Engineers get helping hand from Lancashire smart meters firm

A group of engineers, whose training came to an abrupt stop, were given fresh hope after Fleetwood-based BES Utilities provided them with the perfect opportunity.
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After giving up their jobs and spending thousands of pounds on a course through ECTA, a UK leader in trade skills courses, Pete Sowerby, Alvin Santos, Vilmos Schwarcz, and Tony Clarke, were about to embark on the final stages of their smart metering qualification, when their offers of employment with another metering business were withdrawn.

Fleetwood-based BES Utilities heard the news through their partners at ECTA, they offered the engineers placement opportunities where they will go on the road and shadow BES engineers for four weeks, before completing the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) and qualifying.

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Now and as soon as they qualify, they will have a guaranteed job with the company as dual fuel meter engineers.

Left to right, Alvin Santos, Tony Clarke, Vilmos Schwarcz and Pete Sowerby with their new vans at BES UtilitiesLeft to right, Alvin Santos, Tony Clarke, Vilmos Schwarcz and Pete Sowerby with their new vans at BES Utilities
Left to right, Alvin Santos, Tony Clarke, Vilmos Schwarcz and Pete Sowerby with their new vans at BES Utilities

Pete, 56, said:.“I couldn’t believe it when I was informed my placement had fallen through. I was so worried because I had given up my job in telecoms, so I feared for my future.

“When I found out about the opportunity with BES, I was over the moon and couldn’t wait to sign the contract. It was so nice to feel wanted by a company that is doing really well and has lots of prospects.”

Vilmos, 47, had been working as a building site manager before he decided he wanted to try something new.

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“My first impressions of BES are really positive,” he said. “Everyone seems so down to earth and approachable, and I’m really excited to work for a growing company who are looking to the future at things like electric car charging units.”

Ben Rouncefield-Swales, Operations Director at BES, said: “When ECTA contacted us to let us know they had four engineers who had been let down by

another company, we immediately decided that they could complete their mentoring period with us at BES, which would allow them to qualify and gain employment with us.

“We really felt for these guys, who had given up their jobs and invested thousands to allow them entry onto their desired career paths.

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"They’re going to be an integral part of our engineering team, and we hope they will enjoy working with us here at BES.”

BES Metering Services is a North West based metering and asset management company that is committed to delivering smart metering solutions to domestic customers, small businesses and energy suppliers nationwide.