Sam Smith: 2002-2007

My favourite memory of William Edwards:

• Taking part in the Shakespeare production with Mr Tagg
• Going on the PGL tour in the South of France
• Being nominated for Head Boy
• Winning 2 Jack Petchey awards

Post 16 education/training:

Attended Palmers college to study Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Drama. At the same time I was working at Lakeside Karting part –time.

Higher Education:

• I am currently studying to complete my Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Career pathways and/or turning points:

• Left college to work full-time at Lakeside Karting.
• Left after a year to work for Essex Police.
• Worked at Essex Police for 4 years before leaving to pursue another career as this one wasn’t working out for me.
• Joined National Grid and completed the 3 year apprenticeship scheme as a Substation Craftsman. Gained a NVQ Level 3 Diploma.
• Spent a year on site and left to move to the Transmission Network Control Centre in Warwick and now work as a Network Operations Engineer. Controlling all the Transmission Electricity for England and Wales. I can turn London off with a push of a button.

My proudest achievement:

• Achieving Apprentice of the year
• Coming second in the country for best apprentice
• Completing my Army training (Very hard but life changing)
• Winning best Young Solider at the shooting competition.

Life and lifestyle events, hobbies & interests and personal achievements:

• I have joined the British Army Reserves, Royal Signals and a Communication Systems Operator and do this in my spare time.
• In my spare time I am a Scout Leader, I go away to do army exercises and I also do a lot of sailing plus Scuba Diving in my spare time.

My advice to the present pupils of William Edwards:

• Experience as much in life as you can and spend every minute gaining a new experience or gaining new skills.
• Study hard, it will be the foundations of your career then try and get a career in what you love as you’ll be doing it for years to come.
• Be the best that you can be and enjoy life to its full.

My next goals:

• To obtain my degree
• To become an officer in the Army Reserves
• To become a manager within National Grid
• To become CEO of National Grid