Updating Results

SLB

3.9
  • 50,000 - 100,000 employees

Aadesh Randle-Rai

I’ve travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for training and to rural parts of Australia to work on ESP equipment. I’ve met people from different parts of the world and learnt about different cultures I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

What's your job about?

I focus on providing solutions to clients that face challenges extracting fluid and gas from a well with certain conditions. As an Artificial Lift engineer specializing in Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs), we are responsible for the installation, commissioning and follow-up of the equipment that is installed in the well and at the surface (Switchboards, VSDs). On a typical installation job prior to completing the installation, each piece of equipment is thoroughly checked for defects that may have occurred during transportation. As each well has different conditions that have been accounted for during the design process of the string, it is paramount to ensure the correct equipment has arrived at the rig site in reference to size and technical purpose. We ensure that each consumable is checked off that suits the connections being made between the ESP string (couplings) suit the connections as well as other important components such as o-rings and gaskets. As safety is important, we ensure to check all the lifting chains and tooling required to complete this task safely, without risking our lives or others. Once these checks have been completed, we can then begin the process of assembling the ‘ESP string’, putting it together like lego! It is my responsibility that the correct o-rings, couplings and string combination is put on in the correct order before lowering it into the well and making these connections without causing any damage to the internal components.

The best way to understand Artificial Lift ESPs is to think of a well with fluid at the bottom. Because it does not have enough pressure below to bring itself ‘naturally’ to the surface, it requires an “artificial” way to bring that fluid to the surface. ESPs are a type of artificial lift that helps clients extract oil and gas from their wells.

What's your background?

I was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia. and grew up in the eastern suburbs.
Some of the most important stages in my life were experienced during high school. I attended Trinity College, an all-boys school located in East Perth. Trinity College provided me with outstanding opportunities to excel in areas I never knew possible and really explore my options. It taught me the importance of being a respectful, caring, kind young man and being grateful for the opportunities that others would like. The community taught me the importance of working hard for anything achievement and that nothing is just given to you. Playing competitive sports emphasized the comradery and values it takes to build a strong team. The values I learnt during high school have shaped me into the man I am today.

I began my position with slb in October 2022. I was working previously for a mining company, in the iron ore sector with a great benefits, great work-life balance and way of life. However, it was not challenging me at all. The role I was working as was a graduate engineer, where majority of the tasks I completed were not engineering related at all. I wanted to expand my knowledge on my specialized electrical field. Being an ambitious person, I desired for a challenge. A challenge that helps me use my previous knowledge in other aspects of life and understandings to find a solution. I knew that SLB offering provides hands-on experience to engineers to learn about their division. At that point I knew that SLB were able to give me that challenge I’ve been searching for. I’ve been with the company for 6 months so far and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

For my division at SLB, an engineering background is important to understand the technical background of Artificial Lift. The theoretical side heavily involves calculations of well conditions, the mechanical understanding of how each component works, as well as the electrical element with commissioning via surface equipment. In saying this, it is not impossible. If you have the correct mindset and belief in yourself, you’ll be able to achieve anything. Having a positive attitude and willingness to learn will take you places at SLB. There are countless opportunities here at SLB if you do not have an engineering background, I’m certain there will be a place for you.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is the ability to travel. So far during my six months here at SLB, I’ve travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for training and to rural parts of Australia to work on ESP equipment. I’ve met people from different parts of the world and learnt about different cultures I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. There are instances where troubleshooting is required. This excites me as it gives me the opportunity to use the knowledge, I’ve gained through experience to solve the issue. And if you can’t seem to find a solution, Ask! The team are very helpful and willing to assist wherever possible. Despite this job is physically exhausting at times, working 7 days a week to get the job completed safely, its satisfying seeing something that you’ve contributed to works correctly. These are the moments that make it all worth it seeing what you’ve built is functioning as desired.

What are the limitations of your job?

In my current position, there are limitations with how much I can assist the field specialist with. Certain aspects of the commissioning of the ESPs require an electrical license to complete (HV connections) which limits my capability. However, I’m able to assist the FS with equipment and tooling that he requires to make his job easier and ask questions about learning more about the commissioning process.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

Going back to my university period of life, I would advise myself the same advice I told myself during university.

  • Radiate goodness. Bring a smile and happiness to everyone you cross paths with and continue to be the selfless person you are
  • Continue to be the person you are and become confident in who you are. Never settle for less than you deserve and aim for the stars.
  • If you want something, you have to work for it and put substantial effort in order to achieve that goal. When you reach that goal, don’t forget to thank yourself and every person that has aided you in achieving that goal.

Having this advice during university allowed me to focus on achieving a position here at SLB through hard work and dedication.