Craig Jenkinson

Mechanical Operations Manager

I worked for GMS from the age of sixteen as an apprentice plumber. I have worked my way up through the ranks from apprentice, to Plumber/Risk Assessor, to Supervisor and now Ops Manager. Over the years I’ve learnt so much – there have also been a lot of laughs!

GMS was a great place to train. When I was initially taken on as an apprentice I was exposed to all aspects of work at the company. I assisted with legionella risk assessments on site and learnt all about the guidance process and reporting. I was also tasked with carrying out Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) visits, clean and disinfections, and Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) servicing – where I would work alongside the qualified engineers. On the days I was not carrying out risk assessments/PPM work, I worked with the plumbers learning other aspects of the trade. It was a great education. After completing my apprenticeship, I greatly developed my understanding of water systems and associated legionella risks. I also undertook plumbing jobs and legionella remedial work, identifying issues with current systems and providing recommendations on how to rectify problems. My role then changed to a lead mechanical engineer where I came full circle and took on the training of junior engineers.

Currently, I oversee the day to day mechanical remedial/plumbing works and manage a team of engineers completing various tasks – from tank replacements and water heater fitting, to minor dead leg removal. I also carry out mechanical surveys of water systems to ensure they are operating in a way that minimizes the risk of bacteria proliferation.

The company has grown from strength to strength over the years and there tends to be a low turnover of staff which is testament to the way GMS is run. When I first started, the clients were all local, however today services are delivered over large parts of the country and this reach is continuing to grow.

One of the best things about working here is the way the GMS accommodates the individual needs of its staff. Shift patterns are flexible which helps a lot. Also, I love an early Friday finish – that’s a great idea!

The highlight of my career was when I was nominated for Apprentice of the Year and was presented with an award by ‘Barry from East Enders’!”

Jake Slater

PPM Technician / Legionella Risk Assessor

I’ve been at GMS since April 2021. I started out as a Trainee PPM Technician to undertake Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) work, including temperature monitoring and the servicing of expansion vessels, calorifiers and Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs).

I have since progressed into the Legionella Risk Assessment side of the business which i am developing my skills all the time and working with senior risk assessors.

“I’ve really enjoy working here. It’s clear that hard work and a willingness to learn is rewarded by progression and development within the business.”

Matthew Lowe

Contract Supervisor

I joined GMS in May 2017 as part of the PPM team and was quickly brought into the risk assessment team where I was trained up by one of the senior risk assessors. My background is in the water industry so I have various strings to my bow and have been able to work flexibly – wherever they need me. Sometimes I help out with small plumbing jobs on the remedials side.

No two weeks are the same and time flies by!

GMS is a really good company to work for. They have grown significantly in the time I’ve been here, not only in staff numbers, but also in their reach. It’s nice to see more contracts gained, whilst retaining the existing customers.

One of the best things about working at GMS Services is the support you get from everyone around you. We’re all there for each other and I know that I can call on any member of staff whenever I need help, without a worry. Everyone is friendly and we all get along well.

I’ve had a great experience working for GMS. When I first joined, I was looking for a workplace where there would be a chance to grow. That’s certainly been the case and I am proud to say I’ve recently progressed to be the contract supervisor of my team.”

Ben Myers

Mechanical Engineer

I joined the company in 2015, originally as a risk assessor where I stayed for 3/4 years. This role saw me mainly work on our large contracts where I was responsible for carrying out risk assessments on a wide range of buildings from libraries to high schools.

During this time I was trained up on other aspects of the company, including PPM, TMVs and clean and disinfection of water systems.

Whilst on the risk assessing team I started to get involved with various small plumbing remedial works before being sent on my level 2 plumbing course and making the transition onto the mechanical team,  where I have been ever since. This role now sees me carrying out a wide range of mechanical engineering tasks ranging from TMV installations to water heater installations as well as system redesigns.”

The last year or so I have helped to train the company plumbing apprentice and a trainee plumber along with the running of site works when the mechanical operations manager is not on site.

During my time in the company I’ve seen a change mainly in the amount of training that the company is now providing, ensuring that everyone is current and competent in there representative fields.”

Working for GMS for the last 7 years has been overall an enjoyable experience. The company are happy for you to get on with your job without any micro-management (which for me is a relief, considering my previous job) and they are focused on staff development. Allowing for a stress free working environment

Cath Dahl

Contract Coordinator

I started working for GMS Services back in 2007 – as an auditor. My job involved checking all the reports before we sent them out to client. I then became the Senior Administrator, responsible for taking care of the day-to-day running of the office. In 2021, i took on my current ole as Contract Co-Ordinator, and I am really enjoying it.

I have seen the company grow and develop over the time I have been here. The company expansion has given myself and my colleagues, the chance to grow too, with plenty of opportunities to take on new roles with more responsibilities.

Looking back, GMS has given me the support and guidance I have needed over the years to become successful, to achieve far more than I had ever expected. I am incredibly grateful for that.

We are all focused on providing a first-class service for our clients, which is what unites us, but it does not mean we are a boring lot! It is fun working here, my colleagues are great, and we are a good team. We all enjoy getting together outside of work too.

Jamie Tracey

Water Hygiene Technician

I started with GMS in January 2022 and have been working on the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) side – in water hygiene.

I work mainly in the commercial sector; in schools, offices and shops.  My job involves taking water temperatures and working with thermostatic mixing valves and expansion vessels.

The colleagues in my team have really helped me. I’ve learnt so much from them and they have given me the confidence to feel happy working more independently as times moves forward. I’m very grateful for that.

Hands down, the best thing about working at GMS has been the rest of the staff, from the top to the bottom. My family is very important to me so it’s really good to be working somewhere that recognises the value of family life.

Work time is well-structured so that I get plenty of time to spend with my baby daughter, Elzya who is turning out to be a little diva! I’m also a keen rugby player and enjoy getting to travel to new places on tours.

Ben O’Berg

Contract Manager

I’ve been working for GMS since 2012. For the first two, I worked in Planned Preventative Maintenance before I moved onto the Risk Assessment team, and more recently I took on the role of Contract Manager – I started my current role in April 2021.

In my previous roles, I have really enjoyed working on a range of different properties, gaining the knowledge and experience to help me in my current position. I’m now responsible for several contracts, which I really enjoy.

I’ve watched the company grow steadily over the time I’ve been here, but in the last three to four years the expansion has been faster and we’ve made huge progress. We expanded our team of engineers and this has brought a boost of energy to the team which increased our motivation and, in turn, helped speed the growth.

Although I came to the company originally with experience in health and safety, back then I didn’t know an awful lot about water systems. Over the years GMS has given me the support and training required so I’ve been able to develop my career.