Hi badmjojo,
Thanks for creating this thread by the way, I have my assessment day in Leeds next week for the same role and I was struggling to find much information on recent assessment days until I came across this.
How are you currently finding the job/training? Hopefully still enjoying things?
I've just completed my first stint of Field Experience and it's been great. The guys on patch are extremely knowledgeable, skill-full, helpful, understanding and a laugh.
At the moment I've been restricted to electrical work, but I'm back in Leeds Monday to start my Gas training. I'm really looking forward to it - but I'm led to believe it's difficult, moreso than the elec.
The academy can try and prepare you for what's to come, but there's only so much they can re-create in the workshops. It's being out in the real world, where you gain the skills and experience. I know it's a cliché, but every job really is different.
I'm almost 24 and have worked in retail and as an accounts clerk in a law firm for the past 5-6 years so I've got plenty of customer service experience to relate to.
How did you find the assessment day?
I was nervous, but think the best way to reduce nerves is to prepare as much as you can. I did what you're doing - spent hours on the internet looking for advice. The assessors are all really friendly, helpful and not out to trip you up. You're not competing against the other applicants, but against the 'system' as one of them put it.
Relax, get involved, chat with the other applicants and be yourself. The last part is important, they need to know who you are and if you're a fit.
The info I've have from BG Is that there is the competency interview and they ask questions about the 3 core principles you mentioned earlier in the post.
They will probably ask you to expand on the answers you gave in your paper application and telephone interview - do so using the STAR process and try to touch on the core principles.
A practical tests to see how you deal with hands on problems. Another forum post somewhere mentioned this was taking apart a junction box, stripping wires and re connecting them correctly as per a diagram.
Yes, it'll be along those lines. It's not particularly difficult. Use the PPE and carefully follow the written instructions. There's a time limit, but I didn't find it particularly tight.
And then there is a group discussion whereby you listen to how a customer users energy and you have to provide energy saving advice. (Have to do my own research re this)
Yes. Read up on all that jazz - smart meters, energy monitors, bulbs, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solar panels, double glazing, boiling one cup, turning off lights, TVs, etc and how much such measures cost and how much energy (£££) they may save. Get a general overview. Some things are easier, cheaper, less disruptive to install and therefore may suit certain people better than others. All BG's customers are different and have different needs and means.
Join in, but don't take over. Listen and, if need be, do things like invite others (the quiet ones) to contribute - it's part of the game.
I'm looking forward to it and to be honest on paper it sounds like a perfect job for me. I enjoy working with customers and solving problems for them, I love driving, and the chance to learn some practical skills and get some experience in this industry is really attracting me to it. But then again I've read a lot of conflicting things on the net (Glassdoor website mainly) of employees and ex employees slating BG and inparticular,this smart meter expert job role which has got me slightly worried.
For now, ignore them, then make your own mind up. Chances are they have an axe to grind, or are an older generation of worker (lots have been TUPED in) that aren't open to the changes happening, not just at BG, but in the industry as a whole. I've had nothing but good experiences and vibes from BG and feel it's going to be a fantastic company to work for for many years to come. BG are so far ahead of the competition when it comes to smart/training/investment it's unbelievable.
Now your in training is there any mention of sales and targets that need to be met?
Thanks in advance if you read my post and answer any questions ��
Dan
There are bonuses that can be earned - overtime, on-call, out of hours, getting 'leads' on loft/wall insulation, etc, all of which boost your income - but we're not employed as salesmen and certainly aren't taught to pressurise customers into buying things. The business has expectations when it comes to our workload, completion rates, time-keeping, etc and there are some pressures/incentives to meet them. But I think they're reasonable and if you work hard you will be rewarded.
Good luck!
