Be Inspired

Meet Claire Johnson. Claire was an apprentice and is proud of it. She started her career in 1991 as a Technician Apprentice, then a Manufacturing Engineer, before working her way up to Head of Product Quality.

"I'm proud that I began my career as an apprentice because I have practical and academic knowledge. Siemens helped me acquire Professional qualifications and I am now a Chartered Engineer".

Beth was launched straight into the thick of the action spending time with the Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson and the heritage and lifestyle design team to create an article for the waterways publication. She also worked with the marketing, digital, picture desk and advertising teams. 

Classic and railways publisher Tim Hartley asked Mole to pass on his thanks to all those who welcomed Beth into their respective departments and showed her the ropes, and we also managed to catch up with Beth herself for a quick chat about her two

 Beth gives her verdict...

 “In my two weeks I got the chance to work in departments I usually wouldn’t have even considered, but found myself having a lot of fun. 

“Despite having to wake up at 5.30am to catch the bus, I can still say I would do my placement again in a heartbeat. It was such an exciting and rewarding experience – I have to thank all of the staff involved. 

“I had the opportunity to try a bit of everything the company has to offer, from heading down to Grantham Canal for an article to be published in Towpath Talk, to working with the marketing team and writing press releases; a whole new experience for a journalism student!

“I am really grateful to everyone who I got the chance to work with for their help (and patience when it came to Photoshop!); I have learned so many more things my course simply doesn’t have time to cover. I’m looking forward to showing off my newly acquired skills in my university work, so once again: thank you!”

Carly Koch, Partner Manager, Selenity

What interested you about the tech industry?

I grew up surrounded by technology, brought up by parents who worked in technology and ensured we always had the latest technology for the home available (does a wireless tv remote count?!). We were based in Santa Clara, an area of the Silicon Valley in the late 80’s where I saw from a young age how multinational technology companies were supporting and speeding up the growth and development of global technology. ‘Technology’ encompasses so many touch points within both our day to day lives as well as supporting the improvement of so many business processes both seen and unseen. I love how technology can improve and support both business processes and business intelligence.

Why did you want to work for Selenity?

Selenity have a proven track record, successful continued growth and a clear path towards continued innovation and advancement. I liked that it was very clear what the business was doing in terms of offerings to the market. Two core cloud technologies that reduce costs, increase efficiency and ensure compliance to HR and finance.

It wasn’t just the products though, the company has an outstanding reputation for being an excellent place to work. I liked that they do everything in-house here at our Lincoln HQ. The first time I came to Selenity, I picked up on a welcoming, engaging and efficient environment. There seemed a good balance between a driven and professional approach combined with a sense of fun (as it turns out I picked up on this correctly!). Also important to me was the role itself, I am a big believer in effective collaboration and the role of Partner Manager, particularly within the technology sector massively appealed.  

Selenity took the time to not only ensure I was right for the role but that I had all the information I needed to fully understand the requirements and responsibilities of the role prior to making a decision. It’s important to me that a business understands finding the right person for a job is a two way street, any company that illustrates this at the recruitment/interview stage says a lot about how a business treats its staff in general.  

There really was a combination of reasons why I wanted to work here at Selenity, I did my research, understood the role and just followed my instincts which turned out to be a great choice.

What work experience did you have coming into your role?

Moving many times with a partner who was in the military means that I have a varied employment experience. These varied roles have included: Events Co-ordinator at a bespoke wedding venue, Information Officer at the MOD, Recruitment Consultant, Marketing Executive at a global instrumentation company and more recently, working with a provider of cloud technology in the enterprise retail planning space. I have found I am always drawn to roles which require working with people. Each job I have had added a little more in terms of experience, knowledge, confidence and an understanding of different business models and processes. 

The role of Partner Manager is fantastic as I get to work closely with our in-house teams along with our partners and their clients.  

Can you describe a typical day for you?

