The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Simon’s job switch was smart move
Simon Jackson joined Scottish Gas three years ago, after working as a sports coach for 20 years. “It’s funny,” he says, “I’ve done a complete 360 – starting out as a coach in one field and ending up coaching in another!”
Simon, 39, is a smart energy coach at Scottish Gas. He manages a team of 20 smart energy experts who work in homes across Dundee, replacing traditional energy meters with smart meters.
Since joining Scottish Gas, Simon has quickly worked his way up the career ladder. He began as an apprentice, then qualified as a smart energy expert before becoming a smart energy coach.
“As an apprentice, I shadowed an experienced smart energy expert and took my learnings from him – it really is the best way to pick up new skills quickly. Thanks to the great support I was given, I was nominated for apprentice of the year in my first 12 months and that really gave me a confidence boost.”
Simon’s role now involves mentoring and advising smart energy experts across Dundee, providing them with technical support.
“I don’t come from an engineering background,” Simon explains, “but I’ve certainly got an in-depth knowledge now.
“I’m on the phone a lot, giving advice, as well as just answering quick queries. Sometimes I’m called out to a customer’s home, if a smart energy expert is on a more complicated job, to help first hand.
“Working as a coach comes naturally to me,” he explains. “I love the social aspect of it. Being on jobs together and in frequent contact means that we get to know each other really well – working as such a tight-knit unit is probably my favourite part of the job.
”Smart meters are being rolled out to homes and businesses as part of a UK Government initiative to upgrade the nation’s ageing energy systems. These new gas and electricity meters come with a smart energy monitor that shows how much energy is being used, in pounds and pence, in near-real time.
“They help customers understand, and actually see, how much their energy use is costing them. They also send meter readings straight to your energy supplier, so you don’t have to. Plus, that means no more estimated bills – customers really like that.”
Through his work, Simon meets a range of Scottish Gas customers around Dundee. “Some will let you in and leave you to it – others like to talk and ask about energy-saving tips, which I always provide. I find that when people are more aware of their energy use, they have a better idea of how to look after their pockets – and the environment. Some people become more inclined to hang their washing out, rather than automatically turning on the tumble drier. Little changes make a big difference!”
Visit www.scottishgas.co.uk/smart for further information on having smart meters installed by Scottish Gas.