Malcolm Gordon, who lives in Redcar, is ready to hang up his boots after an unbelievable 44-year career with the same company.
Currently a Programme Manager for Health, Safety and Training, Mal has worked all over Northern Powergrid, always making an impact wherever he went.
Mal joined the business back in 1981 with 17 other apprentices, including electricians, fitters, linesmen and telecoms when it was NEEB, the North Eastern Electricity Board, and was based out of a depot in his beloved west end of Newcastle.
Together they navigated the world for three years in close proximity, learning and leaning on one another for support – and now almost half a century later they still do the same.
A keen footballer, Mal has seen Northern Powergrid adapt to the change in times, and embrace technology, he has been part of storm response and even sold electricity back in the day.
As Mal now looks to his retirement after an amazing career, he beams with pride knowing his happiness within his work life has inspired his own son, George, to follow in his footsteps and become part of Northern Powergrid.
Mal said “I cannot believe that I’ve been here for 44 years and even more so that my time has come to an end, it’s flown over!
“Northern Powergrid really is a fantastic place to work, they always supported me and encouraged me to push myself and grow.
“I know it’s cliché, but it really is the people that make the place so special, they will bend over backwards to help a customer, and you are unlikely to get that anywhere else.
“It makes me so proud knowing George has found a place here as well; it’s a world away from where I started but I know working here will bring him as much joy as it’s brought me.
“When I started, 12 of us shared one computer in the foreman’s office, now we’ve got mobile apps being developed that allow our teams in the field to give real-time updates to our customers, it’s amazing.
“Thankfully I won’t be bored in my retirement, I’ve got some wonderful DIY projects lined up to keep me busy, lush walks played with my bulldog Kobe and I’ve even signed myself up for some volunteering.
“Having the opportunity to give back to the local community via Sporting Chance Northeast will get me out of the house and sharing some of my knowledge with those who really need a point in the right direction.
“I want to say thank you to Northern Powergrid for giving me a wonderful career, I’ve met the most amazing people both staff and customers who have made it what it is.
“All of this isn’t bad for a daft electrician from the west end is it?”
Gareth Pearson, Director of Health, Safety and Training, said “Mal will be a huge miss to the organisation, not just for his incredible knowledge of our industry but for his great personality.
“Mal has seen this organisation be called different names throughout his 44 years, but he has always had customers at the heart of everything he has done.
“The fact he is still friends with those apprentices that started with him all those years ago is a testament to who he is as a person.
“We’ve come a long way, since even I started, in terms of equipment and safety, how we care for our people, even the size of our organisation.
“But the customer focused approach to the way we work will never change, it’s just who we are.
“I wish Mal nothing but the best with his retirement, I’m sure it won’t be a quiet one that’s for sure.”
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