“I love seeing things come together. When there's an issue, our team anticipates the challenge, resolves it successfully, and ensures proper planning and scheduling, allowing us to deliver what our clients expect.”
Photo credit: Luvo Productions Ltd.
For Kerwin Bramble, Lead Operations Coordinator at Kenson Operational Services Limited (KOSL), that sense of fulfillment defines his journey. Kerwin provides technical support to Kenson’s coordinators and oversees the planning and implementation of special projects- work that demands both precision and teamwork.
His story in the oil and gas industry began humbly as a labourer on Petrotrin Rig 1. From there, he transitioned offshore as a production operator, all while pursuing a Diploma in Industrial Instrumentation at UTT. His dedication and growing reputation eventually led to an offer from Kenson after Petrotrin’s closure, where he has proudly worked for the past six years.
With both his father and grandfather having built their livelihoods in the energy sector, Kerwin feels that this career path is a family legacy- “like the baton has been passed.”
But Kerwin’s path was far from smooth. He openly shares how distractions in Form 4 caused him to be taken out of school. Growing up in the rural district of Moruga, attending St. Stephen’s College in Princes Town felt like a caged bird suddenly tasting freedom. A transition that came with challenges. Fortunately, his mother refused to let that setback define him. Her determination, paired with Kerwin’s own reflection on the opportunity he had nearly lost, helped him return to school and change the trajectory of his life.
At Kenson, Kerwin supports the Contract Managers who handle multiple stakeholders and ensures accurate, timely delivery of services to clients. Where applicable, he aligns contract implementation and transition phases with the defined scope and resource requirements. His team provides technical support to major players in the energy sector, and he also oversees the planning and execution of the company’s competency assessment programme.
One of Kerwin’s biggest challenges is dealing with stakeholders' resistance to new technology, a common hurdle in established industries. “Sometimes you have to coax and coach,” he admits. “My team’s work is bigger than me and benefits the company overall. New technology motivates me to keep learning how to do the same task in a new way; it’s about adapting and innovating to solve the problems we face.”
Despite his achievements, Kerwin is quick to acknowledge those who’ve helped shape his growth. Among them is David Tam, Contracts Manager at Kenson, whom he describes as a mentor and source of guidance. Kerwin admires David’s discipline, communication skills, and calm under pressure, all qualities he strives to emulate in his own leadership style.
Kerwin is aware of his serious demeanor; however, behind this is a pleasant and highly committed team player. Working in a dynamic sector, Kerwin values learning from younger professionals who bring fresh perspectives and efficiency to the job. “In this industry, it’s so important to remain adaptable and stay informed,” he says. Having benefited from on-the-job training, Kerwin worries about the decline in apprenticeship programs, which once helped bridge the gap for eager young entrants into the industry.
Looking back, Kerwin knows his story could have gone very differently had it not been for his mother’s persistence. Today, he takes deep pride in how far he’s come:
“Life is full of challenges, but you shouldn’t let them dictate who you become. I got taken out of school, but I grasped the opportunity again when I had the chance, and I didn’t let that temporary setback stop me.”