From Grinder to Spreadsheet
Written on October 06, 2024
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁: 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
After years of working with my hands in the trades, I never imagined I'd find myself behind a desk, planning the very projects I used to work on. But here I am, a planner for turnarounds and capital projects. The transition from being a pipefitter to this role has been an exciting journey, full of new challenges and opportunities.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
As a pipefitter, my focus was on the immediate task at hand. I dealt with pipes, fittings, and pressure systems day in and day out. Now, as a planner, I see the bigger picture. I'm responsible for coordinating entire projects, ensuring that every team has what they need to get the job done efficiently and safely.
𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱
Surprisingly, many of the skills I developed in the trades have proven invaluable in my new role:
1. Technical knowledge: Understanding piping systems and fluid dynamics helps me plan more effectively.
2. Problem-solving: Troubleshooting leaks and system issues prepared me for tackling complex planning challenges.
3. Safety mindset: My experience with high-pressure systems informs my planning decisions.
4. Teamwork: Collaborating on job sites translated well to coordinating with different departments.
5. Attention to detail: The precision required in pipe fitting is just as crucial in project planning.
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽
Of course, the role of a maintenance planner required me to learn some new tricks:
After years of working with my hands in the trades, I never imagined I'd find myself behind a desk, planning the very projects I used to work on. But here I am, a planner for turnarounds and capital projects. The transition from being a pipefitter to this role has been an exciting journey, full of new challenges and opportunities.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
As a pipefitter, my focus was on the immediate task at hand. I dealt with pipes, fittings, and pressure systems day in and day out. Now, as a planner, I see the bigger picture. I'm responsible for coordinating entire projects, ensuring that every team has what they need to get the job done efficiently and safely.
𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱
Surprisingly, many of the skills I developed in the trades have proven invaluable in my new role:
1. Technical knowledge: Understanding piping systems and fluid dynamics helps me plan more effectively.
2. Problem-solving: Troubleshooting leaks and system issues prepared me for tackling complex planning challenges.
3. Safety mindset: My experience with high-pressure systems informs my planning decisions.
4. Teamwork: Collaborating on job sites translated well to coordinating with different departments.
5. Attention to detail: The precision required in pipe fitting is just as crucial in project planning.
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽
Of course, the role of a maintenance planner required me to learn some new tricks:
- Project management software
- Advanced scheduling techniques
- Budget planning and cost estimation
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Effective communication with stakeholders at all levels
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲
As a planner, you’ll find a new sense of satisfaction. Seeing a project come together smoothly because of careful planning is incredibly rewarding.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆
The transition isn't without its hurdles. Learning to juggle multiple projects, dealing with tight deadlines, and managing conflicting priorities takes some getting used to. But with each challenge, you will grow more confident in your new role.
𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
1. Volunteering for planning-related tasks while still in your trade role
2. Spending time as an execution coordinator during turnarounds and capital projects
3. Shadowing experienced planners during turnarounds
4. Participating in cross-functional team meetings
5. Joining professional organizations for maintenance planners
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵
If you're considering a similar career move, go for it! Your hands-on experience is a valuable asset. Be patient with yourself as you learn new skills, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, your unique perspective as a former pipefitter is what sets you apart in this role.
The path from pipefitter to maintenance planner might seem daunting, but it's a rewarding journey. You'll find that your practical experience, combined with new planning skills, makes you a valuable asset to any team.
𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲
- Advanced scheduling techniques
- Budget planning and cost estimation
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Effective communication with stakeholders at all levels
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲
As a planner, you’ll find a new sense of satisfaction. Seeing a project come together smoothly because of careful planning is incredibly rewarding.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆
The transition isn't without its hurdles. Learning to juggle multiple projects, dealing with tight deadlines, and managing conflicting priorities takes some getting used to. But with each challenge, you will grow more confident in your new role.
𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
1. Volunteering for planning-related tasks while still in your trade role
2. Spending time as an execution coordinator during turnarounds and capital projects
3. Shadowing experienced planners during turnarounds
4. Participating in cross-functional team meetings
5. Joining professional organizations for maintenance planners
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵
If you're considering a similar career move, go for it! Your hands-on experience is a valuable asset. Be patient with yourself as you learn new skills, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, your unique perspective as a former pipefitter is what sets you apart in this role.
The path from pipefitter to maintenance planner might seem daunting, but it's a rewarding journey. You'll find that your practical experience, combined with new planning skills, makes you a valuable asset to any team.
𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