Good Old Times: Gary’s Journey in Electrical Testing
/Times change, the tools we use, the systems we install, and the way we work. But the heart of JCW has always remained the same: our people.
That’s why we created this series: to capture the good old times and the many steps forward, through the voices of those who built, learned, laughed, and grew with us. Their stories remind us that progress is about more than technology, it’s about the connections we make along the way.
Starting Out: The Apprentice Years
vintage blue tradies’ 3 piece work wear in 1991
Gary joined us back in 1991, straight out of school at 16, beginning his apprenticeship with Wathes (Electrical Installations) doing block release at college. Back then, everything was manual, handwritten reports, toolbox in hand, and learning the trade the old‑school way. The kind of memories only apprenticeships can create.
“My first wage slip was around £45 a week,” Gary recalls, a detail that always brings a smile when looking back at how far he’s come.
One of the first jobs he remembers was a refurbishment at a TSB bank in Hinckley.
“It felt like it went on forever,” he laughs. This wasn’t unusual, much of the work involved making things on site rather than fitting pre‑built equipment like we do today. Those long days helped shape the engineer he became.
From Installation to Service
Gary began on the installation side, learning the physical craft of the trade. After qualifying as an electrician, he transitioned to the service side, broadening his knowledge, dealing with faults, solving real‑world problems, and supporting clients day‑to‑day.
For the first couple of years, his work kept him close to home in Leicestershire. But everything changed when he passed his driving test just before his 18th birthday. “Once I could drive, I travelled just about everywhere, mostly the Southwest, London, and Scotland.”
Before Google Maps and sat navs could save the day, Gary hit the road with nothing but a van, a map book, and growing confidence, somehow, he always found his way.
Growing Roles, Growing Responsibilities
Over the years, Gary held numerous titles, including:
National Electrical Service Engineer
Electrical Supervisor
and today: Testing Division Manager
His journey reflects not just progression, but adaptability, embracing new responsibilities, new technology, and the industry’s rapidly evolving standards.
It was also during his time as an Electrical Supervisor, on a routine visit to one of our long‑term clients, that life offered an unexpected gift. “I met my now‑wife while I was in that role,” Gary says, and the two were married in 2010.
Work memories are great, but life memories are even better.
From Wathes to JCW: A Career Woven Through Change
Over three decades, he’s seen the company transition, rebrand, and grow into the organisation we know today. He’s seen tools go digital, reports move online, and standards become stricter and more sophisticated. But despite all the change, one thing has stayed constant: the pride in doing the job right, and the people standing beside you while you do it.
Gary helping out with fire alarm promotional photos, circa 2017, note the Electrum workwear during our transition from Electrum to JCW.
Gary testing the fire alarm, promotional photos again, circa 2019.
Gary still out in his van from time to time, here delivering a long‑service gift to Mark in 2024.
Reflection
Gary’s journey mirrors the evolution of the electrical testing world itself. From handwritten reports and long refits, to modern systems and nationwide travel, his story is one of consistency, growth, and dedication.
While tools and technology have changed, Gary’s commitment, to safety, to quality, and to the team, remains the constant that defines JCW at its best.
The Stories Continue…
Watch out for the next story in our series, as we continue to share memories from long-standing members of the JCW team. More people, more moments and more reminders of what has always made this company special.