There are not really many days in this role which are the same. On a daily basis I am lucky enough to be engaging with members of different organisations fulfilling a variety of different roles. My role requires support from nearly every department at Selenity and there is a real cohesive and agile approach to teamwork here that forms the basis of a positive experience, resulting in happy teams and most importantly, happy customers.  One day I may be demonstrating our products, researching and contacting potential new partners, then the next attending partner sales meetings or customer events, or perhaps planning campaigns with our Marketing team alongside plenty of other activities!

From an external perspective I really enjoy spending time with our partners.  Our partner channel consists of small consultant firms to large global brands.  These channels allow us to market our products to a much wider audience by utilizing our partner client networks. This helps us to maximise revenue and increase the market presence of our cloud technologies.

What qualities do you bring to the role?

For a role such as Partner Manager, there is a requirement to remain adaptable and confident to take a different approach where needed.  Generally, there is a need to work with different stakeholders, able to approach situations with care and understanding of different cultures and working practices.  

I hope I bring a sense of professional engagement with a sense of fun, remain down to earth and able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders I come across in my role. I like to see things through and get the job done.

What is difficult about your role?

The role of Partner Manager does often mean trying to bring people together and get the right people communicating effectively. With busy schedules and other demands this can sometimes be frustrating. It helps to be organised and open and clear when managing different channels.

Although I enjoy the diversity of the job, it can also be a challenge sometimes, aligning objectives and priorities across many parties, but then who doesn’t love a challenge?

What is the best thing about working at the company?

Great people and great technology! Being able to work with like-minded, professional and driven colleagues is a real pleasure. There is a common goal of delivering the best technology we can, propped up by a value driven culture encompassing innovation, respect and passion. Achieving results with a fantastic group of people, having a laugh and ensuring happy customers make every day enjoyable!

Selenity take real pride in supporting a happy workplace, hiring and retaining the best staff is a priority. There is also a lot of fun to be had with events, team days and birthdays being made special. On the first day back of the New Year, we were welcomed with a four-course brunch from an award-winning local chef which was delicious! It’s both the small and big things which go a long way to how not just myself, but also my colleagues feel about working here.  

Why would you recommend working in the industry?

Machine learning, zettabytes, AI, algorithms, data visualisation…  the industry is so interesting, fast-paced and influential on all our day to day lives, why would you not want to work in technology?

My role may not include coding, delivering product updates, managing sprints, writing user stories or formulating plans to incorporate bitcoin allowances into product. However, it does allow for constant learning and an ability to support innovation. It is an industry which delivers constant change and improvements and working closely with other professions and sectors to understand requirements to deliver the best technology.

It’s important to remember that there are plenty of roles within the tech sector which do not require a technical background. If you are interested in working in a thriving community, constantly evolving and adapting, working with forward-thinking and driven individuals then there are many opportunities in the tech sector which may be of interest.

Katie Lockwood has just completed her GCSEs at Lincoln UTC. She achieved the grades she wanted and has been able to progress towards her dream job as an aeronautical engineer, two years ahead of other school-leavers in her position.

This is all thanks to the opportunities and support that her UTC gave her in pursuing her favourite subject - engineering. Here's Katie's story:

Why choose Lincoln UTC?

Katie first heard about Lincoln UTC, a new 14-19 school opening in September 2014, when she received a letter through the post. She was immediately attracted to it because it specialised in engineering, which was something she was very interested in. Three generations of Katie’s family have been involved in aeronautical engineering - her father, grandparents and her great grandfather.

Although Katie was happy at her school she wasn’t able to select engineering as one of her options for her GCSEs. So, during the summer holiday she went to talk to the staff at the UTC and she was really impressed by what she heard. She immediately applied for a place and started in September.

"I was completely sold. The fact I could study engineering, the impressive equipment and the links with employers was really appealing. I also liked the fact that I could work with my hands to make things and apply my learning in a practical way."

The Lincoln experience

Katie is really pleased she made the change to Lincoln UTC.

"Lincoln UTC was like a big family. With only two year groups in the first year, we got to know everyone. We had amazing access to our teachers and much more one-to-one support. I felt I wasn’t just a student but seen as an individual."

