After twelve years as a well technician, Hans Even wanted a change. He took action, changed employers and found a daily routine that combines predictability, interdisciplinary work and a work environment he truly enjoys.
For many in the oil and gas industry, rotation and belonging are crucial to well-being. When Hans Even felt it was time for something new, he wanted 2/4 rotations, more predictability and the opportunity to use his technical expertise in a more varied way. The choice fell on TS Group.
Three professional certificates provide breadth
Hans Even has a broad technical background. He started his career with a certificate in well completion engineering and spent twelve years on fields such as Brage, Grane, Oseberg and the last three years as Wellhead Supervisor at Martin Linge. His experience in a permanent position at Martin Linge gave him an important understanding of what it means to belong to a permanent team and a facility over time.
Eventually, he wanted to work more with automation, a field he had originally looked towards, but which was difficult to get into as an apprentice. With the heavy experience from well engineering behind him, he decided to give it another chance and get a certificate in automation. It was this expertise that paved the way for the job at TS Group, where he now works as an automation engineer at Heidrun.
As proof of his professional determination, he completed his third certificate in June, this time in chemistry and process. The combination of support from the county council, and the fact that he received credit for experience as both a well technician and an automation engineer, made the path to the certificate much shorter than if he had taken the usual route.
– It is a clear advantage to have this breadth, because I see connections that others might overlook. Nevertheless, it is as an automator that I enjoy the most, he explains.
Proactivity yielded results
Hans Even didn't wait for opportunities to come to him. After assessing the market and talking to family who already worked at TS Group, he sent in an open application.
It paid off. Just two weeks after he was introduced to Equinor, the offer was in the box. Since February 2026, he has worked on the Heidrun field. For a mold cleaner, the move out of Kristiansund means that the journey to and from work has become significantly easier and more local than before.
Independence and little micromanagement
As part of the permanent staff at Heidrun, Hans Even experiences a different sense of ownership of the facility than he has had before.
– I really appreciate being able to work independently. My immediate manager is also someone I went to vocational school with, which makes communication very easy. We are solution-oriented, and it is motivating to work in an environment where both TS Group and Equinor are open to improvements, he says.
A strong collegial environment
For Hans Even, social ties are an important part of everyday life offshore. On Heidrun, the community consists of people with many common interests, which makes it easy to relax together after a shift.
– When we are at work, we train together, play volleyball and take the initiative for social gatherings when we have free time. When you work with people who share the same interests, the bond becomes natural. For many of us, the contact doesn't stop when we go home, he says.
Predictability in everyday life
When Hans Even has his four-week off, much of his time is spent with family and home improvement. He enjoys working with a hammer and saw, and there is always a project going on – whether at home or at the cabin he bought in Aukra last year. In fact, carpentry is so much more than a hobby that he has often thought that he would have been a carpenter if he hadn’t found his place in the North Sea.
The transition to a 2/4 shift has made it possible to plan everyday life in a way that yields more profit.
– Knowing exactly when I'm home and when I'm out means a lot. It makes it easier to juggle family and leisure interests. And with four weeks off in a row, I'm naturally expected to do my share of the housework at home, he smiles.
Do you want a career in oil and gas?
TS Group currently employs around 450 highly qualified employees and is continuously recruiting for vacant positions within the oil and gas industry, land industry and V&M. We are always looking for skilled professionals within crane, process, mechanical, electrical and automation who want new challenges with our customers.
Read our best tips for job applications here .
