Meet James Wilkins: A Chat with the "Real Tree Sparky"
At Lewden Limited, we pride ourselves on our dedication to excellence and our unwavering commitment to our clients. Today, we're delighted to introduce you to James Wilkins, also known as "Real Tree Sparky," the founder and driving force behind Wimbeldon Electrician. Join us as we delve into his journey, challenges, and insights into the electrical trade.
Introduction
Lewden: Hello, can you introduce yourself and share how long you've been working as an electrician?
James: Hello, I'm James Wilkins, also known as "Real Tree Sparky." I run Wimbledon Electrician Limited. I've been working as an electrician and running my own business since 2010, starting with my father right after the recession. We've been going strong ever since.
Beginnings in the Trade
Lewden: What initially drew you to the electrical trade, and what do you find most rewarding about your profession?
James: What can I say? At school, I wasn't always the most academic, but because of the friends I had and the expectations, I went to university. I ended up failing my first year studying Surf Science and Technology, which involved maths, physics, and oceanography. That didn't work out for me. My father then gave me two options: become an electrician or a plumber. Not wanting to handle toilets, I chose to be an electrician, and that's how I entered the trade.
Tackling Challenges
Lewden: In your experience, what has been the most challenging or complex electrical project you've worked on, and how did you overcome the obstacles?
James: The most challenging project I've worked on was the Shabad House Synagogue in Wimbledon. It was a very big and complicated project for us. We faced many obstacles, but we just got on with it, learning and figuring things out as we went. When you don't know something, you learn it. We also sought advice from more experienced electricians.
Advice for Apprentices
Lewden: As a seasoned professional, what piece of advice would you give to an apprentice electrician just starting their career?
James: My advice to apprentices is to invest in yourself and your tools, even though the pay might be low initially. Look after your tools because they make you money, and take care of your health. I fractured my ankle playing rugby and was off work for four months, which led me to start my own business. So, invest in yourself, ask questions, and don't be afraid to fail. You'll learn more from failures than from always succeeding.
Memorable Moments
Lewden: Can you share a memorable or funny story from one of your electrical installations or service calls?
James: Once, we had a main fuse in a board blow up with a massive bang and flash. It was pretty scary. The funny moments often come from the people you work with. It's important to make work enjoyable with good music and a great team.
Focus on Sustainability
Lewden: With the increasing focus on sustainability, how do you think the electrical industry can contribute to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices?
James: As we move towards sustainability, it's a complex issue. Battery storage and mining lithium and cobalt are detrimental to the environment. There isn't a truly sustainable way to do this unless we use nuclear power or wave energy. We need to become less dependent on electricity, but our whole lives run on it. I'm also not convinced about electric vehicles. It's just my personal opinion.
Emphasising Safety
Lewden: What do you consider to be the most important safety measures or precautions that every electrician should always follow?
James: The most important safety measure is always practicing safe isolation. Never take anyone's word for it—always check circuits yourself. Carry a light pen to prevent shocks and always have a pair of croppers you don't mind ruining.
Problem-Solving Skills
Lewden: Describe a situation where your problem-solving skills were put to the test, and how did you approach and resolve the issue?
James: Problem-solving is a daily part of our job. For instance, when faced with a challenging fault-finding issue, I might curse under my breath, but then I go back to basics, follow processes methodically, and figure it out. If you can't solve it alone, don't hesitate to call someone who can help.
Future of the Industry
Lewden: In your opinion, what are the most exciting or innovative developments happening in the electrical industry, and how do you see the field evolving in the future?
James: I'd love to see self-healing cables that can repair themselves if nicked. Innovation-wise, automation and AI will likely make homes more efficient, although I have privacy concerns. Despite technological advances, skilled electricians will always be needed to install and maintain equipment, so our jobs should remain secure.
Endorsement of Lewden
Lewden: As a Lewden brand ambassador, what aspects of our products or services do you find particularly impressive or valuable for your work?
James: I've been using Lewden for about eight years and have never had a problem. Their boards are spacious, and the reduced height ones make installations look neater. The buzz bars and neutral terminals are reliable. Lewden is also willing to help or build custom solutions. They invest in getting feedback from electricians, which is invaluable for those of us using their products on-site.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful conversation with James Wilkins. Stay tuned for more stories and expert advice from the heart of Wimbledon Electrician Limited. If you have any questions or need professional electrical services, feel free to reach out to us.
