“Working in oil and gas allows me to experience some of the most complex and exciting projects in the world.”

Graeme Wilson (33) is Business Development Director UK at Worley, a company which brings together the expertise of consultants, engineers, construction workers and data scientists to help solve some of the energy, chemicals and resources sectors’ most complex challenges. 

I’ve always been interested in solving challenges. From a young age I was working out the best strategies in team sports like football, finding a passion for problem solving in STEM subjects at school, and then at Strathclyde University studying electrical engineering. It was after placements in defence and power consultancy while at university that I knew I could make a career out of this interest. I soon discovered that working in oil and gas would allow me to experience some of the most complex and exciting projects in the world. It also aligned with another key interest of mine – travel.

I grew up in Glasgow, but my work has taken me to Aberdeen, and today I live in a small village just outside the city. Before I joined Worley, I worked for several large companies including BAE Systems, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Wood. They gave me a great foundation for my role today, which involves deploying Worley’s growth strategy in the UK and beyond. While my job has extended beyond engineering and project management, the skills I’ve learned over the past few years means that I can communicate with customers and stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and sectors.

The world is currently undergoing two seismic shifts: the energy transition and the digital revolution. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy over the next three decades, there will be a reliance on traditional forms of energy. Lowering the carbon footprint through decarbonisation technologies will be critical. It’s a privilege to be a part of an organisation and an industry that helps companies navigate these challenges effectively and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

What I find really exciting is that the UK is in a prime position to become a global leader in low-carbon energy, with ambitious goals laid out in the North Sea Transition Deal, which demonstrates how the offshore oil and gas industry and government can work together to reduce emissions. Meanwhile, the UK Hydrogen Strategy sets out the ambition to establish a low-carbon hydrogen sector. Work is already underway in various energy hubs across the country from Aberdeen to The Humber.

At this moment in time, we’re in a unique position where problem solving, collaboration and agility are key. Many of the oil and gas workforce have transferrable skills, and these people can use their knowledge to play vital roles in helping the UK meet its energy goals.

That said, there are endless opportunities for those new to, or considering, a career in energy. My advice is to be open to anything; the industry will keep evolving, so if this is something that sounds exciting to you, you now know where to find it.