Name: Oliver Jennings
Age: 24
Time with the business: 2 months
Contract and location: South West Alliance contract, based in Thornbury, Bristol.
How did you find out about Morrison Utility Services Graduate Scheme?
I found the graduate scheme on a national graduate careers website.
Why did you embark on the Graduate scheme?
After initially seeing the advert, I didn’t know much about Morrison Utility Services. Upon researching their website I found that their business spanned all aspects of the Utility industry and their work portfolio was wide ranging and diverse. Whereas before the only previous knowledge I had was of their Gas division.
The company vision and values made me realise this was a company I would like to work for and I found the graduate scheme was very well structured, allowing graduates various placements within the whole company and getting an understanding of how you can develop and focus your career within the company.
In addition to the structure of the scheme, the salary and benefits are very competitive which I felt emphasises the importance Morrison Utility Services places on their graduate scheme as they are investing in the future of the company.
What is the best part about being Morrison Utility Services Graduate?
The best part about being a Morrison Utility Services Graduate is the varied work load. Within my first few weeks I experienced multiple aspects of the company. Instead of being sat at a desk, completing low priority tasks, Morrison Utility Services start you as they mean you to go on. I was instantly making contact with staff from various departments in the company, building professional relationships and making visits to site to gain an understanding of the projects Morrison Utility Services takes on.
And the worst part?
Getting to grips and understanding the industry, the processes of work, terms/abbreviations takes a while. But every week you progress and learn a lot about the business which helps.
How do you find the balance of the programme?
After only two months on the programme, I find the balance is the best part. You’re work constantly varies from site visits and project management to meetings and training courses to learning industry legislation and work processes. Since completing my development plan for next year, I can see how the balance of the programme develops and I am thoroughly looking forward to it.
What new skills has the scheme given you?
The scheme is already assisting me in my membership with an engineering professional body (ICE) and my progression towards chartership. Progression to chartership involves various skill sets which I have discussed with the support of my Line Manager. Next year I would hope I have many new skills, from direct participation in the graduate scheme.
I feel the scheme is gradually improving many skills I have previously gained through my degree and industry experience. Skills that I have developed through my short time on the scheme are skills such as time management, building professional relationships, project management and task delegation.
What are your future aspirations?
I aspire to progress to senior management/director level, although I will always try to be in a job role that interests me and one that I enjoy. In an ever changing energy/utility industry I would like to be in a position where I am involved in researching, trialling and implementing new technology within the company and also focusing on the sustainable/renewable energy.