Roy started work two years ago as a Control and Instrument Engineer during the commissioning of the UK’s first modern LNG terminal at the Isle of Grain. 

However, his life as an engineer began in a cable company that sponsored his four year degree course.  In the final year of his degree he started work with a maintenance contractor for National Grid Grain LNG, who took over sponsorship for his final year.

While working on the LNG terminal an opportunity came up to join National Grid as a Maintenance Engineer. “The day to day job is academically challenging” Roy commented, “it is also unique because it has new and existing systems working side by side and my responsibility is to make it all work.”

Typically Roy’s day starts at 8.30, as the terminal is operational 24 hours, 365 days a year. The first thing Roy does is hold a team meeting with process engineers and process managers to see what has gone on since he went off duty.  He looks at the daily customer demand which he uses to drive the daily gas production. He is also responsible for carrying out breakdown maintenance which is planned into the day and the paper work associated with it.

Roy enjoys the challenges his work provides and is aware that LNG is at the forefront of technology, where he can be assured work, especially with contracts to import LNG for the next 20 years and with the expansion of the terminal schedule to be operational in 2008.  He appreciates that National Grid has a good development package and good flexible working hours.

“I have job security and good benefits such as a pension scheme with National Grid,” Roy said, “Furthermore, I am able to enhance and acquire specialist skills, which are internationally recognised.”