When Mark Jones completed his linesman training in 1987 with the then Southern Electricity Board (SEB), one of his first jobs was to help install new poles on the overhead network in Tongham. In a career that has spanned several decades and has seen Markwork across a number of SSEN depots throughout central southern England, Mark finds himself back where it all began with his latest project actually involving the very same poles he helped install nearly 30 years ago!
When the poles were first put in place, this particular part of Tongham wasn't nearly as built-up, and so when the time came to replace them as part of SSEN's regular maintenance programme, the decision was made to actually remove them and put the line underground. Not only will this enhance the local views, on this occasion it was actually just as cost-effective to put a new line underground as it would be to remove and install new poles in what had become a very tight and logistically challenging location.
Mark tells us a little bit more about his career, and the types of work he's done during his time with our company: "When I first saw the project plans I had a little chuckle to myself, as here was I nearly 30 years on coming back to the scene of one of my very first jobs! When I joined the SEB in 1985 I began work as a street lighting labourer. I was really enjoying my time, I was part of a good team and quite fancied a career with the company and so embarked up on a linesman traineeship. It's really important that we are all able to adapt to change and the new technology that is appearing on the scene, but without a doubt the skills and habits I learned during my training in the 80s are still as relevant today as they were back then. I'd encourage anyone with even a vague interest in electricity to consider an apprenticeship with SSEN, mine has served me well for over 30 years!"
SSEN is part of the SSE Group and since 2007, more than 1,100 apprentices and TSTs have been hired by SSE, a total training investment of £88m or £80,000 per recruit. SSE offers apprenticeship programmes lasting three to four years in nine different areas. SSE trainees help maintain over 200,000 km of SSE's power lines across its distribution and transmission networks and its power stations, wind farms and hydro projects as well as carrying out commercial or domestic electrical work. It puts trainees through foundation degrees as well as giving them work experience across the business. Graduates then join a two year rotational programme to develop their skills and experience. If you know of a friend or member of your family who may be interested in a career with SSEN, please refer them to www.ssen.co.uk/careersto learn more about our apprenticeship and training programmes.