WOMEN IN INDUSTRY 2018

Elaine Duthie - lead structural engineer
Loren Campbell - senior e&i designer

What led you to a career in engineering?

Elaine: Having enjoyed Maths, Physics and Graphic Communication at school, studying Engineering was a natural progression. I have always had a passion for property and therefore went on to study for my Bachelor in Civil and Structural Engineering with Honours.

Loren: I also enjoyed Graphic Communication, Maths and Physics from an early age. However, rather than go the direct route from School to University I left school at the age of 16 and started as a Trainee E&I designer in the Oil & Gas Industry. As part of my trainee programme I completed a Modern

Apprenticeship in Design and Draft whilst at the same time studied for my HNC in Electrical Engineering at College. Thereafter I continued my studies part time at RGU and completed my BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

What was your first job after university?

Elaine: After University I worked for a few years within engineering consultancies involved with the design of property developments. Thereafter, I was given the opportunity to transfer my skills to the oil and gas sector and became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Structural Engineers 5 years later. When I was a young graduate engineer, I was fortunate to have worked with experienced structural engineers who encouraged my professional development. This is something we are now adopting at Katoni.

Loren: Since attaining my degree, I have worked in both the Nuclear and Oil and Gas Industries using my transferable knowledge and skills set.

Elaine: I’m driven by coming up with the best engineered solution to support the clients continued productivity. My drive is shared by my team, a group of responsive Structural and Piping Engineers and Designers, who I feel are experts in their field, with decades of experience in the petrochemical industry.

Loren: I am driven to provide the best possible solution of the highest quality. I have always taken pride in the work I produce and I enjoy working as part of a team to find the best solutions for our clients. I find great satisfaction in carrying out and completing work scopes from FEED, into detail design through to the final stages of installation and commissioning.

Have you been involved in any exciting projects?

Loren: I am driven to provide the best possible solution of the highest quality. I have always taken pride in the work I produce and I enjoy working as part of a team to find the best solutions for our clients. I find great satisfaction in carrying out and completing work scopes from FEED, into detail design through to the final stages of installation and commissioning.

Elaine: Recently Loren Campbell and I were offshore on the Foinaven FPSO. Our visit was focused on undertaking a laser scan surveyto assist us in modelling and create an efficient way of delivering design work when in the office.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?

Loren: Away from the workplace I hold a serious interest in football. I currently play for Aberdeen Ladies FC and have several International Caps for the Youth Scottish National Teams. For me balancing football, studying and working has always been part of my life. Keeping a healthy work-life balance is something that is very important to me and helps me drive to improve in all aspects of my life. This is part of the reason that I have another small role at Katoni focused on the Health and Well-being of our team.

What are your plans for the future at Katoni?

Elaine: Due to the demand for our service, the Structural and Piping teams are in a continued growth phase. I have always been cognizant that the industry has to support its own future and sharing the wealth of experience to the next generation is paramount. Therefore, we recruited a Summer Placement Graduate who is studying for a Master in Mechanical Engineering who continues to gain experience in our team one day a week during term time. In addition to this, we employed a Trainee Designer who is studying towards their HND in Mechanical Engineering and spends 3 days a week gaining experience within our design team.

Loren: I’ve chosen to work at Katoni because I want to be part of the business as it grows. My main personal focus is to develop and continue to learn. I want to continue to build on my engineering knowledge, together with learning key business skills to compliment my engineering role.