© Supplied by Roddie Reid/ DCTM 
Energy has become a hot-button topic, and Zenith Energy’s Hazik Gilani and Hamish Grey have seen an uptick in interest in what they do in the North Sea.
Gilani and Grey both took up jobs in the North Sea oil and gas industry after studying at the University of Aberdeen and Glasgow Caledonian University, respectively.
The pair have a combined eight years of experience, and over their time in the oil and gas industry, they have discovered that “people are definitely curious” about what goes on in the North Sea.
The duo both work as drilling engineers and chose to take the higher education route into the industry for different reasons. One was interested in the scientific study of oil and gas, while the other didn’t have a clear career plan when he left school.
Now that they are working in the industry, questions have to be asked of career longevity. With regular headlines of redundancies and potential job losses in the UK, do the pair see a future in the North Sea?
What attracted you to life in the North Sea?
Gilani: I was attracted to life in the North Sea because of the challenging and unique work environment, the opportunity to develop my skills in a high-stakes setting, and the strong sense of teamwork that comes with offshore life.
Grey: I began my career in heavy-duty fabrication and manufacturing workshops, which gave me a taste for working in dynamic environments with large-scale equipment.
Some of those early projects supported oil and gas companies which sparked my interest in the energy industry.
I was drawn to the idea of working offshore – not only for the unique work environment but also for the excellent time-off.
Drilling and wells are such a diverse discipline, and with my background in mechanical engineering, I get to draw on everything I learned at university, along with skills from my early career, to perform in the role.
In this series, we have spoken with those who have taken the apprenticeship route into working in oil and gas, what attracted you to university studies?
Gilani: I was attracted to university studies because I wanted a strong theoretical foundation in the field, along with the opportunity to explore the broader scientific and technical aspects of oil and gas.
It also gave me access to research, networking, and a wider range of career paths within the industry.
© Supplied by Zenith EnergyGrey: When I started university, I didn’t have a clear career path in mind. Further study felt like the right option – it gave me the chance to meet new people, join various sports clubs, and access career and life opportunities that would not have otherwise come my way. It was as much about personal development as it was academic.
Do you see career longevity in the North Sea? Are you planning a full career in oil and gas, a transition to renewables or are you looking to work overseas?
Gilani: I’m open to exploring opportunities overseas to broaden my skills and understanding of the global industry.
While I’m committed to oil and gas for now, I’m also interested in how the sector is evolving, including the transition to renewables, and I’m keeping an open mind about where my career might lead.
Grey: The high standards we maintain in the North Sea mean that anyone working here would be well-prepared for opportunities overseas.
I really value the diversity of my current role because it exposes me to both operational and planning aspects.
A transition into renewables or another area of the energy sector is certainly possible in the future. The skills are transferable, and the energy industry in the UK is evolving.
Energy has been increasing in relevance, both politically and socially, in recent years with more attention being drawn to the sector. Has this changed how family members or friends speak about what you do? Are people more interested in the ins and outs of the North Sea?
Gilani: With energy becoming a bigger topic socially and politically, friends and family are more curious about what I do.
They ask more questions about how things work in the North Sea and how the industry is changing, especially with the focus on sustainability and the energy transition.
There’s a lot more interest and awareness now than there used to be. I also always get asked the cliche question, “Do you think oil will run out in your lifetime?”
© Supplied by Zenith EnergyGrey: People are definitely curious when I mention I work offshore – it’s very different from the typical 9-to-5 job.
It’s always interesting to hear people’s perceptions versus the reality of what we do offshore.
Often, the media doesn’t portray an accurate picture of North Sea oil and gas. So, when I get the chance to have those conversations, it’s usually positive and opens people’s eyes to the technical challenges and professionalism involved in our work.
Decommissioning is coming for many of the UK’s oil and gas assets, does plugging and abandonment offer up exciting new challenges and opportunities or does it feel like a reminder that North Sea production is dwindling?
Gilani: Plugging and abandonment (P&A) definitely brings exciting new challenges and opportunities.
It requires a high level of technical skill and careful planning, which makes the work engaging and important.
While it does reflect the natural lifecycle of some North Sea assets, it’s also a chance to be part of a critical phase in the industry.
© Supplied by Hunting plcGrey: P&A certainly brings new challenges and opportunities. As a well engineer, you always have to consider both the construction and the eventual safe abandonment of a well.
Many older wells in the North Sea have integrity issues that prevent straightforward abandonment, which requires us to innovate and adopt new technologies.
There are always new products and techniques coming to market that promise time and cost savings.
Learning about these keeps the role exciting, rather than simply about winding things down. There’s no profit to be made from decommissioning, so the exciting part is driving efficiency to keep project costs to a minimum.
What would you say to school pupils planning to take on a university course in energy?
Gilani: I’d say go for it — the energy sector is evolving rapidly, and there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved.
A university course can give you a strong foundation in both traditional and emerging energy technologies and open doors to a wide range of career paths, from oil and gas to renewables.
Stay curious, be ready to adapt, and take every opportunity to get hands-on experience along the way.
© Supplied by Zenith EnergyGrey: Energy is a vital part of the UK’s economy and will continue to be for years to come. Whether your interests lie in engineering, geology, management, or economics, there’s a place for you in the industry.
I would encourage anyone interested to talk to a range of people working in different parts of the sector before making their decision.
If you’re still unsure of your exact path, choose a broad subject that keeps your options open while giving you a strong foundation.
Working in the North Sea has given me invaluable experience across both the operational and planning aspects of projects.
The variety and technical challenges keep the job rewarding, and I take pride in contributing to safe and efficient operations in such a high-standard environment.
As the energy sector evolves, either through new drilling campaigns or decommissioning, I see plenty of opportunities to apply and expand my skill set.
Energy Vocations is sponsored by the award-winning team at the ASET International Energy Training Academy.
