Role/Company
Operations Manager (Property) – Government Of Jersey
Which years you were at Grainville school?
1997 – 2002
The biggest challenge?
Looking back now I really enjoyed School and value the friendships I made. The biggest challenge for me was probably dealing with my parents divorce and learning to live from 2 homes. Challenging at the time but it has made me a stronger and more resilient person today.
My greatest achievement at School?
Is hard to choose. Passing all my exams was a proud achievement but I was very happy to get an ‘A’ in History. I really enjoyed playing in the school rugby team where I then went onto play for Jersey at u16 level.
My Favourite memory?
Was probably one of the trips off island for activities week. I was lucky enough to go to the French Med, Sark and some of the other Channel Islands on different occasions. Getting away from the school environment with your friends and seeing the teachers out of the classroom was enjoyable
What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get to where you are today?
Leaving Grainville I went to Highlands to undertake an AVCE in Engineering with a view to go on to University. After 1 year I decided further education wasn’t for me. I was given an ultimatum by my parents, either continue at School or get a job. So, off to work I went. One of the best pieces of advice I was given was by my Dad was to always work hard and do the best you can. If you have nothing to do, look for something to do, pick up a brush, tidy up or ask someone for something to do. (As I went onto work on building sites this turned out to be a good bit of advice.)
I got a job as an apprentice carpenter and once I gained my qualifications and experience of many different aspects of building I went off travelling. After nearly 12 months of Scuba Diving (becoming a PADI MSDT Instructor) and drinking beer on tropical beaches I had run out of money and returned home bare footed but with a great tan. Back to the building sites I went to build on my previous experience. I started to get more involved with the running of sites and tried to show my willingness to learn. When an opportunity came up to apply for a job with the Government I tried my luck and was fortunate enough to get a job with the Maintenance Section. Once in this role the Government and very proactive at building your skill base so I undertook every course possible and learned from the people around me. After working hard and gaining as much experience as I could, 5 years down the line a management position became available which I applied for and was lucky enough to be successful.
I have now been the Operations Manager for the Government of Jersey Property Department for nearly 1 year.
My favourite aspects of my job?
Is being able to go back to Grainville and my former Primary School (St John’s) and being an active part of working with the schools and improving the facilities and experience for future generations. Its rewarding to see the new phases of the Schools being built and policies or procedures I worked on being implemented. I really enjoy coming back to the School and seeing former teachers and being able to help solve problems they may be experiencing with the site.
What advice would you give to students looking at their career options?
Achieving good grades and getting a degree is not the be all and end all. If you have a good work ethic and are willing to push yourself you can achieve really great things. Life and relevant work experience are 2 valuable attributes I look for when we are recruiting people. Government are strong in employing the right person for the job, not always the person with the best grades or qualifications.
A career in the building trade or facilities sector can lead to great things and can open many rewarding career options.