Get an insight into some of the career paths of our current Future Leaders Programme members. Find out more about the programme and how to apply at bp.com/flp

1. Iain Shearer,
Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineer
Future Leaders Programme
“I’ve always enjoyed the practice of learning a principle and then applying it to solve
problems so engineering naturally appealed as a career. After university I spent a
year out volunteering in El Salvador for an organisation called Bridges to Prosperity
which helps provide access to healthcare, education and markets by teaching rural
communities how to build footbridges over impassable rivers. The value delivered by
the organisation is not only in the bridge left behind, but the shared learning
experience, transfer of skills and sharing of new perspectives – a strategic learning
approach I have rediscovered on BP’s Future Leaders Programme (FLP).
I joined the FLP six years into my career, following a great all round start on npower’s
graduate scheme (which showed me the energy business end-to-end – ranging from
the trading floor right through to working night shifts on a power station in Germany),
followed by a move which afforded me the opportunity both to design, and then
divest, off-shore wind farms.
Ultimately keen to find an organisation which thrived on learning, I successfully
applied for a place on BP’s FLP where my first role has been as an Electrical Control
and Instrumentation Engineer in Milton Keynes. My key responsibilities include
serving as the primary point of contact for seven UK fuel storage and handling
terminals as well as the Engineering Projects Team for all electrical, control and
instrumentation-related works and technical queries. I also assume the role of the
Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Technical Authority, ensuring relevant site
compliances alongside BP, local and national Government enforcement agencies. I
was immediately trusted to deliver in this role and have really enjoyed the
responsibility and opportunity to make a real difference – identifying and
implementing continuous improvements which enhance the safety, reliability,
efficiency and operability of the terminals.
Within a year and a half I have seen my career advance as a result of being able to
operate as part of the global FLP network – it has enabled me to connect with people
in similar roles around the world, to share learnings and exchange ideas to improve
business performance.”
“Within a year and a half I have seen my
career advance as a result of being able
to operate as part of the global FLP
network – it has enabled me to connect
with people in similar roles around the
world, to share learnings and exchange
ideas to improve business performance.”