Instrument Technician Review

plan and execute corrective and planned maintenance tasks on the control and instrumentation equipment at Peterhead power station including writing job and safety plans for work order cards on the maximo system. Raising purchase requisitions for any replacement spares required to carry out daily tasks. Administer the on=site Beamex calibration system and arrange for calibration of test equipment.

I have been an instrument technician for 34 years and have worked in many different industries. The work at Peterhead has allowed me to develop my job planning skills on the Maximo system. I have also completed the IOSH managing safely training course to ensure I understand the need for good pre-task risk assessments.

Completing an honours degree course in 4 years whilst performing a full time job has been very challenging, and recent changes to my work pattern as well as having to complete the same amount of work with fewer people has made it more so, as there is less opportunity to carry out college work during normal working hours

Robert Gordon University remote learning modules are on the whole well structured, although some of the recorded lectures are basically just audio versions of the powerpoint slides so don't really provide any further learning. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with module tutors at weekly tutorial sessions online.

Generally I am expected to advance my learning by myself, although I can discuss any difficulties or requirement for learning opportunities with my mentor, who is always willing to provide any assistance I require. I am supposed to be allowed 6 hours a week within normal working hours to progress work for university, but this has lapsed recently due to increased work load.

Some of the recorded lectures are basically just audio versions of the powerpoint slides so don't really provide any further learning. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with module tutors at weekly tutorial sessions online. They are usually very good at replying to queries through the module forums or direct emails.

I completed my craft apprenticeship back in the 1980's and control and instrumentation have changed significantly in the years since. The graduate apprenticeship allows me to update my underpinning theoretical knowledge to improve my fault finding and allows me to propose up to date engineering solutions for control problems.

Yes the power station has a social and recreation society that has a golfing section that runs multiple golf outings during the year, as well as singles and doubles tournaments. They also run social events which allows me to catch up with past and current employees in a non-work environment.

Yes

A role with SSE – the leading developer and operator of low-carbon electricity in the UK and Ireland – is an opportunity to build a rewarding career, and a way to help build a world that’s cleaner, greener, and fairer for all. They're a real Living Wage and Fair Tax Mark accredited company and currently employ 10,000 people across the UK and Ireland and offers diverse career opportunities, agile working and excellent benefits.

SSE has a strong safety culture and safety management system, so being able to demonstrate the ability to assess and reduce risks and work safely would be an advantage as an applicant. Being enthusiastic , flexible and engaged at work with the ability to work well in a team will help.