Former soldier, Daniel Bland is starting a new offshore career with a global inspection company after training with AIS Survivex.
Aberdeen-born, Daniel is now an NDT / Rope Access technician with offshore inspection and certification specialists, Rig Surveys Group, after the company funded a comprehensive programme of training with AIS Survivex including OPITO BOSIET, MIST, Norwegian Escape Chute qualifications, as well as IRATA Rope Access and MPI Inspection.
It’s a dream come true for 26-year-old Daniel, who set his sights on the oil and gas sector after six years of serving in the Army, including postings to Germany and an operational tour of Iraq.
Daniel explains:
“When I came out of the military, it was a shock to the system. Everything is so structured and regimented there, I found it hard to adjust to civilian life. But I knew I wanted to work offshore in oil and gas and that kept me going.
“Initially I worked in the oil and gas industry onshore but my aim was always to get offshore.
“Finally, three and a half years later I’m on track and exactly where I want to be. I have my dream job and I’m so excited to be preparing to go offshore for the first time. I am so grateful to Rig Surveys Group for giving me this amazing opportunity and investing in my training with AIS Survivex.”
Daniel spent three weeks training at AIS Survivex’s Aberdeen centre to prepare for his forthcoming offshore trip at the end of the month, which could see him go anywhere in the world from Senegal to Australia or the North Sea.
Daniel continues:
“As a novice to the offshore sector, I was concerned training might prove difficult but from the moment I turned up at the AIS Survivex centre, I was put at ease. Some of my courses included complex information but the instructors really took their time and made sure everyone fully understood the course content. Nothing was rushed. Everyone was made to feel comfortable.
It’s all top notch and I couldn’t recommend AIS Survivex highly enough. I can’t wait to put all my training into practice and finally start my offshore career for real.”