In 2002, Lurdes Valado, successfully relocated to Scotland from Porto in Portugal, completing her Phd and joining Wood Group as a graduate process engineer. Soon after her arrival she married a Scotsman, began a family and quickly rose up through the ranks to become a senior process engineer with a string of accreditations to her name. Ten years on, Lurdes proudly calls Scotland her home...
So how did you end up in Scotland?After gaining my first degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Porto, I took a PhD in Chemical Engineering at Edinburgh University in 1999 and completed it at the University Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 2002. Not long after, I attended a recruitment fair in Manchester where Wood Group had a stand and successfully applied to the graduate recruitment programme, moving to Aberdeen to begin my training.
What responsibilities does your role include?I work on conceptual and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) providing process engineering input on projects and interacting between disciplines to ensure deliverables, budgets and time frames are met. I also supervise graduate engineers and help manage and support them with their responsibilities. I typically attend several progress meetings for various assets we support and liaise with customers as required.
What training have you received?Throughout my time with the company, I’ve been given support on the job as well as being offered the chance to attend developmental training courses as part of the graduate programme. Wood Group, has some great mentoring programmes and management take the time to listen to your goals and aspirations and help you realise your potential.
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More employee stories...Matt Gavin - Australia Regional Director John Bethel - Engineering Manager Francisco Prgeo - Technical Support Engineer Lurdes Valado - Senior Process Engineer Chris Gordon - Project controls graduateNick McCann - Global BA ManagerEibhlin Marsh - Process EngineerNick Allinson - Project Manager
WGPSN provides an excellent graduate training programme. Graduates attend several training courses, accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). I was successfully admitted as a Chartered Engineer of the Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers after completing the training programme and I am also a European Chartered Engineer by FEANI (Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales d'Ingénieurs).
What are the benefits of living in Scotland?Living in Scotland ticks all the boxes for me; I enjoy the friendship and support I’ve received ever since moving here and find the work/life balance a real attraction. The people are friendly and welcoming – and for me, it’s now my home. I also love the rich green scenery of the Scottish countryside, which really is just on your doorstep. My four year old son loves living here and we go for walks almost every day.
My husband also works for Wood Group as a planning engineer on BP Andrew, another North Sea project. Adapting with my lifestyle change, the company has supported us throughout my pregnancy and on my return to work. I now work part time to allow me to maintain my career, while getting valuable time with my family.
Would you recommend relocating to Scotland to others considering a move?Scotland has a special place in my heart and as someone who has personally relocated from Porto to Scotland, I’d certainly recommend living (and working) here.