NEWS
2nd Aug 2024
Daniel Nicholson - Achieving Excellence in Welding Engineering
Global Energy Group would like to congratulate Daniel Nicholson, Welding Engineer in our North Fabrication division at the Port of Nigg, who has completed his International / European Welding Engineer (IWE / EWE) qualification. We sat down with Daniel, to learn more about his career to date and the journey to achieving the IWE / EWE qualification, as well as his ambitions for the future.
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Q: Can you tell us about your journey with Global Energy Group and your initial role?
Daniel Nicholson: I started my career with Global Energy Group back in 2016 right after leaving school. My first role was as a Technical Clerk at the Invergordon Service Base, where I focused on operational duties and documentation supporting pipe and assembly production, then onto the pressure testing squad at Invergordon Smelter supporting work packs and procedures.
Q: How did your roles evolve within the company?
Daniel: My roles changed quite a bit. I moved to the Port of Nigg, working as a Technical Clerk for the North Fabrication Site Services division. This division provides a wide range of services to the hydro industry in Scotland, including design, manufacture, fabrication, installation, refurbishment, maintenance, and testing of hydro assets.
Q: Did you pursue any further education during this period?
Daniel: Yes, while working at North Fabrication, I completed my Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Fabrication & Welding. The course covered various topics such as welding processes, fabrication processes, material science, and both Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Destructive Testing (DT) inspection methods. The exposure I gained from working at North Fabrication was invaluable, providing me with hands-on experience in different aspects of the business, including technical, commercial, engineering, and fabrication.
Q: What came next in your career?
Daniel: Due to a downturn in the market, I left Global Energy Group in 2018 and worked as a Trainee Welding Engineer at CRC Evans in Alness and then as a Trainee Welding & Quality Engineer at Global E&C in Aberdeen. These roles allowed me to broaden my experience and knowledge of welding processes/materials and were crucial in expanding my expertise in offshore topsides / subsea.
Q: When did you start your International / European Welding Engineer (IWE / EWE) qualification, and what did it entail?
Daniel: I began my International / European Welding Engineer (IWE / EWE) qualification while working at Global E&C in Aberdeen. This 3-year diploma, part of the International Institute of Welding, provides the knowledge and skill to solve manufacturing issues regardless of the process, material, or application. The diploma involves 14 exams across three levels: Specialist, Technologist, and Engineer. I completed the ‘Specialist’ level during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added to the challenge.
Q: What brought you back to Global Energy Group, and how have you progressed since?
Daniel: My career path led me back to the Highlands and Global Energy Group in 2021, where I rejoined North Fabrication, this time as a Welding Specialist at Port of Nigg. Balancing work, family, and study, I completed the remaining two levels of the IWE / EWE course, recently achieving the diploma and becoming a qualified Welding Engineer. Alongside the diploma, I gained registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and an elected member of the welding institute (MWeldI).
Q: How has completing this qualification impacted your role and responsibilities?
Daniel: Completing the qualification has significantly enhanced my ability to provide professional advice and support on approaches to fabrication and welding activities, as well as signing off on these works. I’m now also a Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC), which involves supervising and controlling welding activities to ensure they meet the required standards.
My on-the-job experience has been invaluable in applying theoretical knowledge to active projects. North Fabrication has been particularly beneficial in expanding my knowledge of structural welding and fabrication.
Q: Who has supported you throughout your qualification journey?
Daniel: I've had incredible support from mentors at Global E&C and North Fabrication. I'd like to give particular thanks to my colleagues at North Fabrication, Robert Allan, Materials & Welding Engineer, and Duncan MacKenzie, the Quality Director, for their guidance and support.
Q: What are your future career aspirations?
Daniel: While the International Welding Engineer diploma was challenging, it has given me the motivation to continue my personal and career progression. Next on my horizon is to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with additional study to MSc level and further my career within Global Energy Group, supporting the growth and execution of projects in the North Fabrication team.
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Duncan MacKenzie, Quality Director at Global Energy Group and Daniel's Line Manager, said:
"We are incredibly proud of Daniel for successfully completing his IIWE / EWE qualification. This achievement is a result of his hard work, dedication, and passion in his field of expertise. Daniel is an invaluable member of our team and strengthened our collective capabilities, demonstrating technical skills and an excellent work ethic in every project he undertakes. We are excited to see his continued growth and are confident that he will achieve even greater milestones in his career.”
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Global Energy Group congratulates Daniel Nicholson on completing his International Welding Engineer qualification and recognises his significant contributions and achievements.
