It is motivating to see that our work yields results.
It all started with an internship. After finishing a Specialised Technological Course in Electricity, following secondary school, Eduardo Sousa Fernandes, now 22 years of age, undertook an internship at EDP Distribuição, in Santarém. At the time, he didn’t anticipate he’d soon be working for the company.
“I was doing a school internship where I could observe and learn a bit about the operations at EDP Distribuição. Meanwhile, I applied for a position as an electrical technician with the company.”
Eduardo successfully moved through the application process. Shortly after completing his internship, he progressed through the remaining stages and began a new chapter in his life: becoming an electrical technician. In actual fact, Eduardo had been pursuing this goal for a long time. “My father already worked at EDP Distribuição; I always showed a keen interest in his career and enjoyed talking to him about his work. I followed in his footsteps.”
In class: from theory to practice
All Electrical Technicians who join EDP Distribuição undergo intensive training. “When we join the company we take a course to acquaint ourselves with our daily tasks. I joined at the beginning of September and started the course before the end the month.”
The Network Operation Course has a duration of two months during which Eduardo Sousa Fernandes and 11 colleagues from all across the country attended classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Eduardo emphasises diversity in class as a very positive aspect.
“We came from different areas and locations and had individual perspectives. This allowed us to learn from everyone else, as we saw the way everyone else worked and found solutions.”
Training is conducted by technicians from various departments of EDP Distribuição. “Trainers are actively involved in fieldwork, have vast experience and pass on their knowledge to us,” stresses Eduardo. The course starts with a theoretical component, followed by a practical segment.
“We’d go out into the field to train with our instructors. We practiced the tasks we would be performing in the future in our own yards and warehouses, where all necessary safety measures were in place. In my case, it was medium and high voltage networks. What we learn in the course is what we’ll be doing on a daily basis.”
This practical segment, which focuses on how tasks are performed, is regularly evaluated by the trainers. Once the course is over, students take a theoretical exam covering all topics taught during the two months of classes.
Learning and sharing
Despite the continuous evolution and new challenges encountered in Network Operation, Eduardo Sousa Fernandes already felt comfortable with his role when he started his job, after finishing the course, not least because he remained in Santarém and was familiar with both the work and the people.
The technician currently works in Tomar, as part of a team of eight, which is further divided into teams of two and areas of jurisdiction – in this case, Tomar and Ferreira do Zêzere.
“Our job is to ensure power supply and distribution. In the event of a failure, we must restore power immediately. When all customers have electricity, our job mostly involves checking and maintenance.”
When asked where he sees himself in ten years’ time, Eduardo has an answer at the ready: “I envision myself doing what I do now. I may still be young, but I enjoy my job, feel challenged and find it motivating to see that our work is valuable and our customers are satisfied.”
Eduardo underlines that the Network Operation Course brought new friendships and a sense of cooperation and shared learning:
“The course is indeed very good; I wish it had lasted a bit longer.”
Despite not having had the opportunity to work with his teachers and classmates, Eduardo affirmed that “after the course, we were welcomed in Lisbon and integrated into EDP Distribuição. We got to gather again and exchange views; it’s great to be reunited.”