11 Questions in 11 minutes
It’s that time again when we get to ‘Meet the Corrosion Specialist’, and this month we invited Kevin Harold, who is the Director of Paintel Ltd.
Here’s 11 answers from Kevin as he takes the hot seat of our infamous 11 Questions in 11 Minutes.
1. What did you aspire to be when you were younger?
I went to school in Tottenham. When I was at school we were being prepared for factories and menial work. No one went to college or university. Therefore, my expectations were not much.
At that time, I was being looked after by my mum and the social services. Tottenham Borough Council came up with a nine-month training scheme – for young men in particular – to learn a trade. I was invited to a couple of meetings with my mum where I was presented with a list of trades. I chose painting and decorating. A couple of weeks later, 6th September 1976, I went to my first day of work.
I spent the next nine months learning about painting and decorating. This proved highly successful and I really enjoyed it, too. Three years later I had earned my City & Guilds in painting and decorating.
2. So how did you end up as a corrosion specialist?
I had no qualifications from school as I didn’t go much, but decided some years later to go to night school and try and get some.
This I did, and part of the journey was studying chemistry as one of the subjects. That got me thinking about things differently – that and maths. I became extremely interested in chemical bonding, fusion of substances, and the creation of new ones. This led me to enquire as to how paint was working and what was happening at a molecular level. This stoked my ambition to become a painting inspector – which I did.
3. What was your first job like?
My first job as a Painting Inspector was at Barking Power Station in London, in 1992. There were 50 blasters/painters on site at any one time. I had a lot of respect from the lads, because I was from the tools and had extensive knowledge of paints and coatings by this time.
4. You decided to stick with paint inspection. How did your career progress?
I’ve worked mostly with structures. I worked with British Gas on gas holder projects for some time, and was heavily involved as an advisor and inspector during the redevelopment of docklands in London. Plus, I’ve worked on new prisons, on MOD contracts, with local authorities, Cardiff Bay Developments, and so on.
5. What have you enjoyed most about your career in corrosion?
I have been able to work in most parts of the UK, choosing not to work overseas, and that has been excellent. I have found myself on wonderful structures, using amazing equipment, and enjoying that journey.
Most recently, August this year, I was one of the ‘End Point Assessors’ for the first ever Industrial Coating Applicators apprentices in the UK. I also wrote the technical information on which the apprentices were being assessed.
I spent a week assessing seven students, and it has become a treasured memory. It was an honour to be part of what was a big process with many ICorr people involved. All the apprentices received distinction.
6. What career advice would you give to a young corrosion specialist?
For me, the biggest and most important aspect of what I do is understanding your subject matter. Learn your stuff. I memorised charts and standards. Then it would appear that I could tell people that black was white, and people would believe me.
7. What is in store for corrosion professionals?
This business is most interesting. Corrosion is indeed fascinating, and not understood by most – even engineers. Learn your stuff and enjoy visiting different locations, even around the globe should you choose to. Of course, you will also enjoy a good salary and look after your loved ones.
8. What have you gained from your membership of ICorr?
Meeting like-minded professionals at the top of their game. Being part of the ICorr team is wonderful, even by association. To be involved with a learned society is a great honour for me.
Let’s get personal!
9. What’s your favourite food?
My favourite food is steak and chips with pepper sauce. I remember clearly my mum getting me steak the first time I was able to contribute to housekeeping when I was 16.
10. What do you like doing most outside of your professional life?
I love spending time with my family and friends, and my grandchildren, very much.
I also love running. I race in the UK and Europe.
11. Tell us a secret about yourself, something that might surprise fellow members (and something we can print!)
I have a brown belt in Karate and went on to train in multiple martial arts and fight on a weekly basis against other mixed martial artists before MMA existed. That will certainly surprise everyone!
What do you want to ask a corrosion specialist?
So, there you have it! Kevin has gone from strength to strength throughout his career, yet has always remained grounded, loves a steak, and will fight you for it with his martial arts skills.
Thank you, Kevin, for your involvement in ICorr and your contribution as a corrosion specialist.
Right then, readers! What would you like us to ask the next ICorr member in our next ‘Meet the Corrosion Specialist’ interview? If you have a question for them, send us an email and we’ll try to get it answered.