Team insight

In this instalment, we spoke to Jack Ball, Senior Project Engineer at Primary Power who joined the team in March 2023.

Hear more about how Jack’s experience has shaped his role within the business and why apprenticeships are instrumental in shaping the talent of tomorrow, below:

Hi Jack, can you please give us an insight into your experience and role at Primary Power?

After leaving school I joined ABB as an apprentice in primary electrical design, where I forged the first five years of my career. Working for such a large organisation, meant that I was provided significant training opportunities – a fantastic start to gaining valuable experience.

I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone considering it. It’s incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to learn hands-on and gain in-depth knowledge alongside working on real projects.

This experience meant that I could work quite independently. From there, I spent a few more years at ABB building up my experience within their technology and project engineering departments. After leaving ABB, I went to an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and a BESS Developer working on renewable energy projects, before joining Primary Power in 2023.

As a Project Engineer, I’m involved in almost every aspect of a project. From leading and managing tenders to delivering designs that meet client requirements for technical performance, safety, and reliability, my role is always changing. I work closely with a variety of people, both within the company and on the client side, making each day different and exciting.

What drew you to working at Primary Power?

I came across the role on LinkedIn and instantly applied. I quickly met with the management team and found them to be very knowledgeable and caring, with a keen desire to help their team grow and develop. Primary Power also offer great flexibility, which was another important draw to joining the company.

What does your day-to-day look like?

My day really depends on the project at hand – there is lots of variation. Currently, I have been working on a new 132kV connection for a residential development – this project is now in the design phase.

My responsibilities include a wide range of tasks, from protection and control designs, through to primary substation design, project planning and coordination, engaging with suppliers and more.

However, in other weeks my focus can be on tendering new works for the company, particularly related to initial designs, project pricing and similar tasks. I may also have to undertake site visits and engage with clients. My day-to-day is very varied which makes it an exciting place to be in.

What do you believe makes Primary Power unique?

Primary Power have an amazing team of skilled engineers with a solid technical background. They’re always proactive in addressing issues and are focused on delivering practical solutions for clients.

Primary Power offer a wide range of services, which meet the varied needs of our clients. This is backed up by a good breadth of knowledge and the desire to work innovatively, with an open mind and a willingness to try alternative solutions.

On a personal level, I appreciate the emphasis Primary Power places on training and development. The company invests in its people, supporting continuous professional growth. Moreover, the team is incredibly friendly and collaborative, making it a pleasure to work alongside colleagues from all areas of the business.

How do you think your experience has shaped how you work today?

In my career to date, I have covered many aspects of a project including tendering, detailed design, testing and commissioning and project management. This broad exposure has enabled me to develop a versatile skill set.

Looking ahead to 2025 and supported by the management team, I am working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer, something that has long been a personal objective. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Primary Power since joining. I can firmly say that is my favourite job since starting out as an apprentice and would highly recommend joining the team if we have the right role for you!

Thanks for a fascinating insight into your role at Primary Power, Jack. To find out more information about how you can join the Primary Power team, please visit our careers page here.