Institution news
Angola-based Member Joao Lemos was elected as an IEng member in April this year. Here we find out about his background, his thoughts on working as an engineer in Angola – Sub Sahara’s largest oil producer - and why he decided to become a member of the Institution.
What is your background and why did you choose a career in engineering?
I chose a career in engineering because I want to expand my experience and make things happens. I wanted to have a diverse career and engineers can easily work everywhere.
In 2011 I graduated from Oscar Ribas University in Angola with a BSc degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. Prior to this in 2005 I completed the Mechanical Engineering Technology programme from Texas State Technical College. The training I received included the practical application of technical skills and knowledge, inter-personal skills, influencing skills and engineering skills.
At the moment I am undertaking an MSc in professional engineering at Aston University Engineering and Applied Science, sponsored by BP.
I have almost 7 years’ experience as Mechanical Technician working in the oil and gas sector, which includes excellent technical and non-technical practices, which has included working for Pride Foramer and Esso, as well as BP Angola.
What does your job entail?
Since July 2011 I have been working as a Block 31 Area Planner-Scheduler for BP Angola.
(Located in the deep waters off Angola, Angola BP Block 31 comprises of four oil fields - Platao, Saturno, Venus and Marta. This resource was discovered in 2002 and covers an area of some 5,349 square kilometres).
My main responsibility is to ensure safe and reliable operations in Block 31 by delivering fully integrated 12 and 6 week area schedules. I am also accountable for resource levelling all activities and equipment in the 12/6 week timeframe, identifying activities that risk delivery of the Area 12/6 week, communicating the agreed schedule to all functions, and chairing the 12/6 week area meetings.
I test the do-ability of any single activity that is within 6/12 week timeline using BP Functional Activity Readiness Gate Criteria.
What are the most enjoyable and most challenging aspects of your job?
I really enjoy being the meeting facilitator for multi-discipline discussions where the Operation Manager is the gatekeeper who accepts or rejects the activities in the plan. I do the integration of the 6/12 week schedule and identify simultaneous operations and activities that put the operation and environment into risk.
Planning function is a new function within BP; this makes my job more challenging because not many people in BP follow the new planning requirements.
What is it like working as an engineer in Angola?
Technically, there is still room for improvement. Most national engineers have been trained and coached by expatriate engineers, with some then offered overseas assignments. However, the National Government has put ‘Angolanisation’ measures in place in order to increase the number of national engineers in decision making and leadership positions.
Why did you decide to become an IEng member of the Institution?
At first I decided to become an IEng member to assess myself against UKSPEC requirements. I also wanted the opportunity to network with my peers all over the world, as well as have access to support, advice and training opportunities.
BP looks after all its employees, especially those who are professionally registered with a Professional Engineering Institution. All graduating engineers should register as a member of the Engineering Council and apply for professional registration.
For more information about activity in the Middle East and Africa, please visit the Middle East and Africa Near You site.