It’s a gas: Cadent Apprentice reflects on his career path during National Apprenticeship Week

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  • Cadent Apprentice Daniel Coen outlines his role in keeping Londoners connected to safe and reliable gas supplies
  • The 18-year-old has followed his dad into the gas industry
  • Cadent offers exciting apprenticeships and other career opportunities
 
Providing a 24-7 emergency response service in one of the world’s largest cities may sound like a job description for superheroes.
 
However it’s all in day’s work for 18-year-old Londoner Daniel Coen who joined Cadent’s Emergency Response Apprenticeship Programme in 2017.
 
Apprentices on the programme receive a full training package delivered by experienced professionals. Once fully trained they are qualified to act as first responders to gas escapes across the network.
 
The role is fast-paced and exciting with FCOs (First Call Operatives) working 24-7 to keep people connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating. In Cadent’s North London network the patch includes some of the most famous locations in the country including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Canary Wharf, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
 
Prior to joining Cadent, Daniel undertook three weeks work experience with the company, which helped convince him that a career with Cadent would suit him. He was subsequently accepted onto Cadent’s Apprenticeship scheme and has relished the experience.
 
He said: “I have seen myself develop in a very short space of time from leaving school and moving into the world of work.
 
“I’m very excited to have gone from school leaver to having an exciting career path so quickly.”
 
Among the highlights so far has been an Outward Bound teambuilding experience in the Lake District, where Daniel and his fellow apprentices were put through their paces with adrenaline packed activities including abseiling, canoeing and rock climbing.
 
He said: “I loved the experience it not only helped developed me but also bought me closer together with my colleagues.”
 
Outside of work Daniel, who is based at Cadent’s Fulham depot, is a devoted QPR fan and he also enjoys playing football for a local team.
 
And if he ever feels like talking shop he doesn’t have to go too far as his dad Michael works as an FCO for Cadent.
 
There could also be more Coen’s at Cadent in the future.  Daniel’s younger brother Callum, 16, successfully completed a two week work placement at the company in 2017. More family members could also follow in Michael and Daniel’s footsteps, as there are two other younger Coen brothers in the clan.
 
Family connections however are no prerequisite for an apprenticeship with Cadent and Daniel reflected: “The job attracts people from all kinds of backgrounds and I’d encourage people to consider it.
 
“The role is not only fast-paced and interesting but you also play an important role in people’s lives by helping ensure they stay connected to safe and reliable gas supplies. 
 
Cadent is Britain’s largest gas distribution company, distributing gas to approximately 11 million homes and businesses – which equates to half of the country,
 
In addition to Emergency Response, Cadent also offers apprenticeships in Repair Support and Operate and Maintain.
 
For more on these and other career opportunities with Cadent visit https://cadentgas.com/Careers
 

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Ben Green

Ben.Green1@cadentgas.com

07773 122925