From Royal Engineers to HSS Advisor Asset Management & Connections

I completed 23 years in the Royal Engineers starting out at Chepstow as an apprentice tradesman studying for my City and Guilds in sheet metal work. During my time in the Army I carried out many tours around the world including the Falklands, Kenya, Canada, Belize, Iraq and Afghanistan to name but a few. During this time I completed many courses and was promoted along the way, ending up at the rank of Warrant Officer, before I took the decision to leave the forces and move into civilian life. 

I went for two interviews before landing my first job as a health, safety, quality and environmental manager at a medium-sized security company installing CCTV and access control equipment for FTSE 250 companies from around the world. This company gave me a good insight into the way commercial companies work and run projects. 

After four years with this company I decided to move on to enhance my career prospects and choose to target larger organisations. During this time I had an electrical fault outside my house where UK Power Networks attended and solved the problem very quickly. I decided there and then that I wanted to join this professional outfit and on researching the company found it to be an excellent company to work for with great values and prospects. 

I applied for the position of health, safety and sustainability advisor for Asset Management and Connections which are two of the directorates within the company. I was successful in obtaining this position and can honestly say that I have enjoyed every day since joining. No two days are the same and there is always something to get your teeth into so that you remain busy. The company has supported me in my Continued Personal Development (CPD) by placing me on my NEBOSH diploma and allowing me to complete several internal courses run at its two training centres. 

Working for the company has given me many opportunities to progress within this highly respected company. UK Power Networks has the largest electricity distribution network covering London, the East of England and the South East with eight million customers to whom it distributes electricity. Please take the time to look at the UKPN website as it has some great information and job opportunities. You will not regret it - I didn’t.