Meet the team – Matthew Cocker, Trainee Technician

Tell us a bit about your role as a Trainee Technician.

In my current role as a Trainee Technician at Ashtead Technology, my daily tasks include a variety of responsibilities aimed at supporting the smooth operation of our equipment. This typically involves providing assistance during inspections, participating in testing procedures, and carrying out essential maintenance tasks. Additionally, I actively engage in learning opportunities to further develop my skills and knowledge within the field.

What was your role before joining Ashtead Technology as a Trainee?

After leaving school, I went into a career as a Mechanic. After a few years, I wanted a change of career path, so I became a barber. After some time, the profession became increasingly challenging to balance with my responsibilities as a new parent. Motivated to find a career path that offered a more predictable schedule, I turned my attention to the Energy industry. Given my background in mechanics, this transition proved to be a natural fit, as it allowed me to use the skills and knowledge acquired from my previous roles and apply them to the maintenance and operation of our equipment within Ashtead.

What interested you in the role of a Trainee Technician?

I wanted to get back into the field of mechanics as I already had experience in this industry. When hearing about this job opening, I recognised it as an excellent opportunity within a great company. I developed a keen interest in subsea technology and after discussing with friends in the industry who shared valuable insights, I decided to pursue a career using my mechanical skillset. As a new parent, I didn’t want to fully commit to offshore life. As a Trainee I develop my offshore experience, without having to commit to it full time.

What have been the positives to joining as a Trainee at Ashtead Technology?

Joining the Ashtead Technology team as a Trainee has brought me numerous advantages. As mentioned previously, one of the most significant benefits is the improved work-life balance I now enjoy. Additionally, Ashtead Technology offers exceptional training opportunities. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, taking the time to patiently explain concepts until I feel confident in my abilities.

What do you enjoy about working in the team at Ashtead Technology?

I really enjoy being a member of a collaborative team with my colleagues. I highly appreciate their supportiveness and willingness to create an enriching environment. It’s rewarding to be part of such a cohesive and knowledgeable team. Moreover, the structure of the training program provides a clear pathway for skill development and ensures that I feel adequately prepared for any task or challenge that comes my way.

Can you share a piece of work that’s been a highlight since working at Ashtead Technology?

A highlight for me so far was being a part of a Systems Integration Testing session for our Tool Deployment Unit which took place at another company. This was the first time I had helped with a project beyond our workshop, so I was slightly out of my comfort zone. However, I really enjoyed applying the knowledge I’ve gained during my training and putting it into practice.

What piece of advice would you give candidates joining as a Trainee?

My advice would be to do it and seize the opportunity. Be proactive and eager to absorb knowledge, as there’s a lot to learn. Be prepared to put in the effort and work hard, as success in this field requires dedication and perseverance.