Katie had been really struggling with English at her previous school and typically got Ds and Es in her work. At Lincoln she received extra support and her grades started to improve. This was reflected in her GCSE English where she secured an A in her GCSE coursework.

Whilst at Lincoln, Katie decided to apply for an engineering apprenticeship with AirTanker, a consortium of the leading aerospace companies working on the Ministry of Defence contract for RAF Voyager. Despite the gruelling application including multiple interviews, aptitude tests and a written exam, Katie was one of six young people to be selected from 300 to take up an apprenticeship.

"I’m really proud I managed to secure a place. What helped was the experience I had at Lincoln. I had lots of opportunities to speak to employers and work on projects with them. This made me more confident in the interview. Also, Principal Dr Rona Mackenzie wrote an amazing letter of recommendation for me and really supported me."

A cut above the rest

Katie will be studying a Level 3 NVQ in aeronautical engineering and a Level 3 Diploma. She will be starting two years earlier than the majority of other apprenticeships because she has already undertaken engineering at Lincoln UTC (Cambridge National Technical Level 2).

"Studying engineering at Lincoln UTC has meant that I can get started in my career two years earlier than if I’d stayed at my previous school. It’s a great step forward and will help me to become a qualified aeronautical engineer much more quickly."

Lincoln UTC provides a unique learning opportunity for 14-19 year olds. Its curriculum combines core studies in subjects like maths and English, with highly specialist studies in engineering and science. Students can choose from a range of GCSE, A Level and Cambridge Technical qualifications and participate in practical projects and work experience programmes organised by leading employers and Lincoln University, which the UTC is partnered with.

All learning involves academic, technical and practical work-based experiences, helping students to fully prepare for life in employment, in an apprenticeship or at university.

Visit Lincoln UTC's website here

My working day begins at 7.30am when I arrive at Daisy’s, calling up to let her know I’m here before putting the kettle on ready for her morning brew. Then it’s up the stairs to help Daisy out of bed and into the bathroom. Daisy likes to wash herself because she is still quite self-sufficient. 

While Daisy’s in the bathroom, I have to dash around, making the bed and emptying the commode while keeping one ear open in case I’m needed. Daisy likes to choose what she wants to wear, but I give her a hand as she needs help with fastening buttons or putting on her stockings. I help Daisy down to the kitchen for her breakfast and a cup of tea and while she is tucking into her cereal I have a quick check around to make sure all is tidy then it’s a wave goodbye and I’m on my way to see Mr Williams. 

Mr Williams lives alone two miles from Daisy and suffers with dementia. He needs reminding to take his medication so I pop in at 8.15am. Once we’ve finished discussing the weekend’s football action I’m on my way to see Mavis who lives a few doors away. Mavis doesn’t like an early call so I get there about 9am. First I help Mavis get out of bed as she has arthritis and finds it difficult. I assist her in getting to the loo and then get her ready for the day. Mavis has no family and often I am the only person she sees through the day and I know she really appreciates me calling in to help her. Even though I have a very busy schedule while I’m making her a cup of tea and helping her get washed, dressed and eat her breakfast. I make sure I have a nice natter with Mavis as well. 

Time is getting on and my next call is a bit of a drive away to visit Miss Smith and her cat, Tigger. Miss Smith is visually impaired and although she can get herself washed and dressed she needs me to help to make her breakfast and a hot drink and of course for Miss Smith the main priority is for me to feed Tigger. My morning has flown by and it’s time for me to grab a quick break before I start to do lunch runs. My lunch round is similar to the morning run but I have to closely watch the clock to make sure everyone gets a meal within a sensible slot. It’s surprising how you can prepare a basic meal, make a drink, have a chat and still manage to get around everybody. 

My last call is back to Miss Smith. Today she would like an omelette so it’s out with the frying pan and it’s sizzling in no time. Of course, I have to make sure there’s enough left over for Tigger! We always have a chat in the kitchen while I’m cooking her lunch which I know she appreciates. 

Then that’s it for me, time to go home and put my feet up for a while. I don’t have any tea time calls planned but I may get an emergency call as things can change quickly with people who need help. 

