Meet the Team: Lewis Payne

Energy Management has a proud track record in giving young people real work opportunities through its apprenticeship scheme, and Lewis Payne is a shining example of that.

Here, just shy of his second anniversary with Energy Management, Lewis talks about his transition from business admin apprentice to trainee engineer and how working for the company has been massive for his personal development.

1. How long have you been at Energy Management?
I joined Energy Management LLP on the 30th October 2017 as an apprentice in Business Administration through Wiltshire College. Alongside my college work, I started life as a member of the Water Department before becoming a permanent member of the Engineering team (engineering support).

2. Tell us about your Business Administration apprenticeship – what made you take this step?
After completing my A-Levels I wanted to try and find my feet early in an industry which had room to grow and provided endless opportunities to learn. Having never worked in an office before, the apprenticeship scheme set out by Wiltshire College helped me to settle in quickly. It pushed me to carry out tasks involving interaction with customers, suppliers and my colleagues. The team of vastly experienced specialist professionals at Energy Management LLP helped me to pick up an understanding of the industry quickly and recognise my passion for engineering work. The consistent support throughout from the team made the apprenticeship fly by and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

3. What interests you about engineering?
Being part of the engineering team at Energy Management LLP means I get to contribute to a wide range of interesting and complicated projects daily. For example, we are becoming increasingly involved in the installation of EV chargers, a topic that interests me greatly and I’m passionate about being involved in moving forward. I have enjoyed being able to get out of the office and undertake hands-on work, on-site with our ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) Lead Assessor, to assist with a variety of different site surveys. I have also gained an understanding of the surveying process for lighting reviews, DECs and EPCs.

4. Was the energy sector something you have always been interested in? 
After finally coming to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo/Rory McIlroy, I never expected to be working in the energy industry and to be thoroughly enjoying myself so much at the same time. During my time at school, I found Geography enjoyable and always found myself reading up on the latest renewable energy technologies.

5. What skills have you gained throughout your time at Energy Management so far?
During my time at Energy Management, I have gained a wide range of analytical skills. My job involves a vast amount of data gathering and data interrogation, in order to highlight errors that can save customers large amounts of money. Both my written and verbal communication skills have also improved throughout. This has come from constant interaction with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
Time management is a crucial part of my role and this has improved since the beginning of my apprenticeship. I am managing my own time effectively and able to work to deadlines.

6. What did your Energy Institute level 1 award comprise of?
I thoroughly enjoyed completing my Level 1 Certificate in Energy Management Essentials. In order to complete the course, I had to take an exam and complete an energy audit portfolio which I took great joy in putting together. My portfolio comprised of an energy audit of the office, including air conditioning, detail of carbon reduction opportunities and looking at the current light fittings.
The course covered a variety of topics, my favourites were: energy auditing in practice, energy auditing: report writing and energy management solutions, because they were the most applicable to my job here at Energy Management Ltd.

7. When’s your next certificate?
I am currently working towards achieving my ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment) Level 3 Diploma in Air Conditioning Energy Assessment. After this I am hoping to complete the second stage of my training with the Energy Institute (Level 2 Energy Management Professional). Followed by my level 3 (Advanced Energy Manager); after completing all three I will be eligible to apply to become a chartered Energy Manager.

8. What other training have you taken part in?
I have also undertaken training in ABBE Level 2 Award in Awareness of Legionella, ABBE Level 3 Diploma in Air Conditioning, Energy Assessment and Emergency First Aid at Work. I enjoyed the level 3 award the most as it was a new challenge and I gained further knowledge and skills.

9. What is your favourite part of the job?
Writing our monthly market intelligence report on all the latest geopolitical issues that affect the Power, Gas and Oil markets is my favourite task, as well as being able to share this with our customers.

10. Fun fact …
I jumped out of a plane when I was 18 years old in Salisbury from 10,000 feet, luckily there was a parachute attached to my back!

Thanks, Lewis!