Josh

Josh's STORY

Senior Engineer – Supplier Quality Assurance, National Gas

Senior Engineer – Supplier Quality Assurance
National Gas

Josh oversees the Supplier Quality Assurance processes to ensure that companies providing materials and services to the National Gas Transmission system have compliant management systems in place.

Why is your role important? Why is it important to the company/ the people of the UK/ the UK economy?

My role is crucial as I oversee the Supplier Quality Assurance processes. These processes ensure that companies providing materials and services to the National Gas Transmission system have compliant management systems in place. This gives our business confidence in the suppliers’ ability to meet our requirements, ultimately keeping the gas flowing safely and ensuring a reliable energy supply for the UK.

Which parts of the job do you enjoy most / find most rewarding?

I take great pleasure in mentoring my colleagues and watching them grow into confident and skilled Quality Assurance Engineers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their progress and know that I’ve played a part in their professional development.

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?

I completed an Advanced Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship in a different industry. I joined the organisation as a full-time employee, initially working as a Mechanical Technician within National Gas Services, previously known as PMC. Since then, I’ve held various roles within the business.

What did you do before?

Before joining the organisation, I worked as an underground mechanical engineer at a coal mine in the UK, where I completed my advanced mechanical apprenticeship. In 2014, I joined the organization as a mechanical technician in what is now National Gas Services. Later, I became the engineering lead for an innovation project called ‘Project GRAID’. After the project concluded, I transitioned to the Supplier Quality Assurance team as an engineer, focusing on valves and actuator suppliers.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

What drew me to the energy sector was the chance to play a crucial role in ensuring the security of the nation’s energy system. The prospect of contributing to something so vital and impactful.

Why is your current position better/ more satisfying?

I enjoy my current role because, when I first joined the team as an engineer, I quickly identified areas where we could improve our processes. Now, as a Senior Engineer, I have the authority and opportunity to implement these improvements. Drawing on my past experience, I continuously enhance our processes to make them more efficient and effective.

What do you think of the career prospects? Have you had much training and development?

I have progressed through various areas of the business, and in each role, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in learning and development. This continuous growth has enabled me to reach my current position.

Most recently, the business has supported me in attaining Chartered status with the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), which has been a significant milestone in my professional journey.

What does an average day consist of?

My current role is home-based, but I frequently travel to our business locations or to suppliers within the UK and internationally.

I typically attend meetings, both in person and virtually, with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, I review and approve audit reports for the wider Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) team.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

I would highly recommend not just my job to a friend, but also considering a career in the energy and utilities sector, especially with National Gas. The opportunities here are incredible—not only to perform a job but also to develop and grow as an individual. The sector offers a dynamic environment where continuous learning and personal growth are strongly supported

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– Josh Blake

Senior Engineer – Supplier Quality Assurance

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