to share my experiences with the pupils so they can see what can be achieved.

My perseverance doesn’t stop with my career. Having been a mountain biker for a number of years, I ventured over to the dark side and embraced the Lycra late last year…I purchased my first road bike. I was quite content with average length cycles at weekends until my colleague Charlie, who is a keen runner, and Engineer in the Subsea Projects team at Expro, convinced me to take part in something more substantial. In August this year, we took part in Ride the North; a hilly 174 mile cycle from Rhynie to Inverness and back over two days to raise money for Maggie’s Centres, which provides free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their families and friends. Our initial target was completely smashed as we received strong support from our family, friends and colleagues. I really had to push myself, but the event was excellent and I’d highly recommend other cyclists to take part!