Inside British Gas

Smart Metering Blog

15 August 2012   Posted by Julie Craib  Smart Energy Expert

What is your name and where do you work?

My name is Julie Craib and I work for British Gas within Metering Operations

What is your Job Title and what is your role at British Gas?

I am a Smart Energy Expert with British Gas. I have been with the company since January 2012 so its not that long, but I am really enjoing my role , it is very different to my previous position, which was as a Dementia Support worker. I started as a smart meter trainee and British Gas  has trained me from scratch to install gas and electric meters, but this is just one part of my job, my role also includes showing customers how to control their energy usage, reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their fuel bills, how good is that

What is most rewarding about your work with British Gas?

I love being out and about in the community and meeting all the customers. It’s great when I can also resolve a no gas situation for my customers, keeping them safe and warm. It’s also great when female customers say how happy they are to see a female engineer at the door.

Why did you choose a career with British Gas?

I heard that British Gas was a good company to work for, with plenty of opportunities to grow within the business so I applied on line at www.britishgasjobs.co.uk for the role of Trainee Smart Energy Expert. I completed the application process and was delighted I was succesfull in gaining a position with British Gas. My first day was a bit daunting as I remember walking in to a classroom with 13 other people, all men, and thinking ‘oh god!’. But I was soon put at rest, they were all just as nervous as I was. You’re looked after so well by everyone. The trainers, trainees and colleagues.

Where do you see yourself in 5 Years Time?

Definitely having progressed. To what, I’m not sure, a coach perhaps to help others develop and to help new apprentices learn the skills they need to deliver an excellent service to our customers There are so many avenues to explore within british gas, its great.

What training have you received?

I have been trained to fit gas and electric smart meters, our smart metering apprentice role means you are trained to an NVQ level 2 Diploma in smart metering. As stated previously I would like to develop to the role of a coach or mentor, to help new apprentices learn the skills they need to deliver an excellent service to our customers

What advice would you give to someone entering the industry?

Well  I’m a pretty typical 20 something. I love socialising with friends, living in Brighton is great; the beach, the bars, the clubs. I play the guitar (not very well) and sing (not very well). I love hair extensions, fake tan and shopping so I  suppose I am not a steriotypical  vision of a metering engineer but I love my job and think everyone should give it a go.