Year 5 pupils from Roath’s Tredegarville Primary School have had an insight into a career in the gas industry after Wales & West Utilities paid them a visit.
The session was led by Wales & West Utilities Emergency Gas Engineer Sammy Allen and she spoke first-hand about how she started her career in the industry. The event was part of Inspiring the Future Week at Tredegarville Primary, designed to both inspire and open pupil’s minds to alternatives after they leave school.
As part of the event, Sammy and Steve Brady, a fellow Emergency Gas Engineer, delivered a hands-on session, giving the children insight into the work of gas engineers, along with the many other diverse jobs available within the gas industry. They also educated pupils on the importance of gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness.
Sammy, age 31 and from Llantwit Major, explains:
“I’m really lucky to work in a hands on job I enjoy. Events like this are great – giving young children the opportunity to think about vocational careers in the future. It might be some way off yet but if I can inspire just one child to consider a more hands-on career, like I have, I’ll be happy!”
Sammy was 24 when she started a plumbing and gas apprenticeship and has been working for Wales & West Utilities since March this year. In her role she is the first to respond to reports of gas emergencies.
She added:
“The pupils were really engaged and asked a lot of questions. I believe there is no better way of learning than to hear things first-hand and I hope that this has given pupils at Tredegarville Primary something to think about in the future.”
Tredegarville Primary School Deputy Headteacher, Joanne Powell, said:
“The event was great and it was wonderful to see pupils so engaged with Sammy and Steve.
“We are working hard to encourage pupils to understand why education is important in determining their futures and this event was spot on in bringing it home for them. It was great to not only inspire them but to show the importance of succeeding in school. On behalf of everyone at Tredegarville Primary I’d like to thank Wales & West Utilities for their support.”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves Wales and the south west of England, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.