From Physical Training Instructor to Heating Engineer Improver: Michael's story

What was your role in the military and what made you decide to become a gas engineer?

I served for 10 years in the Parachute Regiment. The 10 years were varied with operations, overseas training exercises, postings as an instructor at our recruit training centre and being the lead Physical Training Instructor (PTI) in my Battalion. It was important to me that I transitioned into a career and profession that would enable me to provide a good standard of living for my family. I knew that people’s heating and hot water was important to them so becoming a gas engineer was a sensible move to provide for my family. Plumbing has appealed to me most my life and I actually completed a year at college, studying plumbing, before joining the Army. 

How were your first few days/weeks as a gas engineer and at Aaron Services? 

The team I worked with were very welcoming and understanding of my ability right from the start. The management were always approachable about anything I was struggling with and my workload represented my experience. One of the engineers was responsible of taking me round on jobs the first few days to show me how the team operates. He was brilliant at training me and showing me the ropes. When I went on my own after a few days, I was started off only on servicing and then the odd breakdown here and there to build my experience and confidence. 

What does your job involve on a daily basis? 

A list of jobs comes through each morning with a bit of flexibility for me to plan my day. I’ll prioritise jobs as influenced from management and also if jobs are near each other etc. The team keep in touch with each other throughout the day to see if anyone needs a hand or if any emergency jobs come in at short notice. It’s my responsibility to ensure my van stock is up to scratch so we can deliver an efficient service. Generally you can get into a routine day to day but no two days are same.  

What transferable skills did your military role help you bring to Aaron Services?

The skill that has stood out the most in my opinion is the ability to see a job through and not give up on it. I’ve been totally stuck on jobs a few times but the mentality of finding a way to become victorious or successful has massively shown itself on all of these occasions. There is so much to learn in this profession, and having that winning mentality that the military breeds into its personnel is valuable for any engineer.  

What have been the best things about being a gas engineer and working for Aaron Services? 

There is so much to learn in this profession that you’ll never be bored.  Always something else to get your teeth stuck into and develop your skillset and experience. Massive sense of achievement and job satisfaction when you can ensure someone gets their heating and/or hot water back on, especially elderly or vulnerable customers. I would say the best thing about working at Aaron Services is the team of engineers I have worked with. All very welcoming and a real sense of togetherness, which has proven itself time and time again. 

What would you say to anyone leaving a military career and thinking of becoming a gas engineer and joining Aaron Services? 

Absolutely go for it. I owe a lot to Aaron Services.