Making the move from Oil & Gas to Transmisson

James Irvine, Delivery Project Manager,  reflects on his transition from a high-carbon to a low-carbon role with SSEN Transmission after spending most of his working career in offshore oil and gas.

The oil and gas industry provided me with a tremendous environment in which to learn and develop. That sector was, and still is, undertaking projects of immense complexity and continues to innovate in that regard, while employing robust processes and procedures. Collaboration in the sector is mature across safety, operational best practice, supply chain engagement and management, and the workforce is highly skilled and professional.

Fortunately, I’ve found that skill and professionalism replicated at SSEN Transmission, and also so much of what I’ve learned from the oil and gas sector is applicable in an electricity transmission context, including:

• Project management methodologies.
• Engineering knowledge.
• Quality and Safety principles.
• Commercial principles.
• How documents are controlled and managed.

I’ve benefited from having previous experience in onshore projects, but a lack of this experience wouldn’t be a barrier to others thinking about joining the sector. There are huge opportunities within both the onshore and offshore divisions of the Capital Development and Delivery directorate within SSEN Transmission, and they’re always looking to hear from people who are interested in growing their career.

Walking in on day one, there was an initial sense of difference due to all the different terminologies and context around what the role delivers. But the key attributes of a project manager include versatility and the ability to adapt to new situations and circumstances, so, it hasn’t taken too long to get to grips.

The learning journey continues, but it feels like less of a challenge and more of an exciting opportunity. I’ve taken steps to professionalise project delivery in myself and others and that has bound me up ever closer to the Association for Project Management.

In recent years I completed my APM qualifications and became a Chartered Project Professional which has allowed me to grow as a project practitioner, learning a common project “language” which has a level of fluency across industries. This has given me a platform to build on as I get my head around the design and construction of very different infrastructure. To others considering a similar move, the APM can provide that common thread between different sectors, and it is becoming more and more widely recognised and followed.

My short journey at SSEN Transmission has so far been novel and exciting. There is an unprecedented pipeline of work that extends out well beyond 2030, that will provide a level of job security and potential for career progression as time goes on. There is an enormous amount of energy about the place and demonstrable growth, with near-daily new starts within the transmission business. 

Change in life is a given, so it makes sense to embrace it and take full advantage. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SSEN Transmission, and I’d encourage anyone who is considering a similar move to reach out or apply.