Based in our Sheffield office, Jackson has been working at Waldeck since 2023, where at the age of 19 we welcomed him as an Electrical Engineer Degree Apprentice.
Jackson is currently studying a degree in Electrical Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, and is due to finish in 2026.
Jackson says “Whilst being at Waldeck, I’ve made solid progress towards becoming a successful engineer.”
We caught up with Jackson to hear more about his Early Careers Development Programme journey so far:
Hi Jackson! What has your education journey been like so far?
I’m really happy with how my education and career is progressing. After finishing my GCSEs, I chose to take A levels in Mathematics, Business, and Physics to move closer to my goal of becoming an engineer. After two years of hard work, I hit my target grades, which helped me land a job at Waldeck as an Electrical Engineer Degree Apprentice with Sheffield Hallam University.
Both at university and with Waldeck, I’m learning and adapting every day, which is helping me grow as an engineer. I’m excited to finish my degree in the next two years and become a qualified electrical engineer.
What are some of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on?
At Waldeck, I contributed to various projects, including the Queensgate shopping centre in Peterborough, where I helped with the design of the mechanical and electrical services. I was given significant responsibility, in which I attended site visits to ensure the feasibility of my designs. The added responsibility gained my interest as I believe this involvement has enhanced my knowledge and behaviours as an engineer. This experience has also improved my communication skills through client interactions and deepened my understanding of electrical service installations, aligning with my educational and career goals.
Another project I found interesting working on is that of the Cross Street domestic houses also located in Peterborough. As previous projects I had worked on were all commercial buildings, to be involved in the electrical design of domestic properties was exciting as I was able to gain knowledge and experience from working on buildings in a different sector.
What motivates you in your work?
I’m really driven by the challenge of turning a design into a practical, efficient solution that meets both building standards and the client’s needs.
I also love tackling complex problems and being deeply involved in projects. Seeing my work come to life in real-world applications and knowing it contributes to a project’s safety and functionality is super rewarding.
How does the company support your professional growth and development?
Waldeck and Morson Group have helped me grow a lot, especially through the Early Careers Development Programme. I’ve had regular one-on-one meetings with my mentor, where we set SMART targets to achieve by the next meeting. For example, one target was to deepen my understanding of electrical services installation to improve my design work. I met this goal by doing my own research and joining site visits with my mentor. Thanks to this programme and support from my colleagues, I’ve made solid progress toward becoming a successful engineer.
What are your career aspirations for the next five years?
At the workplace, I aim to keep developing as an engineer by improving my skills in this sector. I believe that with Waldeck, it’s the perfect place to be to help aid my development for the next five years and beyond.
In terms of my educational career, I aim to complete my bachelor’s degree in the next 2 years, in which afterwards I look forward to the possibility of being in the process of studying for a master’s degree in electrical engineering. These qualifications will help grow me professionally and become the best engineer I can.
What tips would you give to others starting out in industry?
My advice would be to not be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly you may feel they are. When starting out in a new industry, it can be quite frightening. However, by communicating with colleagues that have more experience and asking questions on how things are done, the more confident you will become.
Also I believe it’s valuable to build relationships with your colleagues and people in the wider industry, this can provide valuable insights that will help you be more confident and perform at work.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed playing football, in which I still play Saturdays and Sundays. I’m a big believer in the importance of a positive mental well-being and having a hobby to fill my spare time with helps me achieve that. By having a strong mental well being it allows me to become more productive in my career, whilst still maintaining a work-life balance.
Find out more about Early Careers Development Programme here>