Jason Kennan is Boston Energy’s Technical Training Manager. In this latest edition of Boston Spotlight, Jason provides insight into himself, his motivations and the range of solutions Boston Energy offer the fast-growing Wind Energy sector.
Q: Hello, Jason, first of all, could you tell me your hobbies, interests and pursuits outside of the work environment?
A: I am a keen caravanner and actively enjoy hill walking. Aside from those pursuits I generally enjoy a quiet time away from work relaxing. I have a wife, Sara and two children, Jacob, and Holly. Jacob works for me as part of the Boston Energy Technical Training team! The great thing is that whilst we are family, we are still able to respect each other in the workplace.
I am also a proud Grandfather of Lily and I absolutely love spending time with her when I can.
Q: What is your professional background and connection to the wind industry?
A: I have 12 years’ experience in the Wind Industry, and prior to that I was an engineer in the Military. I joined Boston Energy in 2016 as Technical Support and Training manager after working in a similar role at HMF UK for 4 years.
My role there included managing offshore and onshore wind farm engineering projects and maintenance work. Before that I previously ran my own Company as a Commissioning Engineer in offshore wind farm construction projects. My real passion however is in crane operations and lifting.
Q: Why are flexible training solutions so important in the Wind Industry?
A: Having an instructor coming to a site which is “COVID secure” in the current climate is less risky than having candidates coming from several different locations and mixing.
It is important to note that Boston Energy’s Training Centre is a COVID secure environment and we are delighted to be able to host courses such as GWO, Slinger Signaller etc on the grounds of our Head Office in Beverley.
A critical component of Boston Energy’s core training offering to our customers is the ability to create bespoke solutions that are suitable for their specific needs and requirements. Additionally, the team are signed off and accredited for both MVOW and SGRE training.
Q: What do Boston Energy provide in relation to the all-important flexible training offering?
A: Boston Energy provide Crane Training via a trailer that can be taken directly to site and also on a container which is modelled on a wind turbine nacelle, and is periodically moved to strategic locations in the UK and NorthWest Europe. We also deliver GWO, ALLMI Slinger Signaller and other courses at Boston Energy’s Training Centre. We also deliver training directly at our customer premises. We build partnerships with our clients for course progression development so therefore training courses change as the turbine types evolve. Boston Energy’s approach means our training philosophy fits handin-glove with what the client is looking for and expects.
Q: What are you most proud of achieving with Boston Energy?
A: I am very proud to say that customer retention has been very strong, and we have developed some great new relationships too during my 4 years with the Company. The client base I developed during my time at HMF followed me to Boston Energy. I would like to think this reflects positively on my abilities as Technical Training Manager.
I was also actively involved in the design and planning of the Boston Energy training centre which opened in June 2019. Creating such a fantastic environment to deliver training is a testament to the businesses policy of investing in candidate training and I was delighted to see the doors open!
Q: Why did you want to become a Technical Trainer in the Wind Industry?
A: To be honest I have almost always worked in a supervisory capacity, and it was during my time with the Military that I discovered how much I enjoyed training and mentoring others.
I simply carried this coaching and mentoring ability into crane lifting operations. I particularly enjoy being around people, putting them at ease and above all developing new talent.
Q: What is your personal style as a trainer?
A: I believe my personal style to be friendly, respectful, and importantly I always adopt a same level approach with everyone I train. Knowledge and experience are key to ensuring that I get the respect and engagement from the personnel I am training.
Q: Why do you think you have been successful at Boston Energy?
A:I feel that I am trusted to do my job in the way that I know delivers positive outcomes for our customers. This has enabled me to build a successful team that is close-knit, passionate and that seeks to make a difference every day.
I also think I have been successful at Boston Energy because of the tremendous amount of support myself and the team have been given at all levels in the business.
I am also delighted that the Group MD (and Owner), Mark Parkes shows a great deal of interest in what I do. In other organisations, you would not have that level of interactivity. Mark always wants to know how we are getting on and if there are any issues arising that he can support me with.
Q: So what does the future hold for yourself and Boston Energy Technical Training?
A: We are currently in the process of developing and enhancing our GWO
course portfolio, with a view to launching these during 2021. Boston Energy always look to develop courses that wind technicians actively need. Further diverse course development is also in the pipeline.Moving forward into 2021 I intend to work closely with local colleges and develop partnerships with the right organisations.
I am enjoying being at the forefront of developing new courses, but my
passion really is in training people and getting stuck into delivering courses. I hope this remains the case for many years to come!
You can find more information on Boston Energy and if interested in looking courses they are available via Boston Energy’s website – www.bostonenergy.co.uk and you can also view our entire technical training offering and our full range of services and capabilities. If we don’t offer a course you are looking for then we can look to create a course for you. Please get in touch with Boston Energy on either 01482 679757 or office@bostonenergy.co.uk
