Inside British Gas

Smart Energy Expert Interview

1 October 2012   Posted by Helen Butterworth  Attraction and Diversity Resourcer

Meet Loran, our Smart Energy Expert:

 

How long have you been at British Gas? Since May 2010.
 

What were you doing before you joined British Gas?  I spent four years training as a plumbing and heating engineer.
 

What made you decide to join British Gas? I wanted to join British Gas as I knew they were a good company to work for, and that all my training, tools and uniform would be provided.  I thought I would be well looked after. Many members of my family have worked for the company so I had heard about the excellent benefits such as the share save schemes.

Can you remember your first day of your training? What was your initial impression? My initial impression was how great the facilities at the Thatcham academy were. There was a huge difference between studying my NVQ at my local college, where the facilities were poor, to seeing what the British Gas Academy had to offer. I was also excited about meeting all the new people! I was in one of the first groups of Smart Energy Experts to be trained through the academy, and even though we were spilt into groups we all made good friends.

What was the most memorable part of your training ?  The most memorable moment was passing my gas exams, it took a whole day just to do the written papers, and it was quite hard, but I whizzed through the practical. It was a lovely sunny day, and I remember walking back to my hotel with a huge smile on my face, thinking “thank goodness that is all over!”

What have you enjoyed most about helping or coaching others? It is really nice to be able to spend time with somebody else for a little while whilst you are working, and to have someone to chat to about the job.

Where do you see yourself in five years time? I do enjoy working as a Smart Energy Expert, but also hope to move up the ranks, so to speak. There are lots of opportunities for career progression in British Gas so I hope I can move on to be more influential in the company.

How do you spend your spare time? I like to read as much as possible ,and at the weekends I enjoy having afternoon tea with my girlfriend in nice hotels!

What unusual thing would people not necessarily know about you? I'm a bit of a martial arts freak. I'm a black belt in Karate, I enjoy boxing and I've just started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Thank you!