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Head of engineering in the running for prestigious industry award

The outstanding commitment and success of one of the Sparrows Group engineers in Aberdeen has been recognised with his inclusion on the shortlist for one of the oil and gas industry’s top awards.

Global Head of Engineering services, Brendan Forbes, has been announced as one of three finalists in the Young Professional category at this year’s Offshore Achievement Awards.

Brendan said: “I was surprised to be put forward for this type of award for just doing my job. I enjoy my work because of the variety of engineering challenges we get the opportunity to work on and it’s rewarding to know that what you do gets noticed.

“There are a lot of people I’d like to thank for helping me progress within the company over the years. I have had a lot of support since I joined the Sparrows Group and I appreciate the opportunity I have had to develop and make the most of my skills.”

Ewen Kerr, Executive Director Engineering & Operations, welcomed the news. He said: “This recognition for Brendan is thoroughly deserved and is a great reward for his continued efforts to always go above and beyond to achieve technical excellence. Everyone at the Sparrows Group congratulates him and it is a real boost for all at the company.

“We are always keen to support our employees and help them fulfil their potential. Since he joined the company, Brendan has been proactive in pursing his own professional development and he is a highly valued member of staff who has demonstrated that he has a very positive future in this industry.”

Having joined the Sparrows Group in 2006 as a graduate engineer, Brendan progressed quickly to become Engineering Team Leader in 2010 and then to Engineering Services Manager in 2012. In his current role he has responsibility for managing the firm’s engineering and design teams all over the globe (over 250 discipline engineers).

Many of the projects Brendan has played a leading role in delivering have required custom, one-off solutions which have been engineering ‘firsts’ for the business. The skills and thought-processes used on these projects have subsequently been copied and used in other operations.

Another reason for Brendan’s nomination is his commitment to support and mentor developing engineers and his enthusiasm to promote the field of engineering. He has presented to the IMechE young member group and he works closely with schools, the Engineering Development Trust and the Careers Academy. He hosted the Royal Academy of Engineers at our premises to discuss the skills shortage in engineering and the need for greater collaboration between industry and education.

The awards take place on Thursday 12thMarch 2015 in Aberdeen.

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