Energy Project Manager

Paul works for ThermaMech – a company that specialises in designing and installing District Heating Networks – providing low cost and low carbon (less fossil fuels burnt!) heating for homes.

The network of underground insulated pipes move heat from large energy centres, like industry centres and natural “hot spots”, to homes and businesses.

Paul manages projects installing the piping. It takes a lot of planning before they can start digging and then Paul’s responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly to deliver on time and on budget.

“I get to watch excavators digging holes, dumpers being loaded, cranes lifting pipes and cabins, concrete being poured and tarmac being laid.”

Job insight

Official job title: District Heating Project Manager

Earning: £60,000 – £75,000

Workplace: Paul’s either at his laptop or down a trench with hard hat & high visibility coat. He’s the boss of everyone onsite installing the pipes and he reports on progress to the company directors.

Best bit? “Solving problems as a team, whether it’s myself coming up with the solutions or others in my team. Every day throws up different issues to solve, some are as trivial as organising labour to undertake works, others may be far more complicated involving design or installation issues.” 

Paul’s Career Path

Paul’s top tips for your career: “Always try your hardest and always ask questions as it shows you’re interested and willing to learn. I tell all the apprentices that I’ve worked with over the years, if you only remember one thing I’ve told you, make sure it is this “No question is a stupid question”.”

Find out more about a job in construction – watch the video:

You might also be interested in…

Hands-on roles making buildings more sustainable like:

  • Plumber – installing heat pumps and solar water heating
  • Electrician – installing solar panels
  • Retrofit insulator – making homes more energy efficient

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Go to WISE “My Skills My Life” and take the personality quiz.

It’s just 15 quick questions and you can see how you match up to Paul’s strength’s below.

Paul’s personality strengths:

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