Andy

Andy's STORY

Project Engineer - Graduate, Morrison Utility Services

Project Engineer - Graduate
Morrison Utility Services

Andy was once stacking shelves at Morrisons Supermarket before graduating as a Project Engineer. He is now on a graduate scheme with Morrison Utility Services working towards becoming Chartered in Engineering. Find out what Andy enjoys most about his role and some motivating advice he has for those interested in the energy and utilities sector.

What do you do and where do you do it?

I am a Graduate Project Engineer based in Colchester working on a mechanical and electrical alliance with Anglian Water. I assist Senior Project Engineers which involves liaising with the client and subcontractors, creating Health & Safety risk assessments and method statements, booking in labour to do a job, managing costs and looking at affordability and making project cost effective. It’s a varied role which requires a certain amount of expectation management while finding solutions to problems. You need to build trust and credibility with the client whilst spinning a lot of plates!

Why is your role important?

Project Engineers make sure projects are on time and on budget. If we can achieve that we can hopefully guarantee more work which keeps the wider supply chain working. As a result we can secure jobs and by extension, provide an efficient service to the water industry.

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Show your enthusiasm and contribute as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes early on and learn quickly.

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Which parts of the job do you enjoy most/ find most rewarding?

There is a lot of responsibility, it can be quite daunting as it is a bit ‘sink or swim’. I’ve had two significant achievements so far. The first presenting a solution to the client which they are happy with and is cost effective for Morrison Utility Services, the second is knowing that my mechanical calculations are right and that I’ve procured the right materials to make the solution work. I recently completed two jobs of my own which felt like a real milestone.

What path did you use to get the position you hold today?

I started the graduate scheme with Morrison Utility Services in March this year. Before that I completed my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hull. I am now working towards Chartership with the IMechE.

What did you do before?

I worked for the other Morrisons! It was literally a job stacking shelves in which I had very little control or opportunity to change things. In this job I really feel that I can make choices based on my own judgement and make suggestions to change things for the better.

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Project Engineers make sure projects are on time and on budget. If we can achieve that we can hopefully guarantee more work which keeps the wider supply chain working.

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Has it met or exceeded your expectations?

This role challenges you to become a professional quickly. You have autonomy and freedom which allows your work to speak for itself. There’s an expectation that you manage your own time which is surprisingly beneficial from a quality of life point of view but it’s definitely a case of give and take.

What advice would you give to the people reading this article who want to work in a similar field?

Show your enthusiasm and contribute as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes early on and learn quickly. Make sure you are conscientious, the job requires methodical organisation. Ask loads of questions and don’t lose your confidence when you do make mistakes. It’s all a learning process.