Clare Horkley joined the Metric Group in 2022, as a field service parking engineer. In our latest blog, she tells us all about life on the road and why the move to the organisation was the best career decision she’s ever made.
A day on the job as a parking engineer
As a field service parking engineer my patch covers East Anglia and parts of the Midlands, which means I look after all the jobs and projects within the area with my colleague and mentor Grahame Kidman.
Day-to-day my duties vary from servicing and repairing machines on site, helping with the installation of new terminals, trouble-shooting any errors and liaising with customers. A big part of my role is fixing and modifying our machines to the customer’s bespoke specification.
At the start of each day, I check to see what I have on and what geographical areas I will be covering. Some days I get to meet customers on site to talk through the workings of the machine and give them training. On other days I might be servicing terminals and replacing parts.
I am responsible for managing hundreds of machines in my area and there has been more requirement recently for ANPR systems, which involves implementing barrier systems. Sometimes customers ring and ask me to talk them through specific tasks, for example how to load a new ticket roll or how to check the status of the battery. Or I might be asked for a second opinion on the maintenance requirements of a machine by a colleague. We’ve found huge benefits from this way of working because it means we can usually reduce machine downtime, which is advantageous for customers and motorists.
No two days are the same in my role and I get to visit some amazing places for work. I cover almost 200 miles per day across East Anglia and the Midlands, so a good radio station is a must!
Fixing and problem solving are definitely my favourite part of the job. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a job through from beginning to end – resulting in a fixed product. Obviously, some projects don’t always go to plan, but I like to see a job through to the right conclusion.
What it means to work at Metric Group
I have some of the best and most supportive colleagues at Metric Group. This is a big deal for me as in previous companies that was never the case.
I can call anyone up if I need assistance and they will go above and beyond to help where they can. And if they can’t, they will soon get someone who will.
Despite being in a field-based role I do still feel there’s real camaraderie amongst all the staff. I work closely with Grahame who has been my mentor from the start. He has played a massive part in making me the Engineer that I am today. I often liaise with the other field service parking engineers, we have regular morning phone call catch ups on any jobs we have on that day.
Metric is a real innovator in the development of hardware and software and I have to admit, my favourite machine has to be the Elite & Elite LS. During my training, I started on an Elite and learned the basics – and it was one of the first machines I attended so I have a real love for it. I have also installed a Micro which is linked up to our EV station.
Last year I was invited to go to Ireland with colleagues for a project for two weeks. While I was there, I learnt so much and I was really made to feel a valued part of the group.
Kings Lynn Council were one of my first customers and the first job I attended. Because of that I have a very good working relationship with them, and they can always call if they have a question or any problems with their machines. I love that part of my role – building lasting relationships and being able to support in a meaningful way.
Career change to Metric
Before joining Metric Group I worked in a pet shop and I truly believe the job change becoming an engineer couldn’t have come at a better time. I feel like being in the field is so much more suited to my character.
I knew I wanted to be more hands on with fixing things and then the opportunity came along, and I haven’t looked back since – it was definitely a blessing!
I just love being outdoors. I can be stood in the rain working on a machine and I couldn’t be happier. Metric has given me so much more confidence in myself. There is definitely a great team spirit, and the field service parking engineers are like one big family.
If you would like to find out about our current career opportunities please click here, METRIC is a friendly welcoming place of work with a great team spirit!
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