One of the things I love about this job is the variety. When you’re dealing with people who need that little bit of extra help no two days are ever the same as their health and wellbeing needs change, but I always feel, as I go through my day, that I am making a little difference to people’s lives and that makes it all so worthwhile.

“As I came to the end of my placement and saw the new students beginning theirs, I found myself looking back at what I had been a part of and what I had achieved.

"My placement was based with a leading supplier of sprayers within the agricultural industry; prior to my placement I had never been associated with sprayers before let alone work with them. However my interest in the company wasn’t 100% dedicated to the product it was the chance to gain experience within the engineering industry with a company that offers a unique placement opportunity that many others don’t, that being the chance to work my way through the company within different departments.

From production to design, product support to sales I experienced it all. I was given the chance to work with the machines to give me an understanding of how they operate and how they are manufactured. I was able to put my engineering knowledge to the test during my time in the design department whilst gaining new ones. I travelled the UK assisting with fixing machines with product support and attended agricultural shows representing the company whilst in the sales department.

Not only have my practical skills and engineering capabilities been increased tenfold with my time on placement but I feel I have grown as a person too, I feel more confident in myself as a beginner engineer as well as more professional and mature.

It’s strange how placement can affect you and changes you as a person. I began as a quiet, nervous student unaware of the year that followed. I am confident when I say I left with an arsenal of new useable skills that will benefit me within my final year and engineering future, confidence in myself and capabilities, and no longer fear being out of my comfort zone.

I am very grateful I had the chance to attend a work placement, and I have been fortunate to have been offered a post graduate position with the company, as a design engineer!”

Alex Gadsby 

Alex successfully graduated from Sheffield Hallam with First Class Honours, and re-joined Househam in July 2016 as a full-time Production Design Engineer. He has proven to be a valuable asset to the company and we are pleased to have him as part of the team. 

After leaving school he worked for his family’s training business in an administrative role before deciding on a change of career. Alex worked for an Estate Agent selling properties which helped him identify construction as his ideal career and he successfully applied to join the Technical Trainee Programme at Lindum, starting in May 2016. 

The Technical Trainee Programme designed by Lindum offers recruits the opportunity to follow a two year individual plan where they experience the range of job roles involved in a construction project from start to finish - from pricing the project with our Estimating Team through to building the finished product with design, buying, on-site management, Health & Safety among the other disciplines experienced throughout the life of the project.

Each trainee has an assigned Mentor with monthly reviews helping to monitor individual progress. Academic training is included to attain formal qualifications such as degrees, HNDS and HNCs via local colleges and universities. Competition is high to join the programme with recruits ranging from 16 to 24 years of age and coming from a variety of backgrounds including university graduates, school leavers and current employees. 

“I first became interested in construction after being involved with a number of family building projects and was looking for a new career direction. The Technical Trainee Programme offered by Lindum was the perfect opportunity for me to learn about all the different aspects of the building profession and I was delighted to be one of the successful candidates to gain a place” explains Alex.

“Since starting in May I have been assigned to work on the ‘One The Brayford’ project and have been able to see the processes from pre-contract, design tracking, site surveys, site set up to construction where I am employed currently.”  

“Working with the site management team of Matt Marshallsay, Andy Foster and John Savage is a great opportunity for me to learn from these experienced site managers and I aspire to do a similar role as I enjoy being site based, working at the sharp end!”

Alex has a NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Management and is currently enrolled on the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) Level 3 course alongside other trainees at Lindum.

Tell us a bit more about your role and what you like about working in construction.

I’m an Apprentice Joiner with the SCS Group. At the moment I work on first and second partition work and also finishing work. I’ll work mostly on big sites like new schools or hospitals.

I like being able to work with more than one tradesmen and seeing how differently people’s work is. Construction and building things are enjoyable for me, and it’s great to see the end product. 

Construction and building things are enjoyable for me, and it’s great to see the end product.

How did you get into construction?

After secondary school I went straight into working with a smaller scale building firm as a labourer. That’s where I got a taste for construction and so made the move to SCS and started my apprenticeship with them. 

What's a typical day like for you?

