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Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 1:46 pm
by FourPart
Yesterday I got to retake my SMETS (Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications) Test. This is a proficiency test that everyone has to take before they get the chance to move on. I failed it last time, but was assured that most people fail the first few times. The thing is, they couldn't give me the score or which questions I got wrong. Yesterday I learned that I only failed by a single question, but this time, although I couldn't be given my actual score, I was told that I "Busted It" (Team Leader's words), with a very high score. Within half an hour I was told I do my training next week for First Contact. This is the department that deals with new customers that still have the older Prepay Key & Card meters in their properties.
Despite being quite happy doing what I'm doing already, I do feel a sense of achievement that I've been promoted before I've even completed my 6 Month Probationary Period, but at least, if need be, I can always downgrade. This is the way the company works. Everyone starts at Entry Level (SMETS) & then does further training in order to increase their skillset. Only once proficiency in each skillset has been demonstrated are you able to train for another. Each skillset you take on, therefore, make you more valuable to the company, as it makes you more adaptable & interchangeable between departments, should the need arise. Because of this, each additional skillset also incurs a nominal increase in pay (I'm told about £500 p.a). To be honest, I wasn't expecting to be moved on. That morning I wasn't even expecting to take my Smets Test (they don't give you any advanced warning). I was just happy to get it out of the way. To get the promotion was a bonus.
Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 2:50 pm
by Momus
Many congratulations. It sounds like you have worked hard for it.
Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 4:21 pm
by Wandrin
Congrats!
Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 4:46 pm
by FourPart
Like I said, it's no big deal as everyone eventually progresses with the company, but it took me a bit by surprise that I wasn't looking for promotion. I wasn't even expecting to move at least until I completed my 6 month probation. What makes it funnier still, in a way (sort of karma), is that the (asst) manager from my previous position with the Care Company starts her entry level training on the 7th, so I will have seniority over her both by rank & time worked there. To be fair, she's ok & I reckon she'll be good at the job. And on top of that there's 2 others from there. One of whom was a Supervisor, and she sees herself as working towards being a supervisor here. Time will tell there, I think. So far, then, 4 of us moved on to the same company.
Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 8:04 pm
by Patsy Warnick
Fourpart
Congrats - that's a big deal...! You should be very proud of yourself.
Every Positive brings on more positive.:-6
Good for you
Patsy
Promotion
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 8:15 pm
by LarsMac
Good news. I am glad that things are working well for you in your new job.
Promotion
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 1:00 am
by cars
Well done, onward and upward!
Promotion
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 8:27 am
by tude dog
Happy for ya. Keep up the good work.
Promotion
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:58 am
by Bryn Mawr
Congratulations - maybe "everyone passes eventually" but that's not the point, be proud of what you've achieved.
Promotion
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 5:53 am
by magentaflame
Well done you ! And congrats!
Heres a sun:-6 becauce i cant find any gold star stickers.

Promotion
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:15 pm
by Bruv
And I knew you when you were jobless and on two wheels..........................onward and upwards.
Promotion
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2016 3:01 pm
by FourPart
Wednesday was the day from Hell. Not only did I suffer a major setback in my personal life on Tuesday night, but when I started taking calls in the morning, they were all nightmare ones. Wednesday's is usually the calmest of the week. Then, just as I'm about to leave to start my training I'm told it's had to be rescheduled as the trainer had called in sick so, for now I'm still in my original position pending rescheduling.
After that the calls steadily got worse. While I was busy I managed to hold it together. Then it got to lunch break, and I folded & just went into full meltdown. It wasn't any one thing, but everything became part of the domino effect & went totally out of control. Fortunately I'm not working this weekend, so I'm able to spend some time with my trusty companion, Johnnie Walker.
Promotion
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2016 5:21 pm
by Bruv
Don't let Johnnie dominate.................he's only a part time friend..........he can be your worst enemy.......spoken while I sup Johnnie's poor relative McKendrick's ....on offer at my local super market.
Promotion
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2016 5:35 am
by FourPart
Bruv;1502307 wrote: Don't let Johnnie dominate.................he's only a part time friend..........he can be your worst enemy.......spoken while I sup Johnnie's poor relative McKendrick's ....on offer at my local super market.
The friend who introduced us proved to be deceitful & went off with another friend. We had planned a little group get together. However it ended up to be just me & Johnnie.
Promotion
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:59 am
by FourPart
Rapidly running out of JW - gonna have to start on the cheap stuff soon.
Promotion
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:08 pm
by LarsMac
FourPart;1502341 wrote: Rapidly running out of JW - gonna have to start on the cheap stuff soon.
A friend of mine, here, just commented that he though JW WAS the cheap stuff.
Promotion
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:47 pm
by Saint_
Isn't it true that an accomplishment that is first failed, and then passed is all the more rewarding? Especially if that accomplishment is highly technical and difficult? Great work, four!