Alumni

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