I start work normally at eight in the morning and then finish at half past four in the afternoon. Depending on what the job requires I’ll work on partition work or joinery work. This could involve work like fitting door kits or doing window sills. 

What skills do you think you need for this role?

You would need to have some basic carpentry and joinery skills – things like measuring accurately, cutting precisely, marking out and other skills like that. Problem solving skills are also quite useful as there may be times where you’ll need them. 

Tell us about something that you're proud of in your career so far

Construction can take you places and it just so happened to take me to India. For 3 weeks in January 2017, as part of a four man team of other experienced joiners I travelled out to Southern India to undertake some charity work in a girl’s orphanage in Kollegal, a small village situated 3 hours away from Bangalore airport. The opportunity to work out there came about through ‘Brass Tacks’, a Christian run organisation I had contact with via the church I  attend.

Brass Tacks undertake a large variety of work worldwide helping those in need using many different volunteers; I was part of the project India team. Our team were working at a Christian girls’ home and whilst out there we had various tasks we needed to complete. Our end goal was to build a new dorm room to house ten girls, which would be on top of an existing dorm. Firstly we completed blockwork to window sill height ensuing that the walls were level, and then infill the existing roof with concrete to create a level surface, as this would then become the dormitory floor. 

Next we had to do some shuttering in order to build a staircase that would lead up to the girl’s dormitory. We found that the plywood was expensive and not the best quality however we made sure to construct the stairs to meet health and safety regulations. After this was the installation of windows in the girls’ bathroom and shower area. We used a local man in the village for the windows, so they were made quickly and to a good standard, and so then installation would be hassle free. After more shuttering the lintels could be cast for the doorways and windows allowing us to complete blockwork to full height, which meant that our part of the project was complete and time for sub-contractors to measure for pre-fabrication and roofing.

Overall my Indian experience was one to be remembered - working in 30 degree heat with misshapen blocks, empty oil drums for scaffolding and sharing a bedroom with bats, geckos and cockroaches. But it has to be said that I loved every minute of it, gaining invaluable experience and I hope to return next year!

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Hopefully I’ll be a time served joiner! I would like to be a hard working construction worker with a range of skills that I’ve learnt through my apprenticeship. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in construction?

If it’s something you’re thinking about or like the idea of – then go for it! It’s not the most glamourous of jobs, but it is very fulfilling and there is great potential to go places in the construction field. 

Cavan joined Lindum in June 2016 as an apprentice Vehicle Technician with Lindum Plant at the Peterborough Workshop. He is training under the supervision of Workshop Manager Adam Townsend for four days a week and then spends one day a week at Boston College, working towards his Motor Vehicle Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair IMI Diploma Level 2 qualification.

Cavan said: “I’ve loved every day since I started work here at Lindum, no one day is ever the same and the wide variety of vehicles we deal with here makes my job really interesting. As we also offer a Plant and Tool Hire service I also get involved in this side of the business and the maintenance of some of the smaller items of equipment.

Having Adam as my mentor and supervisor is enabling me to learn new skills and develop my own understanding and knowledge as I benefit from his vast experience in the trade.
Everyone I have met so far has been friendly and supportive, especially the small team I work with on a daily basis at the Peterborough site and I hope to continue my career with Lindum for many years to come.”

Cavan joined Lindum after completing a year’s full time study straight from school with Boston College where he achieved his NVQ Level 1 qualification.

Adam Townsend, who manages Cavan on a daily basis added “Cavan is a conscientious young man who is eager to learn. He has demonstrated he has a strong worth ethic, I know he previously worked part time at a local wood yard washing down Lorries and perform a wide range of general duties fitted around his full time college studies, and this hard working attitude continues to pay dividends for him. It is an honor to be able to support the next generation joining my profession and his contribution is greatly valued. In short, he is a pleasure to work with and mentor, he is an all-round good lad!”

He’s now worked his way up to a first class pilot and also trains and recruits others. Chad, who expertly navigates and berths ships along and on the Humber, was quickly welcomed into ABP to help settle him into his role. 

