Meet Beau, a Premier Tech septic service engineer trainee

Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series, where we highlight the experiences of our newest team members at Premier Tech Water and Environment. In their own words, they share their backgrounds, aspirations and what it’s like to be part of our team in the UK. Join us as we take you behind the scenes!

My name is Beau Slyfield-Brown. I started with Premier Tech in May 2024.

Last summer, I graduated from university. Like many graduates, I wanted a job that matched my degree, but also one I could grow in. Thankfully, I think I’ve found it.

Having spent three years studying construction engineering — with a dissertation in plastics waste management — I was instantly attracted to Premier Tech. And my role as a trainee service engineer is giving me just what I wanted as a graduate: I get variety, but I’m also getting further education.

Within a month of joining, I was on a path to securing industry qualifications. Premier Tech is paying for it all, which proves its commitment to me.

Now it is hard work, mind you. There’s a lot to learn — particularly in electronics — and we get through a lot of jobs each day.

But it is rewarding, and I’m still learning, so I definitely feel I’ve made a smart decision by picking a career with Premier Tech.

A typical day on the job

In my role, I travel from site to site, dealing with a wide range of septic systems.

Typically, my working day starts the night before. We use an app to organise our jobs, and I use it to arrange where I’ll be in the morning and which engineer I’ll be meeting.

On average, we can go through around four jobs a day. The first starts by 8.30 a.m. and the last finishes around 5:30 p.m.

No project is the same. I’m learning to service tanks, carry out inspections and change parts. With a service, I’ll inspect the electrics and ensure the pumps are working fine. If a part needs to be repaired, that might involve venturing inside the tank.

Having a degree helps, but ultimately, I’m learning so much new information on the job.

My engineers are now my lecturers. They are highly experienced and skilled, but also incredibly friendly and giving. So far that has been one of the best things about working for Premier Tech. The company really wants me to grow.

Clearing the air on the septic industry

One common misconception is that I’ll spend my shift inside a septic tank, but that’s not how we work. Generally, we only venture inside if a part needs replacing. Most of the time we are outside in the fresh air, which is another big job perk, especially in the summer.

Another misconception is that most sewage treatment plants are commercial. People are surprised by how many domestic tanks there are, and I’d say my daily workload is split down the middle.

That means I spend time interacting with our customers, which is teaching me customer service and interpersonal skills.

There is also a fair amount of admin to get through. After each job, I need to write a full report, which is a skill in itself.

Portrait of Beau Slyfield-Brown, a service engineer trainee at Premier Tech in the UK.

The perks of the job and my growth

Bigger projects, like one I recently carried out for a hotel chain, can involve spending time away.

What’s great is how well I’ve been looked after when I’m spending time away from home. We stay at hotels, which are booked for us, and all our food and drinks are covered with meal allowances.

Don’t get me wrong, days can be long and it is hard work.

But it is rewarding, and I’m still learning, so I definitely feel I’ve made a smart decision by picking a career with Premier Tech.