Jamie Birchall

Directly reporting to the project manager, my role as a Project Engineer is to plan, oversee, direct and ensure seamless delivery of multiple projects. From contract award through to completion and hand-over; inclusive of all associated documentation. The projects consist of the containment, wiring, connection, integration and signalling of mains electrical systems, CCTV, access control, cross-site fibre networks and HV perimeter security fencing installations and upgrades within National Grid HV substation environments. I am directly involved with and oversee the delivery of multiple projects at all times. Project values range anywhere from £300,000 - £10,000,000.

My duties include:

• Producing all pre-construction documentation following surveys - RAMS, CPP's, TMP's, EFAW etc.
• Welfare provision surveys and procurement.
• Produce project programmes and 4WLA.
• Attend validation surveys with clients, stakeholders and sub-contractors.
• Assist the Project Manager directly with costing projections, Variation orders and invoicing.
• Participate in design review meetings to ensure transition from concept design through to finalised issue for construction design.
• Liaise directly with Sub-contractors for labour requirements, costings and purchase orders.
• Perform progress walk-arounds with National Grid senior authorised personnel and project managers.
• Provide technical support to Lead engineers and engineers where required.
• Execute quality assurance activities, checking project results against client requirements through the process of ITP documentation.
• Examine project plans and locations to identify and mitigate potential hazards through HAZCON documentation and processes.
• Host weekly meetings with client project managers and Senior authorised personnel.
• Use SMSTS training certification to perform principal contractor site management duties in the case of holidays and sickness or general requirement.

As a self-employed fire alarm technician and electrician, I provided comprehensive electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients, specializing in fire alarm systems and gas suppression detection systems.

I contracted with industry-leading companies, including Chubb Fire and Chubb Mechanical, where I conducted risk assessments, ensured regulatory compliance with British fire safety codes, and delivered reliable installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting for fire detection systems, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and gas suppression control panels.

I managed client relationships from consultation to project completion, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s specific safety needs. Additionally, I handled all aspects of the business, including material sourcing, budgeting, invoicing, and client follow-up, achieving a high level of client satisfaction and delivering rapid emergency response services to minimize downtime and enhance safety.

I used my variety of experience working with multiple cable types such as FP200, MMIC, SWA, SY, T&E, Fibre, PVC singles and CAT6.

Some of the systems and services included were:

• Air aspirating systems within high risk areas such as substations, power stations and gaseous environments. Some brands include VESDA and X-Tralis.
• EX and Ozone protected devices in correlated areas such as flame detectors and beam detectors.
• Gas suppression detection systems within high risk areas.
• Domestic 230V installations.
• Input/Output programming for cross-service activations/integration
• Addressable and conventional fire alarm systems
• Industrial and commercial 230V installations such as lighting and power.
• 3-phase DB installation and associated circuitry within industrial/commercial properties.
• Industrial and commercial containment systems, including Metal Tray, Galvanised Trunking and conduit, along with their PVC counterparts.

Whilst completing my NVQ Level 3 apprenticeship in electrotechnical installations, I was employed full-time at a specialized electrical, fire alarm, and gas suppression company. Working within a small team, I gained hands-on experience in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting critical systems for a range of clients. We contracted directly with major industry leaders, including Chubb Fire, Notifier, and Gent, allowing me to develop expertise in high-standard safety and compliance practices. This included the installation of 230V domestic, commercial, and industrial systems, encompassing power and lighting solutions. I supported all stages of project work, from initial setup to final inspections, which helped me build a solid foundation in both technical skills and client relationship management.

• Installed, tested and modified circuit breakers, controls, fuses, lights and motors.
• Installed and wired electrical hardware, including transformers, junction boxes, service panels, electrical boxes, switches and circuit breakers.
• Tested electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures using various testing devices.
• Prepared wiring, fixtures and fittings to exact project requirements.
• Performed timely electrical system installation of conduit, cable, power distribution and motor controls.