Celebrating the Success of Our Graduates

Last time we caught up with Damian McCabe, Eoin McGeehin and Jordan McCloy, they were part way through the second year of their Graduate Scheme. Now, having successfully stepped into permanent roles across the business, we’re taking a fresh look at their progress and how eSmart Networks continues to support internal growth and career development.

Greg Murray, Grid Connections Engineer, eSmart Networks said:

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two years since this group of Graduates joined eSmart. The graduate programme has been a fantastic way for us to nurture the next generation of engineers, giving them hands-on experience with the real-world challenges we face. This has been especially important as the UK and the world continue their push toward greater electrification. Along the way, they’ve also helped shape the scheme for those following in their footsteps, ensuring new grads have an even stronger start to their careers with us.
It’s been brilliant watching them evolve over the past two years, stepping up to take on more and more responsibility. Although they’re well and truly part of the furniture now, they continue to bring plenty of bright ideas and just enough tricky questions to keep us honest! Their contribution has been invaluable, and I’m sure their impact will only grow as they progress in their careers.

How Have Things Evolved Since the Last Article?

We began by asking each of our graduates how their roles have changed since we last spoke.

Damian has stepped into a more customer-facing position:

Since progressing from the Graduate Scheme to a fully-fledged Grid Connections Engineer, I’ve taken on a more central, customer-focused role within the team. I now lead my own projects, from one-off assignments to managing a portfolio of multiple developments. These cover all our sectors, including Housing, Industrial & Commercial and EV infrastructure.

Eoin outlined the technical scope of his new position:

As part of the EHV Electrical Design team, I’m involved in a range of tasks on a day-to-day basis. I work on projects at various stages – ranging from early phases such as Phase 1 or tender stage, to those approaching the ‘Approved for Construction’ stage. For all projects, I produce a variety of design documents to support construction and ensure they meet both DNO and customer expectations.

Jordan reflected on the opportunities that have helped him continue growing in his role:

It’s been an exciting journey since the last article. Now working as a Grid Connections Engineer at eSmart Networks, my development is growing daily. I’ve had the opportunity to take on new projects and explore other areas of the business, including project management and estimating. These insights have been incredibly valuable early in my career, helping me provide the best possible service and advice to clients.

Damian Reflects on His Journey

Damian has made the most of every opportunity since joining the Graduate Scheme – and has carved out a special interest in the policy space:

My role has evolved significantly, not just during the Graduate Scheme, but also in my current position, reflecting the fast-paced growth of the industry. With the race to electrification, grid capacity is becoming as valuable as gold dust. Our challenge is to uncover that ‘gold dust’ in the right place, at the right time.

In my new role, alongside my day-to-day workload, policies have become my niche – I just need to understand the rules before taking part. This interest has turned me into a bit of a policy nerd, particularly in key areas like Connections, Distribution Licences and ENA Standards.

Anyone involved in Electrification will be familiar with the ongoing Connections Reform, and it’s a great feeling to know I’ve contributed on behalf of eSmart Networks to one of the biggest reforms aimed at creating a more efficient, future-proof electricity grid through multiple consultation responses.

Eoin on Life in His New Role

Eoin’s work in the design team continues to expand, covering a range of complex projects and responsibilities:

I’ve contributed to creating Site Compound Plans, Multicore Block and Single Line Diagrams for 33 kV and 132 kV projects using CAD software. I’ve also prepared Engineering Reports, along with Earthing, Busbar and Cable calculations using advanced software tools. Once complete, these documents are reviewed internally within the design team before being shared externally.

Some of the highlights to date include developing an earthing calculation tool in Excel and visiting project sites to observe construction progress based on the designs I’ve contributed to. I’ve also really enjoyed learning about and designing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) layouts for several projects.

At the end of the design phase, all finalised design documents are issued and tracked to the site team to support construction activities.

Jordan on Professional Development and What’s Next

Jordan is continuing to grow his technical and commercial knowledge while looking ahead to the next stage of his career:

I look forward to continuing to grow in both my personal and professional development with the opportunities at eSmart Networks.

As these three continue to develop in their roles, it’s clear they’re already making a strong impact. We’re proud to have them as part of the team and excited to see what’s next.

Discover our current career opportunities here.

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