January 2023 is a celebratory month for EMS, as we mark the 10-year anniversary of two key members of staff; Aidan Jacobs (Project Manager) and Jake Stevenson (Workshop Manager) joined us back in 2013.
Following a plumbing apprenticeship and a few years installing flow monitors in sewers, Aidan Jacobs ended up working as a sub-contractor for EMS in Bucharest, Romania for nine months as part of the Bucharest Monitoring Project (Apa Nova Bucureşti), meaning that Aidan got to meet our team. After returning from Romania, Aidan applied for a job as field service engineer with EMS in 2013. He spent the next seven years gaining lots of experience working on various projects and learning several disciplines, including trade effluent, water quality monitoring, flow monitoring and water sampling. This variety of work and projects always led him back to focusing on working closely with water companies, so he was naturally promoted to project manager. This position means he must look after the whole life cycle of a given project, including liaison with the client and field teams, quotes, health and safety, and ensuring smooth running to completion with satisfied clients.
Aidan joined EMS and has stayed for so long because he was attracted to the kind of work that we do, the range of services we offer, and the kind of projects he knew he’d get to work on. He joined a relatively small, intimate company (which has since grown), and he knew his career would be developed and he would be supported. He also joined for the people who have offered him guidance and mentorship over his ten years. He has found that his job offers him the kind of flexibility and work-life balance that he needs to have a fulfilling career and brilliant family life. Aidan’s favourite part of his job is working closely with the clients and other stakeholders. He enjoys getting to know the different personalities involved and the challenges that arise. He also finds the start of his projects the most enjoyable and exciting as he takes on problem-solving and how it relates to our environmental solutions.
Jake Stevenson joined us as an apprentice engineer after completing his A levels. While working he spent four and a half years completing his BTEC Level 3 in engineering and his HNC at Sheffield College on day release. EMS was keen to support and pay for Jake’s studies to progress his career in the company. He worked as a site engineer and workshop technician installing and servicing flow and water quality equipment, carrying out service visits on trade effluent sites, installing and maintaining CEMS equipment, assisting with innovation projects, and carrying out data processing. Jake was promoted to workshop manager in 2019. This role includes control and maintenance of all of EMS’s assets and equipment, service and maintenance of this equipment, health and safety, repairs, making sure equipment is ready for the field, and mentoring and support of junior members of the team.
Jake’s favourite part of his job is problem-solving – discovering why something doesn’t work and working methodically to find the solution. He also enjoys developing processes and making workflow more efficient. He appreciates working in the environmental sector and sees growth and purpose in working to improve the environment. Jake also values his relationships with his work colleagues and appreciates that EMS invests in its people.
Congratulations to Aidan and Jake on their 10 years with us! We know that we are our people and believe that by investing in and looking after our staff, we can make a difference in their lives and the environment.