He enjoys his rewarding job, saying: “After the first few months of training I found that the role of a pilot was the most rewarding job I have ever done. “I received a lot of responsibility with my new role but my team at ABP were there every step of the way to guide me through. Not only do I get to navigate and berth ships, but I also get to go home every day and see my family which is something seafarers don’t get to do.”

When Christian took his first job as a lifeguard at our Minehead resort, he thought he would only be staying for two months, but 9 years later he’s still here, still happy and a true Butlin’s person. Over his first two seasons he really found his feet, and soon became a Team Leader – progressing to Swimming Pool Assistant Manager when he was ready. He’s got a real talent for bringing out the best in people and helping them develop their careers, just like he did. He says that he really loves seeing families having a great time on holiday, and he gets a real buzz from meeting new people. In fact, he met his wife at Butlin’s and they are expecting their first Butlin’s baby!

Like all our passionate Managers, Christian will be happy to tell you: if you give our guests a great time we’ll give you the opportunity of a lifetime.

What do you do in your day job?

I’m an offshore coordinator team leader for Westermost Rough which is an offshore windfarm situated 8km off the Yorkshire Coast, north of Hull.  I love the role, I manage a team of people who look after the coordination and communication with people when they go offshore, which includes vessel transport planning, maintaining radio contact, ensuring they have all the up to date information including restrictions if any. Our main responsibility is knowing who is offshore, ensuring they are safe to be offshore and ensuring they come back onshore.

What do you love most about your job?

I love my job. Every day is different and when you arrive in the morning you don’t know what that day might hold. It’s a really sociable job too, we’re the place to go if people need any support whether they’re planning a trip or already offshore so there’s always people popping by, from the Head of Operations to the vessel crews, you never know who’s going to walk through the door. I love meeting new people so it’s the perfect job for me.

What made you want to get into the renewables industry?

I was working at a gas power station when I read an article about DONG Energy, and it made me think. I wasn’t sure what the future of the gas station was and the article said that Ørstedwere recruiting in Grimsby so I applied and got the job. The industry attracted me because it’s growing so rapidly. As an example – I currently look after offshore coordination for Westermost Rough but we also operate Gunfleet Sands and will be taking over operation of Lincs windfarm in February 2018. We’re also constructing another two windfarms off the Yorkshire coast; Race Bank, and Hornsea Project One. When built, Hornsea Project One will be the biggest windfarm in the world,  but we also recently got the go ahead for Hornsea Project Two which two years later will leapfrog that and be the biggest! So not only do I feel positive about what I’m doing, I know there’s a strong future for this company and industry too.

What advice would you give to someone applying for a job at Ørsted?

Believe in yourself. I actually applied for a different role, as a site assistant, and when they told me they’d like to offer me the offshore coordinator role I couldn’t believe it! I really questioned whether I’d be able to do it, but they had confidence in me. The feedback I got was that it was because I had a good attitude towards work. So even if you don’t have the experience sometimes it’s your mind-set that counts.

What qualities do you think are important for your role?

As things such as weather conditions or sea restrictions can change rapidly, you have to be able to think on your feet and react quickly to solve any problems. The job involves communication an coordination with many different people so it helps if you can quickly develop relationships, and enjoy meeting new people. At first I had to ask a lot of questions because I hadn’t had experience in the offshore wind industry, which some people might be too scared to do, but it allowed me to learn quickly and I think it gained me respect.

What’s been your biggest achievement?

I was part of the team that introduced helicopter operations to Westermost Rough. It’s the first time we’ve used helicopters in the UK to transport our staff to and from the windfarm, and it involved a lot of planning and persistence. There are so many aspects to consider and challenges to overcome, and there were many times when I couldn’t see how we would get it to work. So it was a really great and proud feeling to be part of the team that achieved this milestone for Ørsted. I was nominated for a president’s award (an internal award given each year by our Group CEO) for my work on the project, which I was extremely flattered by and was so surprised when I won! It’s such an exciting thing to be part of, I’ve been out in the helicopter a couple of times and as we use it almost daily I am constantly reminded of what we achieved.