Introducing James Drage, a Project Manager here at KBS Maritime. In this interview, James discusses his rewarding project of replacing 24 penstocks and highlights the strong team ethic and camaraderie within his team. He also offers advice to new apprentices about seizing opportunities and striving for success.
Can you share a specific project or task that you found particularly rewarding?
The dockyard is seeing significant investment to rejuvenate the infrastructure, and as such one of my projects is the replacement of 24 penstocks that serve as the valves moving water around the naval base to flood and dock vessels. The project entails the removal of the old penstocks, procurement and installation of new penstocks to maintain and renew capabilities around D Lock and North Pumping station. When this project is completed, D Lock and North Pumps will see a new lease of life, bringing reliable capability for current and future vessels to dock within Portsmouth Naval Base for years to come.
What do you enjoy most about the work environment and culture here?
I enjoy the ‘One’ team ethic. The camaraderie shown within my team to collaborate and help each other whenever someone asks for it. All of us as project managers has our strengths and weaknesses, and we are all willing and able to help out others within a team where another struggles. There is no need to stress or worry (as much!!) within our working environment because any difficulties faced, there is always someone willing to support.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining our apprenticeship program?
Take every opportunity that is presented to you, even if you feel you don’t deserve it! The only thing holding you back from doing what you want/need to do is yourself. You may not get that new job, the grade needed to pass a course, or a project may not be successful initially, but it’s about striving to do what is needed to get the desired outcome.
You can discover more about our Apprenticeship programme here.
