Meet Derek - Safety Engineer
‘I have worked for NIE Networks since September 2003 and started as a Plant Maintenance Electrician (PME) Apprentice. After completing my Apprenticeship, I worked in Plant for a number of years then moved into training department as training instructor and now work as a Safety Engineer. Over this time NIE Networks have provided me with various training programs to develop my skill set.
‘The PME role has a great deal of variety, one day you could be doing small wiring, the next you could be replacing a mechanism in a Circuit Breaker. In the PME role you are also involved in building new Substations on the Network, this is interesting work as you see the job through from a building site to a fully built functioning Substation. Substations are a vital part of the network therefore working on this type of equipment gives you a sense of pride as you are helping keep the Network functioning correctly and keeping the lights on.’
‘In the Safety Engineer role, I am regularly out on site engaging with staff, ensuring they have the correct equipment and materials to carry out their job in a safe manner. When not on site I would be gathering information from Near Misses and sharing the learning with the wider company to prevent reoccurrence.’
‘The best part of my job is helping others, I enjoy helping staff when they have questions or concerns.’
‘Go for it! NIE Networks have provided me with a good career, they really are a great company to work for.’