‘Few commutes compare to a helicopter ride, landing on a bobbing rig in the North Sea’

Phil Davies (43) has travelled the world with his roles in the energy sector. Originally from Glasgow but now based in Aberdeen, he works as the Head of Well Engineering Services at Senergy Wells, a part of Vysus Group.

Like many young children I loved to be active. I was regularly practicing Karate and continue to follow the growth of mixed martial arts today as a consequence. Football, however, was my sport of choice, between watching my favourite team and playing so often that the trophy cabinet filled quickly with the accolades of the various teams I was fortunate enough to represent. Today, I try to pass on that experience when coaching youngsters in the game.

However, throughout my life I have also had a love of technology, from a young age I was always seeking the latest gadget to experiment with, this was especially the case in computing where I learned how to build and repair PCs for myself as well as friends and family.

I wanted to learn more about the world around me and so I studied maths and physics at the University of Glasgow, eventually taking me into the semi-conductor industry. However, after the sector suffered a significant downturn with the plant closing in 2002, I sought a change of direction.

I found the oil and gas industry intriguing in many ways, and the offer of working offshore and travelling internationally was one that I could not refuse. I have worked in the hot humid climates of Houston and Lafayette, as well as the extreme dry heat of the Sahara in Algeria. Compare this to the thick snow and cold of Northern Alberta and now a more moderate climate, even if slightly wet, in Aberdeen. I have experienced so much cultural diversity and every working condition imaginable and whilst I have loved every minute of it I truly believe that few commutes compare to a helicopter ride, landing on a bobbing rig in the North Sea.

I have achieved a lot throughout my career in the energy industry. Initially joining as an engineer working in the directional drilling, and measurement and logging while drilling service sectors, progressing quickly through various management roles. Eventually I led the business as the UK Operations Manager, until the firm was bought by a larger company and I chose to move to Senergy, now part of Vysus Group.

In my current role, I manage people, projects and clients across all aspects of the Wells project management and consultancy business. It is a change of gear from my highly technical background, but equally challenging in a number of ways. The people I have worked and interacted with have made every day enjoyable. Achieving goals and overcoming challenges while keeping a sense of humour is the trademark of our industry!

We all understand the need for the energy transition, but it is also vitally important to manage this carefully. In the short term there remains a need for oil and gas while we nurture and grow alternative energy sources. The decommissioning efforts will be ongoing for years and will continue to need expertise and innovation. The oil & gas industry can contribute significantly to if we work together with other areas within the energy sector and the government to build a transition roadmap that is beneficial for all. This will help allay fears and uncertainty within the industry and public at large. I believe the ultimate goal must be to ensure the transfer of skills, experience and ingenuity from the oil and gas industry to other areas of energy, including cleaner sources and renewable technology.

I am optimistic about the transition to cleaner energy as I am confident that the industry can evolve whilst continuing to meet increasing energy demands in a low carbon future. The energy industry is at an exciting stage, and with that comes the opportunity to forge interesting and diverse careers. The key piece of advice I would give to anyone joining the energy industry is to find a role that you can pour yourself into and to keep an open mind to how it may evolve in the future.