Mike Stark, the newly appointed President of SELECT, has dedicated an impressive 40 years to the electrical industry and within the OCS business. His journey began in 1984 when he joined Arthur McKay as a qualified electrician. Over the years, he held various roles, each contributing to his wealth of experience and expertise. From being an approved electrician to managing electrical contracts and overseeing operations, Mike’s commitment and adaptability shine through. His current role as Director of Data Cabling and Networks at OCS reflects his expertise in addressing the growing demands of artificial intelligence systems. His journey exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and leadership, making him a deserving recipient of the Long Service Award. We sat down with Mike to commemorate this occasion.
Tell us a bit about what you do.
My primary role within the projects side of OCS’s Mechanical and Engineering (M&E) services is to manage the Data Cabling and Networks business unit, overseeing health and safety, P&L, development, and training. In the technical services part of the OCS business, I lead the compliance team responsible for delivering Electrical Fixed Wire testing and Portable appliance testing to both direct customers and technical services customers. This includes managing health and safety, P&L, development, and training. Additionally, I serve as the Electrical Principal Duty holder for OCS UK & I, providing support and guidance whenever electrical solutions are needed. I also help the electrical apprentices within the projects side of OCS M&E services, conducting interviews, coaching, training, advising, and guiding each apprentice toward becoming a qualified electrician. Due to my extensive length of service, I am also the go-to person for guidance and advice.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, with such a variety of duties to cover and be involved in, the topics and subjects to address and resolve always vary.
What is your favourite thing about working here?
I have enjoyed my roles and gotten job satisfaction in a lot of instances, stemming from having a “can-do” attitude. I firmly believe in my abilities and, equally importantly, in the business’s goals and objectives. However, my favourite aspect is undoubtedly the people I work with.
Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you overcame it.
Initially, my main challenge was adapting to frequent changes in my working environment. However, I overcame this when the advantages of these changes were explained to me. Now, with the same philosophy, I embrace any further changes. You could say ‘change’ should be my middle name; it now comes naturally to me.
Tell us about a time when you felt proud to be part of this organisation.
When we’ve had apprentices win awards for their commitment, attitude, and application, we always tell our apprentices that we’re not seeking superstars. However, if an apprentice applies themselves correctly and receives an award, credit goes first to the apprentice and then to the business.
How has the technology and innovation landscape changed over your career? Tell us about two significant changes you’ve witnessed
From an electrical perspective, there have been significant changes to the regulations over the years. Currently, they seem to be evolving regularly. Two notable shifts include the introduction of renewable energy and positive enhancements to the training and testing of our electrical apprentices.
We can tell apprenticeships are quite important to you, can you tell us about why you believe they are key to securing the future of your profession?
The future is ‘electric,’ marked by the introduction and continuous improvement of various elements, including but not limited to renewables. These encompass Electric Vehicles, solar panels, wind turbine farms, and the transition of household appliances—such as boilers—to electric power. Additionally, the recent invention of ‘AI’ (artificial intelligence) adds to this electrifying landscape. All these advancements will necessitate qualified electricians, many of whom are generated through apprenticeships.
You recently became the SELECT president and are now receiving the Long Service Award, what do these career milestones mean to you?
They mean a lot to me personally but are not just an honour for myself but also for my family, especially my wife Lindsey who has been a rock and provided understanding support along the way. My mum and dad have also been a great support, I even got my photo taken with my mum with the SELECT President’s medal the other week in her care home. I wish my dad were still here to witness these great personal achievements. He was the one who pointed me in the right direction as a young 16-year-old, “get a trade behind you, son” were his guiding words.
What in your career are you looking forward to in the future?
Apart from retiring, only kidding! Meeting the challenges put in front of me head-on and addressing and achieving them to the best of my ability. I don’t think my peers, or our business can ask for anything more. I have always been told I have a “can-do” attitude. I hope to maintain the same approach and develop those around me, existing and new.
We congratulate and thank Mike for his years of service and look forward to his continued success within the business.
