Smart Energy Expert Review

I will be installing Smart Meters in both residential and commercial properties as a Smart Energy Expert. I will be meeting customers on a daily basis as part of the Government roll out of Smart Meters in the UK by 2020. I am responsible for fitting meters to the required standards to keep both myself and the customer safe, and also giving out energy saving advice to help reduce our customers bills.

Before I started the training I had no practical skills or qualifications that were relevant to this position. I am now MOCOPA qualified and Gas Safe registered. This means I am qualified to install both gas and electric meters in domestic and commercial properties throughout the UK. I have also gained recognised qualifications in English and Maths.

I have very much enjoyed learning with British Gas. I trained at the Leicester academy. The facilities are excellent and the trainers are very knowledgeable. They will go the extra mile to help you learn. One of the trainers gave us his contact details and said if we had a question we could contact him at any time and he would help us.

So far I feel very valued. As I've said, the training has been excellent. I have spoken to my manager too who has welcomed me as part of the team. I feel that the bonus scheme British Gas has in place is very good and will reward people well for putting in the hard work. I have also been in team meetings where various team members have been recognised and congratulated for their work and efforts.

My training was very well organised. The induction was a bit chaotic, with tools being given out left, right and centre. But it was as organised as it could be. I have been staying in hotels booked by British Gas for the duration of my training, and they have all been excellent. Training materials are excellent and the facilities at the Leicester academy are very good.

I feel that the support I received from British Gas has been second to none. All of the trainers genuinely care about your progression and will help in any way they can to get you through the course. As I mentioned earlier, one said he was available 24/7 should we have any questions or queries relating to the exams we were preparing to take.

Having not spent too much time as an employee of British Gas I can't really comment too much on this question. Whilst training I spent time out on work experience in my local area with a trained mentor. Whilst on work experience I received a great deal of support, and this will no doubt contribute to my further development.

The training was free, and all accommodation was paid for by British Gas, as well as transport costs for getting to the Academy before we had company vans. Our salary goes up as the course progresses and we become more valuable to the company. My only worry is that if we leave within three years of qualifying we are tied to pay for some of our training.

British Gas recognises charity work. If I was to ask for time off to participate in a charity event, I would still be paid for this. They have a really good employee benefit program, where you can get discounts on everything from clothes to cars. I have already been on a few nights out with my new team.

Yes

As I have mentioned already, the training has been excellent. It seems that British Gas commands a lot of respect, and their training is recognised as some of the best in the country. There seems to be a lot of progression to be made within the company too. I feel that if this is could be more of a career than just a 9 to 5 job.

Don't worry about the assessment days. I read some real horror stories online, but they are nothing to worry about. The group discussion was something I wasn't really looking forward to, but as long as you speak up and are confident in what you're saying, you'll be fine. Also, the practical part is very easy. As long as you know how to use a screwdriver, you'll be fine!