Thomas Keating

I recently joined DSFRS as an on-call firefighter and a new potential career path. I would like to further this career within the fire service. I chose to join the fire service as it has always been a role I've been interested in since a young age and to be ale to have an opportunity to give back to the community. I have recently completed my initial training I have learnt a lot of new skills in this role so far and still have an abundance of new knowledge and skills to learn and look I forward to moving forward in this role.

I started my groundworks career at SHC where i spent 2 years gaining a lot of new skills and completing work in a time effective manner whilst maintaining a quality finished product my main roles were drainage and finishings, I worked in a team of 3 including my machine driver, my labourer and myself we managed to work effectively keeping our work to the highest standards. After 2 years I left SHC for better opportunities, I worked with 3 other groundworks companies before returning to SHC in December 2024

• Installed utility pipelines for essential services provision.
• Removed unnecessary debris from sites, maintaining tidy and safe working conditions.
• Performed kerbing and flagging tasks resulting in aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
• Followed architectural plans accurately, ensuring structures were built according to design parameters.
• Achieved successful excavation tasks with use of appropriate machinery.
• Executed concrete pours, enabling stable structure formation.
• Operated heavy machinery to facilitate groundwork operations efficiently.
• Worked collaboratively with other tradespeople on-site, fostering a positive teamwork environment.
• Conducted routine checks, ensuring overall site safety and compliance with regulations.
• Conducted manual labour tasks, contributing to team efforts towards project completion.
• Confined spaces, experience in working in confined spaces whilst laying drain pipes and setting manholes.

Whilst at Greenthumb I drove a company van on a daily basis around Devon treating lawns, this included applying weedkill and fertiliserto lawns and giving customers feedback and tips on how to keep their lawn looking good, during the winter period we did machine work which consisted of using a aerator and scarifier to aerate and dethatch lawns.

• Ensured safety standards by meticulously following protocols and procedures.
• Met deadlines by prioritising tasks effectively.
• Achieved targets with attention to detail and time management skills.
• Organised workflow for streamlined process execution.
• Handled materials carefully to avoid damage or loss.
• Utilised tools properly to maintain their longevity and effectiveness,.

I worked at this company labouring and learning with the aim of becoming a fully trained roofer, I learned a lot of knowledge and new skills at this job but after 2 years i felt i was with the wrong company so i made the choice to leave.

• Maintained tools and equipment, ensuring prolonged usability.
• Adhered to all health and safety guidelines; maintaining a safe working environment.
• Worked comfortably at heights whilst adhering to strict safety procedures.
• Enhanced site cleanliness by removal of old roofing materials and waste.
• Assisted in the installation of new roofs, resulting in successful completions.