Blazing a trail for engineering excellence
6/3/19: Whatever anyone else does, TClarke has always prized and invested in homegrown engineering talent. Year by year, we set out to train the best engineers in the industry. Apprenticeships are a business-critical investment.
Ross McDonald – Construction Manager – London
I worked on various jobs whilst an apprentice, including the London Olympic Stadium, Westfield Stratford, the Emirates Air Line (London cable car) and 10 Fenchurch Street.
Whilst undertaking my A levels between the ages of 16-18, I initially started working with my dad, who is also an electrician, but was working in domestic properties at the time. After this I then went on to become an apprentice for TClarke, as my dad suggested I needed to vary my experience within the electrical industry; he was correct.
I started my apprenticeship at the age of 18, in September 2008 and attended the College of North West London. I worked on various jobs whilst an apprentice, including the London Olympic stadium, Westfield Stratford, the Emirates Air Line (London cable car) and 10 Fenchurch Street.
After completing my apprenticeship in 2012, I become an Approved Electrician and was working at Victoria Station Upgrade. From here on I worked my way up the ranks, first as an Electrical Supervisor then quickly on to Electrical Night Manager. With success and good feedback from the client, my career was then progressing well, at the age of 22.
After this, I switched my role on to days and become a Package Manager, looking after two areas of Victoria Station. Again with good success, hitting programme deliverables and commercial targets, a place became available as Construction Manager, with two years still left to complete the project. I took up the opportunity without hesitation.
I completed the main works at Victoria Station and was then offered the Construction Manager role at Bank Station Capacity Upgrade. This role was looking after mechanical, electrical, public health, fire services and telecommunications. Bank Station Capacity Upgrade (BSCU) is a project running until 2022 and involves various enabling and new install works. I took the job opportunity in April 2017, whilst still undertaking works on the existing station at Victoria Station.
I’m still currently working at BSCU, whilst studying for my HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering). Once my HNC is complete I’d like to manage my own project as a project manager for TClarke.
Jack Tibbett – Qualified Electrician – Central
I currently work with a small team, installing and modifying laboratories for the new tenants as they move in. Work is fast paced and we have to collaborate closely with the new occupants to get the job over the line.
My name is Jack Tibbett. I completed my apprenticeship in 2016. I have just completed the 18th edition update and am currently working on a world class laboratories project in Cambridge.
I have been given the chance to look after the testing on my current project and am looking forward to progressing to running jobs in the next few years. I feel I am always learning and am happy to work with other to gain as much experience as I can.
I currently work with a small team, installing and modifying laboratories for the new tenants as they move in. Work is fast paced and we have to collaborate closely with the new occupants to get the job over the line. I enjoy the challenge and feel that this is helping me to move forward as an electrician.
Two of the guys I am working with have been with TClarke for over 30 years and they are both passing on some of their knowledge and skills for me to combine with my own knowledge – to shape me into what I am hoping will be a quality worker and future manager.
My goal for now is simply to keep learning!
Matt Parker – Contracts Engineer – Central
One great advantage with a TClarke apprenticeship is the fact that you get to work on the best, most challenging and most complex jobs in the industry – it’s just a better experience all round.
My name is Matt Parker. After completing my A-Levels, I joined TClarke in 2011 as an apprentice electrician through the JTL scheme. I then worked on a number of commercial and industrial projects, which helped me gain a wide range of experience in every sector of our business. One great advantage with a TClarke apprenticeship is the fact that you get to work on the best, most challenging and most complex jobs in the industry – it’s just a better experience all roun
I was next invited into the office in 2015 to become a junior engineer. During my time in the office, I then finished off my apprenticeship and became a fully qualified electrician in 2016. During my time in the office, I learnt many new skills, such as estimating and electrical engineering which then led to later roles such as project management. I have received great support in the office to develop my skills and in 2017 was promoted to the role of Contracts Engineer. I am keen to progress my career further and I feel I can achieve this within TClarke.
In November 2017, I was invited onto the Future Leadership scheme. This has helped me and others to learn valuable skills in communication and law, with more seminars yet to come. This really shows how TClarke want to develop younger people within the business.