Meet Jazz

How and when did you join Gough & Kelly? 

I joined Gough and Kelly back in April 2019. I came across the company when I was applying for electrical apprenticeships in my local area and there was an apprenticeship vacancy for a “security engineer apprentice”. I researched what the job entailed, and it sounded interesting, so I applied for it and a few days later was offered the job.

How has your career developed?

Since joining in 2019 I have quickly developed from an apprentice security engineer to a fully qualified security installation engineer. I have now also been given the role of apprentice mentor which allows apprentices to contact me each week to update me about what they have learned through the week and what areas they need to improve in. This information is then communicated with my line manager (Mick Stewart) so the relevant training can be booked in. In my second year as an apprentice security engineer G&K provided me with a van and started sending me to some of my own jobs which greatly helped developed both my customer service skills and self-confidence as I took more of a lead role in the jobs. During my apprenticeship I shadowed lots of engineers to learn and pick up the vital skills needed to carry out the different services we provide as a company. I am now in a position where I can mentor and support the apprentices and passing on the skills I have gained over the years. This helps to ensure that G&K stick to the highest standard of installation and maintenance of security systems.

Tell us about a typical day at Gough & Kelly. 

My days can vary depending on the different jobs I am sent on whether that’s carrying out faults through the day or doing a week long install. However, recently my days are more focused as an install engineer and a typical day for me starts at the beginning of an install which consists of me planning out and being supplied with what equipment will be installed on the job, as well as who I will be with and how long I have for the job. When this is the case, I try to set goals for each day, for example if I have a 12 camera system to fit over 4 days, I will set a goal for the first day to have the site fully first fixed (fully cabled) and ready for second fixing (installing equipment) on the second day. This means I would have 3 days left, 2 days to install the cameras and 1 day for commissioning the system and making sure all paperwork is completed and signed off by the customer once they are happy with the service I have provided. This helps to ensure the job runs smoothly and within the time frame. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

One of the things I enjoy most about my job role is now being able to pass down what I have learnt as an apprentice to new apprentices in a way which helped me, in showing them how to carry out a range of jobs and the skills and techniques needed to do so.  I enjoy seeing them completing something new and putting to use what I have shown them. Passing down information like this is vital as it keeps the quality of work to the highest possible standard which overall results in a successful company.

Passion outside of work?

Outside of work I am a very sociable person who enjoys meeting up with friends and family on the weekends, I often like to visit and explore new places and countries with my girlfriend. I love football and like to regularly play, as well as watching my team Leeds United.