Working for Aquaterra

Aquaterra truly has a lot to offer the budding engineers of the future. Find out what our graduate engineers have thought of their experiences so far.

Ashley Pascoe - Graduate Design Engineer - joined 2010

I Studied Mechanical Engineering at University and later undertook a Masters degree in Engineering Management while gaining two years experience in the oil and gas industry. After completing my MSc I started my search for the right company and the right graduate scheme to begin my career. I found Aquaterra Energy’s profile on Gradcracker and was very impressed by their achievements in such a short space of time. This was a successful, expanding company in the oil and gas industry and I wanted to be a part of its future growth.

I was successful in the interview process and started work for Aquaterra Energy in the summer of 2010. From the very first week I was involved in real projects for some of the biggest clients in the oil and gas industry. The roles and responsibilities I have been given so early on have pushed me to learn my job at an accelerated rate. However I always feel I am surrounded by an experienced team willing to help and support me whenever I need it.

The company has an accredited IMechE professional development scheme that I joined straight away and am now on the road to chartered status. I have been assigned a mentor from within the company with whom I meet with regularly to discuss my progress and also plan my future development.

The working atmosphere at Aquaterra Energy is the best I have ever experienced. Every single employee is very friendly and approachable with countless social events and activities being planned all the time. I couldn’t be happier with my choice to join Aquaterra Energy and thoroughly recommend any graduate apply now to be a part of this young, vibrant company.

Majid Shahbazi - Graduate Riser Analyst - joined 2010

I first came across AEL on the Gradcracker website while I was looking for graduate opportunities in offshore companies. After researching the company, I applied for their great Graduate program which was accredited by the IMechE.

The interview with Aquaterra Energy was my first interview after graduation. My first impression during the interview was their supportive attitude that has been continued. Since I started my work in AEL, I have been given a large amount of responsibility in the tasks that I do, but have also received enough support to achieve these tasks. I enjoy my job as a riser analyst as the work is varied and challenges my degree knowledge.
During my short time in AEL I have been able to further develop the analytical thinking, problem solving and a deep understanding both of scientific principles and of engineering processes and relish the chance to become fully involved in actual engineering problems from start to finish.

There are very talented people here and I learn most from my colleagues. Support is excellent. Relying on my abilities that I developed over the heretofore studies and work and the excellence of their graduate training program I believe I could make a valuable contribution to Aquaterra Energy Ltd.

Martin Harrop - Graduate Riser Analyst - joined 2010

I initially heard about Aquaterra after they won the local business awards and applied for the summer placement scheme just before my penultimate year at university. During this time I was given the opportunity to participate within each department of the company, giving me a broad overview of how the whole organisation operates.  Aquaterra quickly got me to work on a large engineering project, giving me the chance to operate independently knowing that expert advice was always available. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was happy to accept a further placement the following summer.

For my second placement, I was solely based within the Riser Analysis department. I held discussions with Aquaterra management and they were keen to ensure that the work I was doing would be relevant to my further studies. This led to the opportunity for me to work and manage a project looking into a new area. This experience proved invaluable going into my last year at university.

I am now part of the Riser Analysis team and was quickly involved in a project. This tested my knowledge, but advice was always available and I’ve learned a great deal in a short space of time. The department interacts very freely, regularly discussing problems and solutions as a group. All the staff are very approachable and are always willing to lend some time to explain even basic engineering principles, which may have been outside my field of study.

Aquaterra is a rapidly growing company, but it is successfully retaining its positive working environment and is still heavily geared towards making each individual able to perform at his/her best. As soon as you start, you are given real responsibilities and advice that ensures you learn and progress effectively.