Jade's STORY

I am a Smart Meter Engineer and Technical Specialist for Morrison Utility Services (MUS). As I am a technical specialist, I provide technical support to other engineers – helping them if they run into difficulties, signing off new engineers who I think are competent to continue as engineers and managing work in progress (WIP). Generally, I make sure that the work we do is done right, is of good quality and our engineers follow the procedures for safety and quality.

I provide support. It’s a really important part of being a team that works well together. When you are working on your own there is only one person to call so I need to be able to help the engineer sort out the problem. I have 17 engineers who can call on me and there are 50 engineers in total working in London. There is a good chance they might all ring me! The way I see it is that we want to avoid aborting jobs, where we simply close down a job we cannot do. If I can provide support, say for example, helping an engineer resolve a problem by using Facetime, I’ll do it. I can see the bigger picture and it keeps everyone happy and motivated.

At first, I found it quite difficult because I wasn’t the best with heights, which isn’t ideal when you are going to be a linesperson. In our third week, we went to the Lake District on an Outward Bound course. We built a stack of crates higher and higher (we were attached to safety ropes at all times) and the further we went up the more I realised heights might be a problem, but my instructors helped me overcome that.

Since then we have had climbing practice on electricity poles. My instructors have given me lots of time and really built up my confidence. I’ve had extra help and more time than the others and felt really supported by everyone and now I’ve gained that confidence.

I always wanted a job doing something different every day, working outside. It’s not just an easy day. I’m learning and because it’s a challenge it’s good fun. Sometimes when I go up a pole I will be really frustrated with it but when I come down, look up and see the work I have done, I feel really proud of it. I’ve been in the company just under a year can already see why people love this job and why it’s such a highly recommended apprenticeship and career, because you gain that sense of achievement.

I like helping and being able to offer a different way of looking at something. It doesn’t have to be work related!  My aim is to keep everything running smoothly. I like being organised and I am very precise about what needs doing and how to go about it. I had a management role in retail and I think some of that is coming into this role now, especially dealing with problems and helping people become self-reliant.

I studied plumbing and found a local company who could support me through my Level 2 and 3 qualifications. I also became Gas Safe qualified and worked for five years installing central heating systems. Physically it was hard work especially moving boilers up flights of stairs but I did it! Then I applied for this role and was successful. MUS has provided training in electrical installation which I passed with flying colours according to my Supervisor. I’ve been working for MUS for just over a year and was promoted three months ago which isn’t bad. 

I starting my working life in retail and was studying Health & Beauty and Plumbing at the same time as working. I thought I should keep my options open!  

It has definitely been the best job I’ve had. I’ve had training to increase my skills and as a lone worker I have lots of support and steps put in place to keep me safe. I am also looking at my next step up! I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I love it but I know there is more that I can do if I want to. 

I’ve also just been awarded a company award for Going the Extra Mile for a customer.  An elderly gentleman I went to had no power or heating in January, he had just one candle and a radio. I contacted his housing association and they did not know, he had never complained and no one had ever checked. I arranged for the housing association to put him up in a hotel while the necessary work was done on his flat. 

Step out of your comfort zone, you never know what could happen and I never thought I would be where I am today. MUS recruits Apprentice Meter Engineers which means you get all of the training while earning and can become a fully qualified engineer in two years, which is quicker than the way I did it.  

Find out more about Women in Engineering, Morrison Utility Services, or read our other Stories. If you’re thinking about applying for an Apprenticeship or any other role, visit our Current Vacancies page.