On the Job
onthe
JOB Careers in the Oilpatch
Alasdair (Ally) McLean Age: 30 Training: Instrument technician, technical diplomas in instrumentation and aeronautical engineering, bachelor of electrical and electronics engineering Title: Field service representative Company: Solar Turbines
What attracted you to a complex technology like turbines? I was a Lego kid, building big models like a truck and a plane. I also loved the A-Team [television series], how Mr. T could make a tank out of a forklift with just a rivet gun. Making and fixing stuff comes naturally to me. What’s your education and training? In Scotland, I apprenticed as an instrument technician for a chemical manufacturer and later in avionics for British Airways. I also earned my technical diplomas at that time. When I was 25, I came to Canada. Solar hired me, and it paid for my engineering degree. I completed the degree by correspondence from the University of Sunderland where my father also studied engineering. Normally, that takes about six years, Fortunately, the university gave me credits for my previous education, so I finished in three years. Anyone who wants to go that route should be prepared for a challenge—it’s not easy to study every day, especially after you’ve already been working in the field for 12 or 14 hours. What’s your job like? I’m based in Edmonton but work from coast to coast. I spend a lot of time at remote locations. For instance, I worked for nearly three months at Norman Wells [in the Northwest Territories], overhauling and upgrading three generators that supply power to the town. When something goes wrong with the equipment, there’s a lot of pressure. No one likes to see their production stopped. In the field, I get a lot of overtime, but the pay is good.
Photo: Aaron Parker
How would someone get into the gas turbine field? It’s not easy. Working with this equipment requires extensive mechanical and electronic skills. Although I didn’t plan to work with gas turbines, my instrumentation and avionics training provided an almost ideal preparation. There are very few turbine schools, and they focus on aviation technology. Quite a few of Solar’s technicians come from the airlines. Ever since I’ve been with the company, we’ve had openings for qualified people. Where do you see your career going in future? In my own case, the engineering degree probably opens up some options. However, any experienced field service representative with Solar can move into design, sales, or management. The choice is pretty much up to the individual. OIL & GAS INQUIRER • February 2010
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