From repairing equipment to being responsible for operating the Island’s electricity supply, it's safe to say no two days are ever the same for our operations engineer Joel Bramer.
How long have you worked for Guernsey Electricity?
6 years
What would you say to someone who’s interested in applying for a job here?
Guernsey Electricity plays a critical role in helping the Island meet its climate change goals and decarbonise. It’s an exciting time and brings great opportunities. Whilst this journey presents challenges, we know it’s important to have colleagues with drive and determination from different backgrounds that bring different skillsets.
How did you find yourself here? What has been your career path so far?
I studied for a degree in mechanical engineering then worked at a local electronics manufacturer for a few years. I applied for the job of Trainee Operations Engineer at Guernsey Electricity which saw me training whilst working for two years. I was then promoted to the position of Operations Engineer in the Generation Operations Team at the Vale Power Station and Control Room.
What are you responsible for?
I am responsible for ensuring that the equipment used to generate electricity from the power station remains safe and operational, this includes everything from fuel storage tanks to engine exhausts and all the systems in-between.
My role also requires me to stand in as a Generation Engineer from time to time, where I am responsible for the operation of the whole power station and Island’s electricity supply.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It’s safe to say that there is no typical day for an Operations Engineer. The work is continually changing due to factors like time of year, equipment maintenance schedules or new operating requirements.
My day can include assessing and repairing equipment, analysing data, organising works with specialist contractors on site, accepting deliveries, determining specifications for and then purchasing new equipment or even being in charge of the whole power station’s operation.
The power station provides the island’s back up and top power supply so my day also covers almost anything else that might need investigating to keep equipment in good working order, including regularly monitoring and management of fuel stocks and checks on plant and equipment to ensure the power station is always ready to step in.
Do/did you need any qualifications?
I did need an engineering qualification, which in my case was a degree in mechanical engineering.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Guernsey Electricity?
I work with a fantastic team of people from many disciplines and skillsets and together we keep the lights on for Guernsey.
What excites you the most about the work?
There is a saying that “every day is a school day” and that is very true of working at Guernsey Electricity. I am always learning new things and expanding my knowledge. Not knowing what you will learn next excites me most about my job.
What are some other good parts of working for Guernsey Electricity? Are there good benefits?
Guernsey Electricity has flexible working across the company. For me, this gives me the option to choose my working hours in a way that suits me to get a good work life balance.
Find out more about our benefits
A career in the Sustainable Energy Transition
At Guernsey Electricity, our mission is to welcome everyone to create a fully inclusive workforce supporting the transition to a more sustainable future, right here in Guernsey.
Here we recruit for various roles including:
- electricians working both in the power station and in islander’s homes
- new connections technicians maintaining the effectiveness of the electricity network
- management accountants working behind the scenes of the transition
Our diverse workforce spans many job sectors, working together to bring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to all islanders.
Would you like to be a part of a group of people in Guernsey supporting the transition to renewable energy and a more sustainable future?
