Durham based JH Partners are Mechanical and Electrical Design Consultants, offering innovative, energy-efficient design solutions, known for exceeding client’s expectations.
Formed in 2004 by two like-minded engineers, with a vision of providing clients with a personal service that is second to none, the company has grown and now has a team of 12 employees working from their Durham branch.
TDR was delighted to be able to offer our recruitment services in assisting JH Partners to recruit two apprentices to join their growing workforce. The opportunity attracted lots of interest and within two weeks, TDR had pre-selected and shortlisted a number of candidates for JH Partners to select for interview. Callum and Daniel were amongst the shortlisted candidates, they were interviewed and successfully offered the apprenticeship positions such as Electrical Technician apprenticeship, with a start date of early April. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, their start dates have been put on hold, however, JH Partners can’t wait for Callum and Daniel to join the team as soon as possible. Whilst waiting for lockdown restrictions to be lifted we thought it would be a great opportunity to see how employers are operating in these extraordinary times.
Speaking to Office Manager – Rachel Richmond she is delighted to report that it is ‘pretty much business as usual for JH Partners’ She explained that the organisation are fortunate enough to have robust systems and policies in place which allows home working safely and securely. As they are a Mechanical & Electrical Design Consultancy firm, it is important to keep in touch with clients and they have been able to do this, through a variety of video communication platforms, including the continuation of supporting Newcastle University with the ongoing refurbishment and partial new build of the Stephenson Building which will also incorporate a new low carbon energy centre. Microsoft Teams meetings have proved to be so effective that the organisation are now considering implementing this communication method going forward when things do return to normal in order to help the company reduce its carbon footprint.
By adopting this flexible approach to working, the company are delighted to report that they have not missed any deadlines and are continuing to receive enquiries for work which has consisted of various tenders being submitted since the working restrictions were put in place. It is also exciting to hear that plans are in progress for virtual inspections to take place over the coming weeks, again via Microsoft Teams, which will allow engineers to visit sites and carry out inspections whilst also sharing this with colleagues.
The team at JH Partners also appreciate the challenges of remote working and endeavour to keep morale high. Each day they have a team meeting via Microsoft Teams, where work is discussed and shared amongst staff if required. They have also used these meetings to be introduced to colleague’s family and pets as they sometimes make an appearance☺. Every Friday is also Pub Quiz day, hosted by Andy which is a pre-COVID-19 tradition that is now continuing via video conferencing and makes for a great end to the week for the team!
It is fantastic and reassuring to know that JH Partners, along with many more employer’s TDR work with continue to operate in these challenging times, whilst ensuring the safety of their employee’s is paramount. I’m sure Callum and Daniel will fit into this organisation brilliantly! And we can’t wait to see them grow and become valued members of JH Partners, watch this space for future updates.
