National Trainers
Kelly Group is delighted to introduce you to a selection of our National Trainers Tony Lewis, Richard Atkin, and Chris Koven. With over 50+ training programs covered, our bespoke approach to training by our highly qualified in-house training team ensures each engineer has the skills and knowledge to maintain our reputation in delivering a first-class service for our partners and their customers.
Tony Lewis – National Trainer
My Journey so Far...
“I started working for Kelly Group as an engineer on the Cable & Wireless contract back in 1998. Having spent a number of years working for another company I wanted to find a new challenge to further my career and immediately thought of coming back to work for Kelly Group. I re-joined the Group in 2017 and within 15 months I was offered the National Trainer position which I was delighted to accept.
I’m proud to be a multi-skilled trainer and can deliver most courses available across the group nationwide.
The biggest achievement throughout my career so far is completing the ILM (Institution of Leadership and Management) Level 3 course which, taught me how to coach colleagues about approaching customers in different situations and scenarios.
The most challenging part of being a national trainer is training engineers how to climb poles. Delivering this specific class requires careful planning and full attention on the day to ensure all engineers have clear instructions and learn the safest way possible.
Every day is different. I enjoy the challenge of adapting to different learning styles whenever I get to train a new class. Climbing poles is one of the most challenging parts of engineers’ training and the most rewarding class I get to deliver. It is my responsibility to build up their confidence from the first time they get to experience climbing. The best aspect of this job is the opportunity to meet wonderful new people each week.
I admire Kelly Group because you don’t need any experience or knowledge if you want to join as an engineer. We have several Training Centres nationwide and regardless of how much knowledge you have within the telecoms industry, you will have to complete a comprehensive training course where our team of National Trainers will teach you everything you need to become a successful engineer for Kelly Group.
I would urge people to join Kelly Group because it is a fantastic business to work for. It’s a family-oriented company with brilliant colleagues. The group looks after the workforce, and you can always turn to your managers for support.”
Richard Atkin – National Trainer
My Journey so Far...
“I’ve been part of the national trainer team for about 2 years now. With over 30 years of experience in training engineers, and I am delighted to be a cross-functional member of our team who can teach a variety of modules. Some of these modules include the induction course, pole climbing, street works and fibre training.
Both the biggest challenge and achievement of my career was completing my assessor accreditation. I enjoy working for Kelly Group as there’s always an opportunity to improve our skills and knowledge as trainers, enabling us to teach modules on the latest techniques and technology within the industry.
I spent my first seven months as a national trainer shadowing other trainers within the Nuneaton training centre. They all had different teaching techniques that caught my attention. I observed their methods and adopted a teaching style I believe is the most effective for my delivery within a classroom setting.
The basic skills remain the same within this trade however there are always new innovative techniques to learn.”
Chris Koven– National Trainer
My Journey so Far...
“I joined Kelly Group in January 2019 as an engineer. I was always passionate about learning new skills as an engineer, helping to improve the quality of my work. My ambition to do well was recognised by the management team and I was rewarded by being promoted into a team leader position.
I joined the national training team earlier this year and I am proud to be a part of a team that is passionate about educating the future generation of engineers and supporting their development to succeed within their new roles. It is the best job I have ever had in my life and the best team I could wish to work with.
I am currently responsible for delivering modules about the basic principles of pole climbing and internal wiring networks.
The telecommunications industry is going through a massive change as it is currently transforming from the traditional copper network to the use of fibre optics transmitting information. It is a huge opportunity to become a telecoms engineer because now you can specialise in both fibre and copper networks.
The industry might stop training engineers on copper networks in 10 years once fibre networks become widely available across the country. Those people who join now will have at least 10 years of experience in working with both copper and fibre networks which is knowledge and experience that might be more difficult to learn for the future generation of engineers.“
Top 5 Tips for Trainee Engineers by Kelly Group’s National Trainers
Give it a go.
Let the trainers help you during your training because we want you to be successful. Kelly Group is extremely diverse, there are endless opportunities.
Safety starts as soon as you walk out through your door.
Make sure you follow procedures that were created to ensure your safety. If you are unsure about anything, just ask someone.
Be aware!
Of your environment and what your impact is on other people.
You need to give it some time.
Speed comes with time and experience. If you just rush through the job, you will make mistakes.
Before climbing a pole, make sure your working bell is attached to the harness.
Listen to the sound of metal on metal.
Kelly Group has multiple career opportunities throughout the UK. We are always searching for talented individuals to represent our brand.
For more information, please call the Kelly Recruitment team on 02084247447.
Alternatively, you can view current vacancies by visiting our careers page.
