From Apprentice to Junior Power Systems Engineer – By Dillon Pursell Watterson

My journey at Enspec has been one of growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. It all began in October 2020, when I joined the company as an apprentice. My initial responsibilities were quite hands-on—spending the first six months in Washington shadowing Luke our Director of Manufacturing, and learning about the equipment we manufacture. This period was crucial for gaining practical experience and understanding the intricacies of our tools and technology.

After the initial training phase, I transitioned to working more on-site, alongside Duncan (Enspec’s Senior Field Engineer), where I focused on maintaining equipment. Over time, my role has evolved significantly. In the last 18 months, I’ve been promoted to Junior Power Systems Engineer. Now, I have a fully hybrid role, splitting my time between the consultancy department—where I assist with various power system studies—and on-site work, where I carry out harmonic and power quality surveys, as well as commissioning SynchroTeqs.

Current Role and Responsibilities

As a Junior Power Systems Engineer, I engage in a mix of consultancy work and on-site tasks, providing a balanced and dynamic experience. This balanced role allows me to constantly apply and expand both my practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Professional and Personal Development

Throughout my apprenticeship, I experienced significant professional and personal growth. On a professional level, I gained hands-on skills using a variety of tools, improved my communication abilities by dealing directly with clients, and deepened my theoretical knowledge base. Personally, my confidence skyrocketed, and I’ve developed stronger people skills, which have been crucial in my interactions both within and outside the company.

There have been challenges along the way, but overcoming them has only added to my development. These experiences have made me more resilient and prepared for future responsibilities.

Enspec’s Support in My Development

Enspec has been incredibly supportive of my growth, providing numerous training and development opportunities. They have supported my educational journey by putting me through college and are now sponsoring my degree. Whenever I expressed an interest in a course to enhance my skills, Enspec has been more than willing to accommodate, helping me grow not just as an engineer but also as an individual.

Mentorship has played a significant role in my journey. From the beginning, Luke was a fantastic mentor, helping me build a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. Dunc also contributed greatly to my site experience. More recently, Kerim and Tim have been my main mentors, always taking the time to answer my questions in detail, no matter how small they might seem. I believe the greatest resource Enspec offers is its team—a group of approachable, extremely knowledgeable engineers who are always willing to share their expertise.

Highlights

There have been many highlights during my time at Enspec, but one that stands out is the Shetland HVDC Link wind farm project. I had the opportunity to be involved in the commissioning and testing 103 turbine transformer Point-on-Wave systems on the Shetland Islands. Watching the Northern Lights one night during this project was an unforgettable experience.

Another significant milestone was the first time I went to a site alone to commission a SynchroTeq. This was a massive step in my professional development, boosting my confidence and skills. The camaraderie and learning experiences I’ve shared with colleagues and mentors during projects like the Wind Farm have been some of the most rewarding aspects of my apprenticeship.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building both my practical site skills and my theoretical knowledge. The split between these areas has been incredibly beneficial, and I aim to maintain this balance as I progress in my career. Eventually, I aspire to take on a senior role within the company and perhaps move into a managerial position.

For now, my focus is on enhancing my theoretical knowledge, which my university course will greatly support. I’m excited about the future and eager to see where this journey will take me.

Final Thoughts

My experience at Enspec has been nothing short of transformative. The support, mentorship, and opportunities provided have shaped me into the professional I am today. I’m grateful for the experiences and the people I’ve met along the way and look forward to continuing my growth within the company.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I hope it provides some insight into the incredible opportunities and growth that an apprenticeship at Enspec can offer.