As part of our commitment to providing opportunities for the next generation, we were pleased to welcome Kieron Leneghan for a three-day work experience placement at eSmart Networks.
Kieron, a school student, spent time with a number of teams across the business, getting hands-on experience with different aspects of our work. From planning to design, he gained insight into how we deliver power and grid connection projects across the UK.
During his time here, Kieron particularly enjoyed working with our Design team. He assisted the team with a site plan in AutoCAD and helped build a project walk-through, picking up new skills along the way.
I’ve really enjoyed it. It gave me a good understanding of how the company works and some good experience,” he said.
“I learned a lot of new commands and tools in AutoCAD and found it really interesting to see how many different parts come together on a project
These placements are part of our broader ESG commitments and reflect our focus on supporting early career development across the sector.
Kieron’s time with us reinforced his interest in the industry, and we are proud to have played a part in shaping that.
These few days have confirmed that this is something I want to do in the future,” he said. “I’d definitely recommend doing work experience at eSmart to others.
Discover our current career opportunities here.
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Happy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek! At eSmart Networks, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators through our apprenticeship scheme. This scheme provides hands-on experience through tailored training and mentorship to develop the skills required for a successful career. Our apprentices are exposed to various activities, ensuring they receive a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
Maks joined eSmart Networks in September 2023 as part of our apprentice intake. Let’s get to know Maks better…
Starting my Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship at eSmart networks has been a dynamic journey. I’ve seamlessly joined the team, enjoyed the supportive environment and collaborative culture as well as being guided by a mentor, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The company’s commitment to professional development ensures that I stay current with industry trends, and I am excited about contributing to meaningful projects and my continued growth throughout my apprenticeship.
I’ve already absorbed a wealth of knowledge. From practical applications of quantity surveying to navigating real-world challenges, every project has been a learning opportunity. The mentorship program has provided valuable insights, enhancing my understanding of the field. I’ve been lucky enough to already gain a well-rounded skill set and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of quantity surveying, all which is contributing to my continuous growth in the role.
The most enjoyable aspect of my apprenticeship has been the hands-on involvement in projects. Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios has not only deepened my understanding of quantity surveying but also fuelled my passion for the field. Contributing to the team’s success and witnessing the tangible impact of our work has been incredibly fulfilling.
I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship scheme to others. The hands-on experience, along with a supportive team and mentorship program, creates a dynamic learning environment. This apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The focus on professional development ensures continuous growth, and the collaborative culture fosters a sense of teamwork.
Marcel Okoro, Senior Quantity Surveyor – Maks’ line manager said:
Maks has proven to be an exceptional addition to the team, showcasing a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a quick grasp of complex concepts within the commercial team. His dedication to learning and proactive approach to tasks combined with his soft skills have significantly contributed to the team’s efficiency and positive working relationships.
Maks has also shown commitment to his professional development, coupled with his willingness to take on additional responsibilities, has made him a key contributor. Overall, Maks’s contributions to the team has not gone unnoticed and we are pleased to have him onboard.
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Last week, Senior Civil Design Engineer, Orla Bell, recently participated in an Interview Skills Day at Antrim Grammar School NI. The event provided Year 14 students with invaluable experience in honing their interview techniques, gaining confidence, and understanding the key skills and behaviours needed to excel in their future careers.
Orla shared her experience, saying:
“I had the pleasure of interviewing some incredibly talented young people from AGS during their mock interviews. I met four students: two aspiring electrical engineers, one future mechanical engineer, and one meticulous future accountant. They all showcased the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique brilliantly, though I did have to give a gentle nudge to ensure they didn’t forget the all-important ‘R’—a common oversight in interviews.
I also emphasised the importance of researching the company they’re interviewing with and always having a question ready for the end of their interview. The students seemed to enjoy the experience and left with smiles on their faces—perhaps because the mock interview was finally over. Overall, it was a rewarding day helping these young people move from school to further education, work, or a mix of both.”
