A teenage role model for the energy industry has helped her company to complete an impressive double at an offshore awards ceremony.
Samantha Thomson, 19, of Stuartfield, Aberdeenshire, joined Aker Solutions from school three years ago.
Her performance and achievements as a trainee piping designer, including her development of a cheaper way to produce technical drawings and then tutoring colleagues, saw her collect an accolade at industry honours in Aberdeen last night.
The cream of offshore contracting talent was celebrated by about 200 guests at the annual Offshore Contractors’ Association (OCA) dinner and challenge awards in the Marcliffe Hotel.
Sponsor Eric Whiteside said: “Samantha has outstanding potential and is a great advert for young people in our industry.”
Aker Solutions had further cause for celebration after picking up an environment award for a campaign to reduce its carbon footprint.
The firm has been involved in various energy-saving initiatives, including supporting Aberdeen’s Bankhead Academy in identifying a sustainability project and planning an environment day.
Allan Pollock, of Wood Group Engineering, won the OCA safety award for his leadership in a drive to improve safety performance on a contract covering 12 offshore installations and two onshore terminals.
The technology and innovation honour went to Caltec – part of Petrofac Production Solutions – for its Wellcom product, devised to boost gas production.
OCA chief executive Bill Murray said the awards – now in their 15th year – attracted a higher standard of entries each time.
He added: “We already know we have an industrious and innovative workforce offshore who are constantly striving to make improvements across the board.
“But it is particularly gratifying, in these challenging times, to see the impressive work being carried out in all disciplines to achieve better and better results. It is a pleasure to be able to officially recognise this wealth of talent within our industry.”
