firmus energy taps into future talent

Teachers and pupils at a County Armagh school have been given a unique insight into some of the roles that ensure the efficient operation of a natural gas network and supply business.

Staff from firmus energy’s Learning and Development team delivered their latest careers talk last Friday in the hope that it might inspire the next generation of gas network engineers.

Olga Pollock – HR Manager and Investors in People lead – along with Lisa McCarthy – firmus energy’s Transportation Services and Business Planning Manager – visited Killicomaine Junior High School in Portadown to deliver an interactive presentation to the current cohort of Year 10 pupils.

As part of the school’s Employability Careers initiative, Olga and Lisa were invited by Judith Finlayson – the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance co-ordinator – to go along and chat about firmus energy, the work it does, and how people find employment at it.    

“With the use of real life props and interesting facts and figures, this type of educational event provides the perfect platform for firmus energy to engage with young people and give an in-depth look at who and what makes an energy supplier the size of firmus energy tick,” said Olga.                                 

“As well as explaining the qualifications and skills required for certain roles, pupils also heard about the challenges workers often tend to face as well as the favourite aspect of their jobs. It was also a great opportunity to talk about the exciting developments currently taking place at firmus energy to create sustainable, and environmentally friendly, technologies,” said Lisa.

firmus energy is the latest business to engage in the school’s monthly career-focused activity which involves a half-hour presentation followed by pupils getting a chance to ask questions. Some of the tools and equipment used by engineers to build – and maintain – firmus energy’s Ten Towns Network which measures over 2,000km were also taken along for them to inspect.

Judith Finlayson said the visit from firmus energy had sparked considerable interest. “We were delighted that firmus energy representatives visited and took the time to highlight their roles, shared what qualifications they held, what employability skills were a priority for them, the challenges they have, and the favourite parts of their job,” she said. “This was of real value for the Year 10 students, and we are very grateful to firmus energy.”

If your school or college would like to receive a careers talk from a member of firmus energy’s Learning and Development staff, please get in touch by calling 0330 024 9000. Alternatively, please send an e-mail with your details to furtherinfo@firmusenergy.co.uk.