Chris McGee is the Projects Focal Point at Harbour Energy and is currently working towards gaining Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status from the Association for Project Management (APM). He is one of 15 who started the ECITB-funded programme in September 2023.
We caught up with Chris to see how it’s going.
Chris has worked in the industry for over 20 years, having started as an apprentice production operator when he was 18, and explained what prompted him to apply for the programme.
He said: “I wanted to gain chartered status to gain the formal recognition for practical project management skills which I have built up during my career. There is no other qualification or programme that I am aware of that binds all this together except the APM.”
Chris is due to complete the programme in the next few months.
“It is a manageable programme, but you do need to dedicate a few hours a week to complete it.
“2024 was the busiest year in my current role with various different offshore campaigns and the biggest shutdowns we have managed. So trying to balance this with personal commitments and dedicating time to study was quite challenging.
“I still have an interview to complete but I spoke with my mentor and we agreed to extend the timeline slightly to give me enough time to complete it.”
Chris McGee
Projects Focal Point, Harbour Energy
Project management insights
Chris shared how the programme has opened new ways of working and different facets of project management.
“My role is based in Aberdeen and focused on the oil and gas industry where we have traditionally done things in certain ways. The programme showed there are other ways of doing things,” he said.
“I gained a broader understanding of the different industries project management covers and discovered a wider toolset and skillset. It shows there is not just one way of doing things. It gives you lots of methods and tools you can bring into your work. This was really beneficial and I have already used these new tools in my day-to-day role.
“It gives you a piece of paper that demonstrates the skillset you have. You can then take this widely recognised qualification with you. Achieving chartership helps your current employer gauge the level you are at within your career and lets prospective employers understand the skillset that this certificate shows you have gained.
“There has been a supportive team spirit among our cohort. We set up a WhatsApp group to share learning and tips as well as support and encouragement. It was great. I would highly recommend this programme to others.”
In terms of future training, Chris has joined as an APM member and plans to continue his professional development through courses with the APM.
