29 November 2006 00:00 Clocking up over 1,000 working years to keep the region’s lights on – 28 Central Networks engineers rewarded for long service record
When they first started working, England had just won the World Cup and the Beatles were topping the charts.
And now, 40 years on, 28 Central Networks engineers have been recognised for their long service and dedication – working all weathers to distribute power to thousands of customers across the Midlands.
The majority of the 28 men started with the company in the mid-1960s as apprentices and have since become skilled engineers, craftsmen and project managers.
Central Networks Managing Director Bob Taylor said: “I take my hat off to these guys. Come rain and shine, high winds and ice these guys have worked through it all to keep our customers’ lights on and to ensure a reliable electricity supply for over four decades.”
When the engineers started their career they joined their local electricity board. They are now part of E.ON UK, the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company.
Bob said: “So much has changed over the years. Technology has progressed and we’re now replacing equipment that could have been installed by our engineers when they first started their career.
“We’re currently investing £1.2bn in our network to ensure that our customers continue to receive a reliable service for the next 40 years and beyond.”
The team’s efforts were recently marked at a special celebratory dinner earlier this month.
Alan Taylor, a Work Programme Manager from the company’s Stoke Delivery Centre, said: “I enjoyed the evening very much and it was nice to feel that my 40 years service was appreciated.
“I first started back in the 1960’s as an apprentice and have seen many changes since I joined. I still enjoy my job all these years on and now manage a team of Project Managers who are busy maintaining and improving the areas electricity network.
“It’s also great to see that we’re busy recruiting new people to meet our investment plans.”
Bob said: “We’re currently in the process of recruiting the next generation of our workforce. From 16-year-old apprentices to adult recruits, our new guys will learn a huge amount working alongside our experienced team of dedicated engineers, craftsmen and project managers.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
•Energy Services brings together metering services, home energy services and new connections under one business. It provides homes and businesses with metering services, connects to power and gas and fits energy efficient measures.
•Energy Services also offers major clients a one stop shop for their power and gas needs.
For further information and pictures contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 02476 183 677
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer