From Electronic Warfare Specialist to Trainee Smart Metering Expert

Meet Elliott, a Trainee Smart Metering Expert who joined British Gas from the Armed Forces through the CTP.

Elliot Parsons recently started a Traineeship in Smart Metering with British Gas in March 2015 after leaving the Armed Forces. We asked Elliott a few questions about his time so far with British Gas and here are his responses:

How did you find out about the role with British Gas?

I found out about it through CTP. I logged onto the CTP website, as they help services personnel find new careers, this job was posted on the site, so I applied for it right away, and here I am!

What was your role in the military and what was it that made you decide to join British Gas?

I was an electronic warfare specialist; my job was to detect enemy radars and also to plot a wide area intelligence picture. I decided to join British Gas because a few people I know had left the military and joined the company, also after I left the military I wanted a career not just a job and I believe that is what I have now with British Gas.

Can you remember your first day of training with British Gas, what was your initial impression?

On the first training day we arrived at 8.30am, there were 14 of us, 2 being ex-military, we did a driving assessment so we could be issued with our vans and we also got issued with our uniforms so the first impression was very positive, everyone was very friendly and helpful.

What similar skills do you need in your role at British Gas that you needed in your military role?

I would say you need to be disciplined like the military but be able to do things for yourself and think for yourself, as in the military you are used to being told what to do and when to do it, you have a lot more freedom in this role and it took me a bit of time to get used to this.

What does your job involve on a day to day basis?

I'm currently training at the Tredegar academy at the moment, I'm doing my electrical training learning how to install meters and how to interact with customers, which I don’t have any experience of, but you are trained really well to deal with this so don’t worry.

What are the best things about working for British Gas?

The best things about working for British Gas are the perks, benefits and the colleagues; I have started to make friends in only 4 weeks, which I didn't expect.

What would you say to anyone leaving a military career and thinking of joining British Gas?

I'd say to military leavers to be brave and not worry about what people say about not being able to find a job outside the military, have a plan and prepare and you will be fine. There is support out there from organisations like CTP.

What do you think about the British Gas recruitment process and what advice would you give someone who is thinking of applying for this role?

I found the Smart Metering Expert recruitment process to be quite tough, but I got through. I would say in preparation, think of difficult situations you have been in how you overcame them and the outcome of the situation. British Gas uses the STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) model in the interview so think about how you will structure your responses to any interview questions. Also at the assessment centre on the group exercise, try not to over-power everyone when you have an opinion try to listen and act constructively. As I said it is tough but enjoyable.