Matthew Gilmore
Technical Director at Guardian Electrical Compliance and IHEEM East Midlands Branch secretary
Matthew has been in the electrical industry for more than 20 years. Starting his career as an installation electrician, Matthew continued his studies and now works in the electrical safety industry at Guardian Electrical Compliance as Technical Director. With a keen interest in electric vehicles, Matthew is currently working on a research project covering the UK EV charging infrastructure.
Matthew's journey from electrician to director
I started my career in electrical engineering at the age of 18 as an apprentice electrician. At that time, I knew I wanted to work in the construction industry. I chose to be an electrician as I was interested in science and technology.
People with my background didn’t normally go to university, and I didn’t fit the mould of the academic approach used in secondary schools.
I quickly realised that I had a natural turning to the science element of the training, although I did enjoy installation work and time on building sites using my new skills.
My lecturers told me I would be suitable to work at a higher level within the industry and that I had made the wrong decision by starting as an electrician.
I was lucky to have a great role model at work who disregarded this opinion. He said 2 things that have stuck with me throughout my career.
Firstly he said, “You are where you need to be”. I didn’t understand this at the time, but now I look back and can see I was gaining experience working with tools and materials. I also learned how to work within a hierarchy, positions of management. I realised how I did not want to be if I progressed into a management position.
Secondly he quoted, “Anyone who has not made mistakes has not tried something new”. This helped me understand I must get out of my comfort zone to progress.
I take the unknown as a challenge, and try to remember you don’t always have to get things right the first time. This includes the choices you make in your career.
By working through all stages of the electrical engineering industry, from 'on the tools' to director level, I have a good understanding of serval electrical engineering disciplines.
I have a pragmatic approach to solving challenges, good people skills at all levels, and enough experience to innovate engineering solutions. Don't think you can't progress in your career, even if you maybe started in a different role.
By working hard, learning from your mistakes and understanding you don’t have to get things right first time, it will help you achieve any career aspirations you have.
Mistakes (and learning from them) is a key part of career progression, and in my scenario, proof that mistakes are essential for progression.
Anyone who has not made mistakes has not tried something new.
