Meet Richard Wilson one of our Senior Authorised Persons within ENWCML. Richard has been working in the electricity distribution industry for over 32 years between Electricity North West and a neighbouring DNO. Richard is part of our team of highly skilled SAP’s within ENWCML who ensure that the electrical installation and maintenance work is delivered to the highest safety standards.
We asked Richard some questions about his background and a typical day in the life of a Senior Authorised Person.
Position: Senior Authorised Person (SAP)
What is your role at ENWCML?:
As a Senior Authorised Person, it is my role to deliver maintenance, construction and repair works on our customer’s networks. It is my duty to ensure that this work is executed on time and on budget to meet the demands and expectations of the customer, whilst ensuring all works are carried out safely by strictly adhering to ENWCML Codes of Practice and Distribution Safety Rules.
What is your past experience/background?
I have always worked in the Electricity Supply Industry. Starting as an apprentice cable jointer in 1988 when the industry was still Nationalised, I have progressed through several years of college work, combined with on-site training to the have reached the role of an SAP in 2001. Besides my engineering qualifications, I have also completed studies up to HND level in Business Management.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I love the fact that every day is different from the previous day. I could be on-site in the Lake District one day carrying out maintenance of a customer’s private high-voltage network, and the following day I may be in the centre of Manchester carrying out the construction and installation of new plant and apparatus. The variety of work that ENWCML carry out really does keep the mind focused.
Is there anything that the industry must deal with that you can help to fix?:
The age profile of Senior Authorised Persons within the Electricity Supply Industry seems to be increasing. ENWL are addressing this issue with their HLA (Higher Level Apprentice) Scheme and I feel that it is incumbent on my peers and I, to pass on our knowledge and skills to the new entrants within the energy sector.
Any previous work achievements which you are proud of?
I have many work achievements that I am proud of, notably developing from an apprentice cable jointer through to an SAP. In addition, I was also responsible for all of the repairs and investigations of any mal operations upon the Distribution Urban Remote Control System on a DNO’s network. However rather than being proud per se, I just get a great deal of satisfaction when an individual project/job has been completed to both the satisfaction of the customer and ENWCML.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Away from work I enjoy going for a walk with my family through the beautiful Yorkshire Countryside followed by a glass of red wine or a real ale. I am also an avid sports fan, I have a Leeds United season ticket and I also enjoy following the fortunes of my local rugby team, Featherstone Rovers. I used to enjoy running half marathons but these days my exercise is confined to the golf course.