Meet Jessica - Trainee Surveyor
My name’s Jessica, I’m happily married with 2 boys Arlo (3) and Ezra (1.5) and a Labrador/rottweiler called Darcy (12).
Before I applied for the apprenticeship, I was working in a childcare nursery for 3 years. I always knew that it wasn’t a forever job for me but I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do. I enjoyed working outdoors and liked the thought of having a wide variation of jobs, that I wasn’t doing the same thing day in day out. I knew a few people that had completed the apprenticeship so I had got in touch with them to find out more.
I thoroughly enjoyed my overhead lines apprenticeship, there were different opportunities to be involved in events throughout the company such as career events and we were provided with a wide range of training courses which took place at the different training schools throughout Northern Ireland.
The support provided to us was excellent - the training team were there if you had any questions or needed help, you were never left on your own to struggle.
When I qualified I secured a position with a local connections team and had responsibility driving one of the 4x4 MEWPs which was great having my own work vehicle. I thoroughly enjoyed working as part of the connections team as I was able to meet and speak with the different customers. After having my first child, I returned to work and sought after a career change where I applied for a trainee surveyors position.
I am now a Level 1 Surveyor working in the Lines Services Department where I have been for 2 years now. Currently my work is a mixture of site and office based. On site days I would be conducting a survey of existing lines using a total station and then using that data to design and upgrade lines and poles for the refurbishment team. I also am involved in designing alterations and helping to negotiate legalities for new lines. An office day consists of designing lines using NIE Networks drawing package and creating files for teams which allows them to work more efficiently and have a better understanding of what is needed on site.
I would greatly encourage anyone to consider an apprenticeship. It was something that was never really promoted when I was in school doing my a-levels, the focus was more university. However, there are many benefits of an apprenticeship, a major one being the chance to earn while you learn. Earning a generous salary whilst receiving training and a qualification is a great starting point for any young person, regardless of gender. There are so many roles within the company and the opportunities to progress or take a different route is endless.
My biggest achievement or moment of pride has definitely got to be in the final 3 for IET Apprentice of the Year where I was invited to go to London along with my 2 mentors for a ceremony and overnight stay, it was a first for NIE Networks and a big boost in my own confidence. We flew home the next day to attend NIE Networks’ own company and apprentice awards where I also won ‘Ambassador of the Year’ and ‘Apprentice of the Year’. It was very surreal flying to London and back home again and onto winning 2 awards within NIE. I felt extremely proud and the awards now sit proudly at my home.