An intrepid apprentice software developer has just returned from a successful overseas assignment overcoming Covid travel restrictions and other logistical challenges to provide vital support to a major oil and gas company in Oman.
Daniel Squirrell, Apprentice Software Developer with Yokogawa Marex travelled to the Middle East to support a major customer in troubleshooting and maintaining new alarm and safety systems.
Because of the UK travel restrictions, special permission was granted for Daniel to travel and his trip included quarantine periods and multiple COVID tests. Getting to the site was not an easy task including a chartered plane alongside other engineers attending the site and a 6-hour bus ride across the desert.
“It’s not your average trip for an apprentice but flying out into the field for some hands-on experience in a process plant was an opportunity I could not turn down,” said Daniel, who is in his second year studying for a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (BDATS) at Southampton Solent University.
Daniel, 24 of Newport was supported the whole time by a team of Yokogawa Marex engineers working from home on the Island, who were on hand from 4am UK time using Microsoft Teams to help, advise and guide when issues arose during the four-week trip.
Daniel said: “Not only was the trip enjoyable, I have gained more appreciation for the work that our customers do, and the solutions we develop that help them in the day-to-day running of plants. This has broadened my expertise and I look forward to another site visit in the future.
“The customer was very satisfied with the work and solutions are fully up and running, generating monthly performance reports to help maintain safe and efficient operations.”
Wayne Matthews, Yokogawa Marex divisional director, said he was delighted Daniel rose to the challenge and that he had represented the company so well.
“As a company we encourage our apprentices to work at a higher level to progress them professionally and personally. We want to be a go-to company to kick-start successful careers in Software Development, providing unique opportunities you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
“We are all about providing innovative solutions and ensuring Daniel was able to complete this assignment while safely obeying all the necessary travel restrictions and Covid precautions really brought this ethos into play.”