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This is big…it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.
Links to useful reference materials:
6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download
NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform
Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q
Listen to the podcast here:
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Over 750 young people, with a passion for innovation, took part in Catalyst’s free work experience programme, Generation Innovation, the highest number of participants since the programme was established in 2018.
Running across three locations in Northern Ireland, the programme for 17-18-year-olds empowers, enables and upskills young people for the workplace of tomorrow and giving them a real-world working experience by pairing them with 41 of Northern Ireland’s most exciting businesses such as headline partners EY, Bank of Ireland and AVEVA.
Throughout the four- or five-day programmes in Derry~Londonderry, Belfast and Dungannon, participants worked together to solve a real-life company challenge, develop a solution and pitch the final idea to the company and their peers, allowing for constructive feedback and potential future employment introductions.
eSmart Networks worked with a brilliant team of young people who were presented with a challenge statement on the lack of EV hubs within Northern Ireland and shared their findings with the eSmart Networks team at the end of the week. Our team made it through to the final five and pitched to 500 young people in the GI marquee, ultimately winning the competition!
It’s fantastic to see an interest in electrical engineering ⚡
During Volunteers’ Week, and for the past two days our teams have been volunteering at Ferriers Barn, a local day centre for adults with disabilities.
Our teams were tasked with maintaining their lovely gardens which had become overgrown. They planted new flowers, jet-washed the paths, watered the grounds, and removed nettles and overgrown plants. 👨🌾🌳
They also met some of the residents who visited the day centre. Thank you to Ferriers Barn for having us again; we hope to return soon.
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Brian Moorhead & David McDonald talk you through the major changes that are just around the corner for grid connections in the UK.
For anyone with export capacity connections in the queue (connection offer accepted): we strongly recommend starting to do your homework for the recent Distribution and Transmission Networks Operators joint call to action.
All projects are required to provide information on planning status and land rights for all export capacity grid connections (some DNOs have specified >1MW only, we recommend you clarify this if <1MW). Responding on time with the right information could be the difference between having 15 years added to your connection date, or having it accelerated. Export capacity for all accepted offers in the current queue is at risk.
➡️ Listen Now:
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Just 1 month to go until UKREiiF Leeds 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce that our eSmart Networks Business Development team will be attending!
Dates: 21 – 23 May 2024
Location: Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
Reach out to the team and book a meeting today!
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2023 Grid Connections Reform Review: 2023 could have been one of the busiest years in living memory for reforms around how all types of new development connect to the Grid. In Part 1, Grid Consultancy Director Brian Moorhead and Technical Director David McDonald look back at the key changes announced throughout 2023, along with some highlights on what to look out for in 2024. Brian & David will be back in Part 2 to delve into some of the key items in more detail along with some expert analysis of what it means for new projects in 2024.
Spotify: https://ow.ly/3xyc50Qs06m
Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/6PZr50Qs06A
Google Podcast: https://ow.ly/hF8i50Qs06C
Web Player: https://ow.ly/Kv8550Qs06l
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eSmart Networks recently welcomed three new electrical engineering graduates into our Technical Hub, in Belfast. Damian McCabe, Eoin McGeehin and Jordan McCloy spent their first week learning about all aspects of eSmart Networks, from workshops on civil design to commercial & project management.
David McDonald, Technical Director, eSmart Networks said:
“We are delighted to welcome our first intake to our structured graduate development programme. I benefited from a similar scheme as an Electrical Engineer many years ago! It’s a great opportunity to learn from experienced individuals across eSmart Networks. And most importantly, a brilliant time to be joining the industry, as we look to secure our customers’ power needs and deliver their electrification plans with certainty”
They will find a wealth of opportunities to expand their skill set, enhance their knowledge, and refine their expertise. From on-the-job training to mentorship programs, we’re dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.
The trio have been thrown straight into action having started on electrical design work for a 132kV BESS connection, and they are already learning the ropes on 11kV power system modelling.
We look forward to following their progress throughout the programme.
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