JAMIE WARD
Employee Insights
BSc. Physical Geography from the University of Swansea
Engineer: Instrumentation & Monitoring
“I’ve had some amazing work opportunities in my first year, including working in northern France, which has enabled me to explore and visit some amazing places on my R&R time”
What is your background?
I graduated from Swansea University with a Physical Geography degree in the summer of 2024, and I joined Central Alliance (CA) in October of that same year. I had no previous industry-based work experience; however, in my previous roles working in a kitchen, I was constantly adapting under pressure to new challenges…thinking on my feet. Here, I developed essential skills such as effective teamwork and the ability to perform well under pressure, which has significantly helped me in my role today.
What does your job role entail?
My role involves the installation and monitoring of equipment, troubleshooting technical issues when they arise, and conducting comprehensive site testing to ensure all systems are operating efficiently and meet performance standards.
You've undertaken some work overseas for Central Alliance, can you tell us a bit about this?
Yes, I’ve had some amazing work opportunities so early on in my time here with CA. I’ve spent three months working on a job in northern France, collecting seismic data and undertaking cone penetration testing (CPT). It was just myself and the CPT rig operator, so to be working independently and representing the company within my first year at CA was brilliant and a real confidence booster. It’s nice to know I was trusted to deliver this work to standard.
That sounds like a brilliant opportunity; did you see much of the local area during your time off?
Yes, I had the option of coming back to the UK or staying overseas. I spent two different weekends in Germany, attending football games and I also visited Belgium. Some weekends I explored the local area in France, which was brilliant. I think I ate my own weight in pastries during my time there!
What do you love most about working at CA?
I love the flexibility and variety of role – getting to work in various locations and getting to see some amazing places, plus I like the great team aspect. Myself and some of the other team members have spent time in the Orkney Islands and have also worked down at Land’s End. It’s great being able to finish the day and go to the local pub for dinner and an explore. Travelling for work also gives me the chance to visit university friends, who live in different parts of the country.
What have you found the most challenging or what has been the biggest learning curve in your role so far?
I would say it’s getting used to being super organised and prepared, ahead of jobs commencing. You really need to be on the ball and make sure you have what you need before driving to a job, which can be at the other side of the country. Organisation and prep are key.
How has working with CA built on your prior knowledge?
This role allows me to apply my prior geographical knowledge practically, whilst also expanding my understanding of electrical engineering.
What is the working environment like at CA?
There is a great working environment here at Central Alliance, with every colleague being open to discussions. Also as previously mentioned, the managers are very open; staff know they can go to them with any problems they may have.
How did CA help you to make the step from university to grad life?
When I started out, sufficient time was taken to train me and develop me in role, with plenty of valuable and practical experience provided out on site. Everyone was patient and explained what I needed to do and why I needed to do it. I feel I was given the space and time to learn everything gradually.
Is there any advice you would give to anyone starting out in the industry?
I would say never be afraid to stop work and speak up if you feel something doesn’t feel right or may be unsafe. This is one of our Golden Safety Rules and I definitely feel empowered to ‘stop work’ if needed.
Also, you will make mistakes, it’s almost a guarantee, but the key to this is how you deal with the feedback that you’ve not got it quite right. My advice is listen well to where you made the mistake, troubleshoot why a mistake was made, learn from it and use it to develop yourself.
