A Newcastle native, Tom Skeet, is now ensuring the region’s electricity network runs smoothly after starting as a Metro apprentice
Newcastle: Tom Skeet, a former electrical engineer apprentice, is now a key player in keeping the lights on in the region. He started his journey with Tyne and Wear Metro and has come a long way since then.
Living in Hazlerigg, Tom works behind the scenes to ensure the electricity network communicates effectively. This helps identify any faults quickly, which is super important for keeping everything running smoothly.
At just 28, he’s been with Northern Powergrid for nearly seven years. He loves the variety his job offers, especially working on telecoms projects that help engineers stay connected.
When power outages happen, Tom’s team is crucial. They’ve set up communication tech that allows the control room to see what’s happening in the field, making it easier to restore power fast.
Tom also trains others in the region, showing them how to use the technology effectively. He believes that the work in telecoms goes beyond just phones; it’s about enabling communication across the board.
He enjoys the small team vibe, where everyone pitches in to help fix issues quickly. With a mix of experience levels, there’s always something new to learn, which keeps things interesting.
Rachel Ironmonger from Northern Powergrid praises Tom’s passion, noting how vital telecoms are for the business. She emphasizes that clear communication is key to resolving network issues and getting power back on.
Right now, Northern Powergrid is looking for new talent for their craftsperson trainee program. If you’re interested, applications are open until January 19, so check out their website!
