From Regimental Post Manager to Smart Meter Installer

Serving for 8 years in the Royal Artillery, Nat experienced two tours of Afghanistan where she held the responsibility of Regimental Post Manager. Managing the postal operations for 700 employees on deployment overseas, Nat led a busy team to achieve success in an ever changing environment where the best laid plans often needed adjustment. Drawing on the confidence and skills she had developed in HM Armed Forces, Nat joined EDF in 2016 as a Smart Meter Installer (Single Fuel) and has quickly developed her career. Now operating as a Smart Meter Installer (Dual Fuel), Nat talks about her experience within the Smart Metering Programme at EDF.

How did you become a Smart Metering Installer with EDF?

On leaving HM Armed Forces I started to look for civilian employment opportunities. I looked on Indeed.co.uk and realised there were opportunities within Smart Metering that didn’t require qualifications. In the Royal Artillery I had developed some great skills; organisational, logistical and change management that I felt could transition into the Smart Metering Installer role. I liked the fact that the role was practical, being out installing Smart Meters in customers' homes was attractive to me, as were the hours 7.30am – 5pm, and incentive programme. The recruitment process was relaxed; the assessors were welcoming and it went smoothly with me securing an opportunity as a Smart Meter Installer (Single Fuel).

Can you describe your role in more detail?To become a Smart Meter Installer (Single Fuel) you have to successfully complete electrical training. This is quite an intense programme with a fair amount of theory to cover. I was used to being in a classroom setting due to my HM Armed Forces background and always approach new challenges positively with an open-mind but it can be overwhelming at times. Recently I’ve progressed and done my gas training – although hard I am now a qualified Smart Meter Installer (Dual Fuel). On a day-to-day basis I’m installing Smart Meters into residential customers' homes. I like the fact that all customers are different and you never know what to expect. I like a challenge and can respond to these by drawing on my background.

How has your HM Armed Forces background equipped you to do the role?

In HM Armed Forces you’re taught to never give up and this is how I approach my work as a Smart Meter Installer (Dual Fuel).

What advice would you give service leavers looking to join the Smart Metering Programme?

You need to be prepared to work hard to achieve. There is a classroom element and this can be intense, but it’s worth it. I’ve already developed my career in the short time I’ve been working at EDF and I aspire to progress into management.