What do you do at Murphy?

I am currently a first year apprentice working for Murphy Electrical Services based in the Midlands working from the Cannock offices. My primary role is to learn to become an approved Installation Electrician and assist the projects in the region, this predominantly is for Network Rail and HS2.

What do you like best about your job?

My role is very hands on where I am constantly learning new and different skills from all of my team members. One thing I like about my job is the different types of work and challenges I come across on a day to day basis which makes life interesting.

Working in the rail sector faces a series of challenges which can involve working on a live track and in close proximity to the general public. All of which I discovered whilst completing recent improvement works at Longbridge train station in Birmingham.

Another thing I like about my job is that I am proud to be a part of the HS2 contract which is the largest engineering project in the UK.

  • 6-7:30am: Wake up, get ready and head to the correct site/ location signing into Aurora on arrival.
    6-7:30am: Wake up, get ready and head to the correct site/ location signing into Aurora on arrival.
  • 7:30-10am: Put on the necessary PPE and start the task set by the electricians who I am working with.
    7:30-10am: Put on the necessary PPE and start the task set by the electricians who I am working with.
  • 10-10:30am : Morning break – socialise with colleagues and usually have scrambled eggs on toast.
    10-10:30am : Morning break – socialise with colleagues and usually have scrambled eggs on toast.
  • 10:30-1pm: Continuing with electrical duties set by electrician who I am working with.
    10:30-1pm: Continuing with electrical duties set by electrician who I am working with.
  • 1:30-5pm: Complete the electrical tasks set out for the day. Sign out and clock out on Aurora.
    1:30-5pm: Complete the electrical tasks set out for the day. Sign out and clock out on Aurora.
  • 6-7pm: After work I normally go to Muay Thai lessons which are not only fun and interesting, but also good for fitness.
    6-7pm: After work I normally go to Muay Thai lessons which are not only fun and interesting, but also good for fitness.
  • Night Shift: I often have to work night shifts due to the nature of works that needs to be completed.
    Night Shift: I often have to work night shifts due to the nature of works that needs to be completed.
  • Improvement Works at Longbridge: Here is just one of the Murphy projects I have been involved with during my working experience.
    Improvement Works at Longbridge: Here is just one of the Murphy projects I have been involved with during my working experience.

This has been a great opportunity for me to advance my practical work and theoretical knowledge on the job. As well as attending college on a block release which gives me confidence with my overall career moving forward.

If you are considering a career in construction, go to the Early Careers website for information on apprenticeships, summer placements and graduate programs.

Stakeholder visit at HS2.

HS2 Project

LM is a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Ltd, who are looking after an 80km section of HS2’s phase one. It stretches from Long Itchington Wood near Kenilworth, into Birmingham city centre at Curzon Street, and out again northwards Lichfield, where Phase 1 will join the existing West Coast Main Line. Read more about the project by clicking below.

Find out more