How long have you been working for Kelly Group?
I have been with Kelly Group for 10 years.
What positions have you held throughout your tenure?
I started working as a Telecoms Engineer on the group’s Openreach contract. Before I joined Kelly Group, I worked for Openreach for 18 years. Due to my extensive experience with Openreach and my ambition to help fellow engineers I was promoted to Team Manager and looked after a team of 20 engineers on the Openreach Contract.
Soon after this, I joined our HR department as a National Auditor. In this role, I was working together with Openreach while responsible for auditing engineers across the country ensuring that the quality of their work and equipment was up to standard.
In 2015, I was promoted to National New to Field Support Manager. The goal was to provide support for new engineers by helping them settle into their new roles. I pioneered this position within the group and over the years, I have slowly built a national team who spend time with new engineers and report their progress back to me.
What does a typical week look like?
I start my week by confirming route planners for each member of my team. They usually meet new engineers having spent a few weeks out on the field so we can create an audit on their progression and source any equipment or tools they need to be successful in their new role.
We also take this opportunity to receive feedback on their training journey so as a group we can continuously improve our induction process.
Once my team report their findings, I can address issues and action solutions, ensuring they have the opportunity to excel within their new role. If it is needed, we are more than happy to spend an extra day with engineers that need more support.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I enjoy meeting and supporting new engineers nationwide. I love seeing the improvement in new engineers that we previously supported - who are now successfully working independently, especially if they have been promoted throughout the group.
Can you think of three words that describe your role?
- Essential
- Supportive
- Rewarding
Before working for Kelly Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?
I was a Broadband Technician for Openreach for 18 years. Due to my industry knowledge and experience, I was asked to deliver seminars for those who were training to become Broadband Technicians. I was recognised as an outstanding employee and was awarded the Openreach Golden Award because I developed a solution for Broadband Technicians that increased customer satisfaction.
If you could switch your job with anyone else for one week within the group, whose job would you want to experience?
I would love to experience the role of Jason Chandler, Kelly Group’s Operations Director. I used to attend meetings with Jason and found his approach to be inspiring. His drive to increase productivity is exceptional. I would love to understand the process behind his technique.
What advice do you have for future Kelly Group candidates?
I would encourage all new starters to pick up the phone and let us know if you need support. New to Field Engineers don’t have to take shortcuts - you have a good safety net. Take your time to learn because we want you to be successful.
What 3 words would your friends/family use to describe you?
- Trustworthy
- Caring
- Honest
What do you like the most about working within the business?
To know that I have been trusted and supported throughout my entire career within the group. I can speak to anyone and ask for support. I have got the confidence that I have the best interests at heart when I am doing my job and I am passionate about improving new engineers’ experience. I still have a lot to offer to the business.
What have you gained from working at Kelly Group?
I gained confidence, good self-esteem, and strength. I am proud to be able to fulfil such an important and unique role.
What is your proudest moment at Kelly Group?
Being promoted twice and my journey from Telecoms Engineer to National New Engineers Support Manager. This job is everything to me and having the trust of managers and directors means a lot for me.
Can you give us a fun fact that nobody knows about you?
I am a Civil Aviation Authority approved Commercial Drone Pilot. I also have a YouTube channel dedicated to this hobby and I am often hired to capture events. I am a big football fan and support Aston Villa Football Club - I regularly play football at my local community’s team.
Whom do you most admire?
I admire my stepdad, Vincent who took me and my family on and looked after us when I was 4 years of age. As a white man, he was proud to take me anywhere, even down the Villa with family and friends which was against the social norms in the early 70s. I became a football lover because of the time we spent watching matches together.
