Phil's Story
After gaining a degree in audio engineering, Phil Haggath decided to pursue a different career path by opting for an apprenticeship. This led to Phil securing a role as an Instrument & Control Technician with ConocoPhillips, one of the world's largest independent exploration and production companies.
His daily responsibilities as an Instrument & Control Technician include maintaining and repairing various instruments that provide crucial information about the plant’s operations. From planned maintenance to routine checks, Phil ensures that these instruments are always in tip-top shape.
By leveraging the apprenticeship pathway, Phil successfully transitioned into a new profession. We had Rachel, our Strategic Apprenticeship Lead, chat with him to learn more about his journey. You can listen to their discussion below or explore the blog below for more information.
After graduating from Southampton, he quickly realised that his chosen field wasn’t matching his careers aspirations. Determined to explore other opportunities, he decided to retrain in the process industry. Phil funded his first year back at a vocational college and pursued an Instrument and Control BTEC. After a year of hard work, he saw the technician apprentice application at ConocoPhillips and decided to give it a shot. Lucky for him, it turned out to be the perfect fit. He sailed through the interviews and was offered the job about a year after starting his retraining journey.
During Rachel's conversation with Phil, he opened up about his initial decision to study audio engineering. As a passionate guitar player for almost two decades, he felt drawn to the music industry. However, as time went on, he gradually realised that he wanted to keep music as a hobby rather than a full-time career. Not to mention that a majority of the industry was located down South, and he wasn’t content with his living situation at the time.
Phil went on to talk about the dynamics of being a mature learner at college and during his apprenticeship and how was a positive experience and that people shouldn’t see age as a barrier to pursuing something new.
Phil talked with passion about the value of apprentices, calling them a hidden gem and calling out for them to get a bigger profile due to the doors that they open.
Phil’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and following your true passion. He took a leap of faith and ventured into the world of instrument and control technology, and he hasn’t looked back since. Through dedication and persistence, Phil now finds himself working alongside industry experts at ConocoPhillips.
So, if you’re feeling uncertain about your current career path, take a page from Phil’s book. Embrace change, pursue your passions, and don’t be afraid to explore apprenticeship opportunities in fields that truly excite you. After all, who knows where your own journey may lead you?
