Approximately 6.4 million people or 20% of the UK workforce are employed in engineering and technology roles. A growing industry, technological advancements are seeing an increasing demand for skilled engineers who can create the connections of the future.
Life as an engineer
At TrellisWorks we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and are proud to support a variety of sites across the country. From scaling radio towers to deploying wi-fi solutions in underground caves or securing CCTV networks which keep millions of people safe every year, their expertise is what drives our success and continues to see us at the forefront of some of the UK’s largest construction, retail and critical infrastructure projects.
For Global Engineering Day we talk to two of our latest recruits Jason Harper and Kane Tucker about what life as an engineer is really like.
Every day is different
“No two days are the same and that means that I get to work on some really interesting and different projects,” says 39-year-old Jason who has worked in various construction and engineering roles since leaving school at 16.
Starting with the company in November it is the first role which has seen him scaling high rise buildings one day and working on a ferry installing CCTV the next.
“Physical engineering and onsite work have always been something that I have done since leaving school. I have worked on construction sites, for a large TV company installing aerials and even with fire alarm systems but none of the roles have given me the variety of work I do now.
“It is early days and I am still learning the role, but I have been given the opportunity to get out on site and experience all different aspects of engineering. It is that scope that I have never been able to find before and has made me feel like this is a real step up.”
Technology is a passion shared by Kane Tucker, 38, who has enjoyed the variety of work being an engineer has brought. “You get to see some amazing parts of the country and get access to areas that you just wouldn’t see as an everyday citizen. Since starting I have worked on ferries, including in the engine rooms, been on rooftops in London installing antennae and worked on construction sites for major UK transport links. Just last week I was travelling across Scotland responding to fault calls and maintenance visits. It has definitely brought me opportunities to learn and develop my skills as well as chances to see new sites across the UK.”
Becoming part of the TrellisWorks family
“Every role I have worked in has been different, but I have never had as much support and opportunities as I have since joining TrellisWorks. They work on some amazing projects but there is a real family friendly environment where everyone is there to help.
“If I have a problem there is always someone to ask and that means I am learning fast.”
For Kane it is nice to be more than a number in a bigger brand. “In previous roles I worked as technical support before going into field engineering. This is definitely more hands on and allows me to bring forward my technical expertise. It is a good feeling knowing I am more than just an employee and can bring lots of experiences together to grow within the role.”
Constantly learning and growing
By the nature of the job engineering is a changing role. As technology advances so do the solutions and applications that are needed.
“It is this variety that I love,” says Jason. “Travelling to different sites there is always something different to learn. I can be cabling one day, installing infrastructure the next or scaling towers to install radios the following week. The materials are different each time which makes the job different. It isn’t repetitive so you are constantly learning and developing your skills.
“I suppose that is one of the most important skills you can have as an engineer – the ability to adapt and continually keep learning. For me that is exciting and makes the job go quick as I am never in the same place all the time and constantly learning new skills.”
With this has been the opportunity to carry out additional training. Kane started work in December and has already completed 4 courses to further his skills from working at height and roof top safety to radio frequency awareness and first aid.
“The scope of opportunities is fascinating and as an engineer I get to work on some really interesting projects. It isn’t just the on the job training though I have grown my CV and am adding new skills and qualifications all the time.”
Making a difference
“There is nothing more rewarding than going out to a job and making someone’s life easier,” says Kane. “I am really passionate about the benefits technology can bring to people’s lives. However, I also understand the frustrations it can cause when not working properly. As an engineer, it is great to see a project completed and the difference it has made.
“Used in the right way technology can make our lives so much easier and in engineering you have the chance to be at the forefront of that change.”
A varied role engineering covers all aspects of connectivity from satellite to cellular and CCTV. It is about using technology to make lives easier and at TrellisWorks it can see you work on some of UK and Europe’s largest construction, transport, retail and critical infrastructure projects.
“Expect early starts and lots of travel but with that the reward of trying new skills, exploring new places and leading the way in creating the technological solutions that are changing everyday lives.”
Do you think you have the skills to become one of TrellisWorks’ next generation of engineers? Find out more about employment opportunities at Vacancies – TrellisWorks or contact Lindsay on [email protected].