How did you first learn about firmus energy?

I have been working within the natural gas industry in Northern Ireland for the last 8 years, so I have always been well aware of firmus energy and its expansion within the 10 towns

What is your role at firmus energy?

I am a Network Engineer working within the Construction team in the Engineering Department.  I essentially design, then oversee the construction of the firmus gas network in the towns of Derry, Limavady, Coleraine, Portstewart, Bushmills and Ballymoney

How long have you been with firmus energy?

I started working in firmus April 2014, so just over 2 years

What qualifications do you hold?

I hold a BSc Hons degree in Architectural Technology and Management and an MSc degree in Infrastructure Technology

Before working at firmus energy, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Not sure if this is interesting or unusual but during summer breaks when I was at school I used to help deliver potatoes to chip shops.  It was very tough manual work, but the upside to this job was a lot of free fish and chips…everyday…6 days a week

How has firmus energy helped you in your career development?

Firmus has helped develop my career by exposing me to various specialist engineering difficulties, faced while extending our network to different areas. Also, the various training and development courses which firmus have assisted me in ensure I keep up to date with the ever-changing industry standards

If you could switch your job with anyone else within firmus energy, whose job would you want?

Although I thoroughly enjoy being an engineer, if I could switch roles it would be with someone from our marketing department. Having to attend numerous black tie events and award ceremonies seems like a role within firmus I could manage

What advice do you have for prospective firmus energy candidates?

The best advice I could give would be to demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm. firmus energy is a relatively new business with a young workforce, and it is continuously evolving. New opportunities and new roles frequently arise within the business

What do you find the most challenging at firmus energy?

As an engineer within firmus, I participate in the 24-hour emergency response acting as supervisor for any public reported gas escapes. The challenging part of this is not consuming any well-earned alcoholic beverages at the weekend while on call.

What do you like most about firmus energy?

This may sound like a cliché, but the best thing about firmus energy is the people who work there.  It’s a very friendly office environment and everyone is very approachable.  This makes my role as an engineer a lot easier because of the interaction between the different departments.

What has been your favourite project at firmus energy?

I recently designed and over seen the installation of a natural gas connection to a new low carbon cement business called Bannah UK, located outside Coleraine.  I found this project particularly interesting as the business is a revolutionary new cement product and the processing of the product fascinated me.  They also have the potential to be one of the biggest gas consumers within the firmus gas network

What have you gained from working at firmus energy?

Working in firmus has given me a lot of confidence and self-assurance when dealing with any sub-contractors, company stake holders or any members of the public

What is the favourite part about working for firmus energy?

As an Engineer, I spend a lot of my time out on site.  This usually involves liaising with our sub-contractors McNicholas Construction, along with the supervision of any live gas operations within my towns.  Although 10 out of the 12 months of the year its usually cold and wet so this isn’t as desirable as it sounds

What is your proudest moment at firmus energy?

I have been various engineering challenges that have been completed inside deadlines and within budget, but my proudest moment to date has to be receiving the best (fancy) dressed male award at the charity 5K run last year. I wore a Super Mario suit that was too small for me….

How do you balance your career at firmus energy and family?

I feel it is important to have an overall work/life balance.  Having a young family means I need to maximise my time within my working hours and try to be efficient as possible.  I also like to keep active in my spare time which helps act as a “release” from my day to day responsibilities