March 7, 2025
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We caught up with two employees from Trident IES: Human Resources (HR) Business Partner Donna-Marie Cunningham and Finance Director Julie McFarlane.
Trident IES is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holder in the Highland RFCA area. Trident first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2021 and achieved the ERS Gold Award in 2023. The employer organisation, which has over a century of expertise in shipbuilding and maritime solutions, is a member of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network, which consists of the current 47 ERS Gold Award holders.
Donna-Marie Cunningham.
Donna-Marie, tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I am over the hump of my 50s, hurtling towards the big 60. I’m still not quite sure how that happened, but in my head, I am still around 25 years of age! I am married with two grown-up sons, two amazing grandsons, and a lovely dog called Bess. I love world travel, learning about new cultures, and enjoying good food and good company.”
What was your dream job growing up?
“I was torn between wanting to be an air hostess and travelling the world or doing my training to become a nurse. The nursing won in the end, so I trained to be a nurse and worked with the NHS for ten years as a theatre nurse.”
What did it then evolve into, and why?
“I loved nursing, however, due to changes within the NHS, I felt the role was no longer for me. I considered the type of role which would allow me to interact with people on a daily basis and add value to the role. I returned to full-time education, as an adult learner, and gained the qualifications necessary for me to pursue a career in human resources. By that time, I had two young children and was a single parent, so it was a challenging period with full-time studies and childcare. It was certainly full on for a long time, but it was worth it. Throughout my career, I have gained HR experience working in the construction, rail, and oil and gas industries. I have been fortunate to work in many countries, including some remote locations that were less than salubrious, but certainly character-building!”
Tell us about your current job and employer.
“My current role is standalone HR for Trident IES, a service company providing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration repair, maintenance, and engineering services to the offshore oil and gas industry. I have been with them for over five years. I am fortunate that my employer allows me the autonomy to carry out my role while being supportive. As an HR Business Partner, I partner with the business leaders and managers across the company to support the people strategy and business plan. Since we have over 100 employees, the role is varied and interesting. Two days are certainly never the same!
“At Trident IES, the aim is to ensure that every employee has a positive experience and succeeds at what they do. The company is made up of brilliant people who all bring something different to the business. Therefore, the aim is to continue to create an environment at work where people can grow and go home feeling they have achieved something.”
What are some of your proudest achievements?
“I would say returning to full-time education while bringing up two small boys on my own for sure. That was a very challenging period in my life, but we got through it, and I was able to improve life for us all in the end. There have been many bumps in the road, some not so good, but some have been amazing… Life is like that, so generally I am proud of the person I am today.”
What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?
“I would say don’t be afraid to change direction if what you are doing is not serving you well. You will spend approximately a third of your life at work, so your job will make a huge impact on your life. Take control of your own career path, set your own goals and objectives, and don’t wait for others to take the lead. Find your voice, especially as a female in some male-dominated industries. You are capable, therefore, build confidence so that you can be heard. Be your own advocate in the workplace! Oh, and start saving as much as you can into a pension as soon as you can… The race is quick and before you know it, you will be staring at the finishing line!”
Julie McFarlane.
Julie, tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I am 45 years old and I live in a small village in Aberdeenshire. I am married with one daughter. I love the three Fs: family, friends, and food. My favourite times are spent around a dinner table with good company and good food. I am an active part of my community, helping to run local events and fundraise for local causes. In my spare time, I go to the gym. I also play darts for a local team, but it’s more for fun than glory – in other words, I’m not very good!”
What was your dream job growing up?
“A midwife.”
What did it then evolve into, and why?
“After leaving school, I planned to work for a year to save up some money for going to university. I got a job as an accounts junior and realised I loved it so never went back.”
Tell us about your current job and employer.
“I am currently Finance Director for Trident IES. I have been here for nearly 11 years, starting as Financial Controller and recently being promoted to Director.”
What are some of your proudest achievements?
“I wouldn’t say there is one specific thing I am most proud of. I am just generally proud of what I have achieved in my career. From leaving school with no higher education to becoming a Director whilst also navigating the challenges of being a working mum.”
What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?
“Don’t think that learning has stopped when earning has started. The learning has only just begun. Be prepared to soak up everything people are willing to teach you as there is far more to learning than what’s in the textbooks. Experience is everything, so learn from mistakes – yours and others.”
