- Name: Morgan James
- Role: Graduate Engineer
Description:
I joined Wales & West Utilities (WWU) in August 2012, after graduating from Swansea University with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I decided to apply for the Graduate Scheme within WWU as I particularly enjoyed Fluid Flow modules in University and because I knew of WWU’s commitment to getting its Graduate Engineers to a Chartered status.
The first week within WWU was all about establishing the basics. I was given a three-day induction, where I was able to meet senior managers, my personal mentor and previous graduates. Following this I officially started the Graduate Scheme.
The WWU Graduate Scheme is a two-year programme made up of placements and project work.
The first year consists of placements which offer great opportunities to understand the business, see how each department interlinks and to meet key people within the organisation who can offer advice in the future. The placements are often varied, where one day you may be attending a gas leak and then the next you may be carrying out analysis on a new gas connection for a large housing development. This variety was excellent and the knowledge gained has served me well in the early stages of my career within WWU.
Following on from my placement year I am now in my second year, where I am involved with more project work and in particular the re-writing of a fundamental suite of work procedures. This year has given me the opportunity to take on more responsibility and deliver work to set timeframes.
A real ambition of mine is to become Chartered and thankfully WWU are 100% committed to helping their Graduate Engineers achieve Chartership status. During my induction I began my enrolment onto the IMechE’s MPDS system, a system which requires the submission of quarterly reports outlining my experiences and how they link to the UK-SPEC competency framework.
Overall, I am very happy that I decided to apply for the Graduate Scheme within WWU and I haven’t looked back since!
