You’ve probably heard about the accelerating changes in the UK energy industry, and no doubt experienced some of the workplace changes forced by the pandemic. Energy generation and distribution is rapidly changing across the country, impacted by the events of the past two years, and also the need to look to a future decarbonised energy system. But what does these mean for consulting engineering organisations, like those in Fichtner’s UK electrical team?
The rapid changes in the energy industry clearly means a wider range of clients and projects as new technologies enter the mix. A growing team is one obvious result, but less obvious is the effect on the team. The newest team members at Fichtner come from a surprising range of industries, and not just traditional consulting backgrounds. Some of our new recruits have formerly worked for equipment suppliers, oil majors, contractors, utilities, and industry, bringing with them different approaches and skill sets.
The flexible methods of working enforced by the pandemic have ‘stuck’ as well, with location no longer being a restriction on recruiting within our teams, but also the industry. More dynamic ways of working and personal alignment with net zero goals have seen a rapid increase in those willing to relocate, with the renewables sector highlighted as a competitive area of relocation, as 44% of those sampled in the Global Energy Talent Index would consider a move to the sector.
“One of the reasons I enjoy working at Fichtner is the mix of people around me. I don’t have to know everything. However, I can easily access expertise for just about any electrical energy problem.
Fichtner’s team has experience across multiple sectors, from solar farms to Energy from Waste, from offshore wind to battery energy storage systems. But the individuals within the team bring their own unique skills. For example, I have colleagues who have deep knowledge of high voltage switchgear from their experience as a vendor, power systems and protection experience from network operators, maintenance reliability experience from manufacturing, or large machine reliability experience from industry.
My colleagues’ experience has been gained around the world across multiple sectors, and their enthusiasm and willingness to share their knowledge helps my own development and growth as an engineer. The accelerating changes in the industry means the team is growing rapidly, and I am enjoying being part of that growth. It’s a ring-side view of the UK’s energy transition!”
– Ed Harriss, Lead Consultant –
Communication processes adopted throughout the past couple of years have also made for innovative improvements to collaborative working across teams and projects, so much so, that they remain a permanent fixture in our day to day. Using instant messaging and bulletin board applications efficiently is now an essential skill. Fichtner engineers have become adept at tapping into each other’s expertise and rapidly sharing knowledge and experience across different locations for the benefit of their clients.
As the Fichtner team grows alongside the industry, we are continuing to look for imaginative and flexible engineers to join the electrical team. Fichtner currently has vacancies in the Stockport, Glasgow, and Dublin offices. Perhaps the pandemic or the energy transition has prompted you to think about changing industries. Perhaps you now want new challenges, or an opportunity to develop your skills. If this sounds like you, then see our careers page for current vacancies, and become part of the ‘Great Re-shuffle’!
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Looking to explore our latest vacancies? Find them here. If you would like to apply for one our live roles, or are interested to find out more about why you should join us, get in touch at recruitment@fichtner.co.uk
