David Phillips’ path to TechnipFMC started far from the oilfields — in mining. “My background is largely in mining,” he said. “I found that it took away from family life…a friend suggested TechnipFMC. A few applications later, I got the call.”
The interview sealed his decision. “I liked the person I met at the interview…they had an extensive career…I thought, I can go long term with a growing company.”
Phillips joined as a technician and advanced quickly. “Within a year and a half, I became a lead…training six other Guyanese…a year and a half later, here I am as a supervisor, working with other leads.”
He values watching others grow. “I work primarily with technicians…it’s a joy to see the growth of the young men and women the company has hired.” Training opportunities, he said, have been extensive. “I’ve seen young people come with very little work experience…and to see where they are now…I’m happy to contribute.”
Challenges were fewer than expected. “Coming into the industry, I came with an open mind…the work was physically demanding, but my time in the interior made it easier to adapt.”
Cultural differences presented an early hurdle. “It was difficult communicating…because we communicate very differently across cultures. But I had the support of the trainers.”
His advice to newcomers is straightforward: “Go for it…even if you don’t think it’s you, try. You don’t know what you’ll be good at until you try.”
Phillips stresses openness to learning. “When you get in, try to learn something new every day…and hopefully people can learn from you too. It’s about shared experiences.”
He believes the industry offers numerous growth opportunities for those who persist. “You might start in one area and end up in another…that’s what happened to me.”
