Gerard started with ASCO in September 2020 and is based at our Chaguaramas site in Trinidad as a Control Room Operator.
"I have spent over 10 years in HSSEQ working both in upstream and downstream environments gaining a wealth of experience. While my role is not HSSEQ-driven, having that experience and in-depth knowledge has prepared me for the role, which I currently hold. "
1. What attracted you to ASCO?
Honestly, I love to learn and I wanted to try something new. The opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse organization which offers a lot of learning potential was too good not to accept.
2. Describe your role?
As a control room operator and charge hand, I play an integral role in helping and supporting the operations team achieve its objectives.
3. What do you enjoy most about your role?
The interactions I have with team members and clients provide me with multiple opportunities for rapport. The job itself is not mundane. Seeing all the moving parts come together for successful delivery to the client gives me a sense of job satisfaction.
4. How would you describe ASCO in a few words?
I would say, Progressive, inclusive and engaging.
5. What would you say sets ASCO aside from its competitors?
ASCO’s commitment to service excellence and its drive for continuous improvement through feedback from all stakeholders both internal and external, gives ASCO a competitive edge.
6. What would you say to someone considering joining the company?
Once you are willing to invest the time, there are many roles within the company which allows you the flexibility to move from your entry position, learning different skill sets in the process.
7. Describe the ASCO culture in a few words?
In my experience, ASCO fosters a positive and nurturing environment which supports and encourages personal growth in the workplace which makes me feel valued.
8. Would you say you live by the ASCO culture? Please provide examples.
Of course, I live by this culture! Having entered ASCO with a background in HSSEQ, the various trainings I have completed since joining the team has put me in a better position to be of greater value to the team and adding to my overall sense of fulfilment.
9. What in your words is the legacy of ASCO?
ASCO’s legacy stems from its obsession with service excellence and safety excellence in every aspect of the job from start to finish. This level of attention to detail and cohesiveness, irrespective of the roles involved, will always work as an advantage no matter what market or where we operate.
10. Focussing on one of the two ASCO obsessions (Safety excellence and Service excellence) can you provide an example of how you have played a part within your role at contributing to these obsessions?
As control room operator, I have the opportunity to educate all persons on hazards they may encounter when conducting various tasks. So by my very role, given my HSSEQ background, I encourage living by ASCO’s safety obsession.
11. Detail of further learning
I am currently pursuing an advanced diploma in management and finance with the hope to move on to the master's program in Finance.