Spotlight on: Jamie Burrows

This month, we spotlight the career of IGEM Engineering Technician (EngTech) member Jamie Burrows, who turned his early ambition of working in the gas industry into a reality. Jamie now works as Gas Policy and Home Heat Installation Lead at OVO. 

Jamie began his journey in the gas industry as an apprentice, going straight from school to working on contracts including the Warm Front Scheme, MOD housing contracts and within the private sector. 

“From starting in the industry, I always aspired to carve out a career in gas and find a home within a large business,” said Jamie. “My first opportunity arose when I saw an advert for smart metering work in a newspaper, and it opened the door into metering.” 

This opportunity allowed Jamie to progress through a number of roles within the smart metering sector, from gas specialist to coach, before becoming a participant in British Gas’s One for the Future initiative. Through this programme, a small selection of candidates received access to further training and mentorship to help progress their careers. 

It was the culmination of these experiences that inspired Jamie to continue pushing forward, eventually securing his first role at OVO. 

Jamie explained: “From walking through the door at the interview stage, I was hooked. The company’s values and the open-door environment really appealed to me, and it wasn’t long before I was promoted to the role of Technical Support Advisor.” 

This role included a wide range of responsibilities, such as investigating incidents, managing technical enquiries, completing remote assessments and supporting the business through data collation. 

Jamie went on to manage a national ringfenced team dealing with complex installations and escalated complaints. The experience further motivated him to progress, and he soon found what he describes as his “dream role” within OVO. 

“I always enjoyed working closely with the policy team, and when my current role became available and I managed to secure it, the job enabled me to be a driving voice for gas within OVO.” 

Jamie’s current role involves developing instructions, procedures and policies, overseeing internal and external audit governance, and representing OVO across the industry. This includes participation in the Large Business Forum and Member Section Committee within IGEM, as well as the Gas Metering Forum and Industry Change and Emerging Technologies forums of the AMO. 

One of Jamie’s proudest career moments was achieving EngTech membership with IGEM. 

“It was a real badge-of-honour moment and opened my eyes to the opportunities that come with membership,” he said. “I was encouraged to join IGEM from the previous Gas Policy Leads: Mohamed Hussein and the late Gary Hesketh - they often shared an insight into what IGEM had to offer. In addition, Kim Maire and James Naughton's unwavering support drove me towards what I can say was one of the best decisions I ever made. 

“For me, IGEM lifts the lid on the gas industry and brings some of the best people in the sector under one roof. It gives you the opportunity to network and brainstorm, while also forming long-standing friendships. The volume of information available through membership has allowed me to actively contribute to discussions about the future of gas.” 

Jamie particularly values the forums, where knowledge sharing and peer discussion have helped him prepare OVO for upcoming improvements to IGEM/UP/1B Edition 4. 

He added: “As the industry evolves, there will be increased focus on heat pumps and electrification. However, as reflected in industry communications and IGEM meetings, gas continues to have a permanent seat at the top table. 

“I always encourage apprentices and colleagues to make the most of the opportunities available. As we move into a world of AI, there will never be a robot that can do what we do. With dedication, you can build a great career and a life to be proud of.” 

Looking ahead, Jamie’s goal is to continue helping OVO to navigate industry change. 

He concluded: “I’m really looking forward to what the future brings, particularly being part of the group that sees the introduction of hydrogen into the gas network, which I see as the next exciting step.” 

• Find out more about IGEM membership and the different grades on offer at www.igem.org.uk/membership