Dmitri Boyiatjis - Former Instrument and Control Maintenance Apprentice

In this Q&A, former Instrument and Control Maintenance Apprentice, Dmitri Boyiatjis, reflects on his time with APTUS and shares how his career has progressed since completing his apprenticeship.

When did you complete the APTUS (previously known as OGTAP) apprenticeship programme and what discipline did you study? 2007-2011 and I studied Instrument and Control Maintenance.

Why did you originally choose to apply for an apprenticeship programme and specifically, why did you choose APTUS? I wanted to learn a trade, gain practical experience, and build a long-term career rather than continue full-time academic study. The apprenticeship route gave me the chance to work in the industry while developing technical skills and qualifications. APTUS (OGTAP as it was branded at the time) stood out because of its reputation and the opportunities it provided to work alongside experienced technicians in a real operating environment. It seemed like the best route to develop my skills and establish a career in the industry, which ultimately proved to be the case.

What achievement during your apprenticeship had the biggest impact on your development? The biggest achievement was reaching the point where I could be trusted to carry out work independently and contribute as a competent technician. That sense of responsibility and accountability was a significant milestone for me. It gave me confidence in my own abilities and laid the foundations for the career progression that followed, from apprentice technician through to operational leadership roles. 

How has your career progressed since completing the APTUS programme? Since completing the APTUS apprenticeship, I have progressed through a variety of technical and leadership roles within the offshore oil and gas industry. I began my career as an Instrument Technician, building on the technical foundation and practical skills developed during my apprenticeship. Over the years I have taken on increasing levels of responsibility, moving into supervisory and management positions and developing experience in operations, maintenance, planning, risk management, and leadership. I currently work as an Operations Delivery Manager, where I am responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of operational and maintenance activities. Looking back, the apprenticeship provided the foundation for my entire career. The technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional behaviours I developed during that period continue to serve me well today. 

Looking back on your career since APTUS, what stands out as a moment of success or achievement? Looking back, the achievement that stands out most is the progression from apprentice Instrument Technician into operational leadership roles. When I started my apprenticeship, my focus was simply on learning a trade and becoming a competent technician. I could never have imagined the opportunities that would follow. Since then, I have progressed through a range of technical, supervisory, and management positions, culminating in my current role as an Operations Delivery Manager. While there have been many individual achievements along the way, I am most proud of the fact that the apprenticeship provided the foundation for a long and successful career. It demonstrated that hard work, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges can open doors to opportunities well beyond those I initially envisaged. 

What skills have you learnt/taken away from the APTUS programme that help you/you use on a regular basis in your career now? The APTUS programme provided me with a strong technical foundation, but the skills I still use most regularly today are problem solving, communication, teamwork, and a strong focus on safety. The apprenticeship taught me how to diagnose issues methodically, work collaboratively with others, and take responsibility for delivering work to a high standard. It also instilled the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges, which has been essential throughout my career progression. Whilst my role today is very different from that of an Instrument Technician, many of the core skills and behaviours developed during my apprenticeship remain fundamental to how I work and lead teams today. 

If you could speak with someone considering the APTUS programme, what would you say to them to encourage them to apply? My advice would be simple: apply for it. The apprenticeship gave me a recognised qualification, valuable practical experience, and a route into an industry that has provided me with a rewarding career for almost two decades. When I joined APTUS, I was focused on becoming a good technician. I never expected it would eventually lead to leadership and management opportunities. Looking back, applying for the apprenticeship was one of the best career decisions I made. 

Do you have any advice for the apprentices currently completing the programme? My advice would be to embrace every opportunity the apprenticeship offers and not be put off by the changes taking place across the energy industry. The industry today looks very different from when I started my apprenticeship, but there remains a strong demand for skilled, adaptable people who are willing to learn and develop. Focus on building a solid technical foundation, ask questions, and learn from the experienced people around you. Equally important, develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as these become increasingly valuable as your career progresses. The technologies, assets, and sectors may change over time, but the need for competent, safety-conscious professionals will not. If you work hard, stay curious, and remain open to new opportunities, an apprenticeship can provide the foundation for a long and rewarding career, just as it did for me.