When you meet Ben Harvey, one of the first things you notice is his quiet confidence.

It’s the kind of confidence that comes from experience, not ego.

At just 28 years old, Ben has already built a 12-year career in the electrical industry, worked across complex commercial projects, gained his Approved Electrician status, and achieved something few people can  claim: a perfect score in his City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing examination.

But while the qualifications are impressive, they only tell part of the story.

Ben’s journey is one of hard work, determination, and a genuine passion for understanding how things work.

Ben always knew he wanted to work in a trade.

His father worked for a water company and his mother hoped he might pursue carpentry, but electrical engineering was the path that interested him most.

“Carpentry didn’t appeal as much as the electrical side because it used more of the technical side of your brain.”

Unable to secure an apprenticeship immediately, Ben enrolled on a full-time electrical course at college.

On his first day, he arrived wearing a suit and tie.

“Everyone else was in tracksuits. I felt completely overdressed.”

But standing out worked in his favour.

Shortly afterwards, the college contacted him about an apprenticeship opportunity with a local electrical contractor.

The impression he made helped open the first door in what would become a successful career.

Ben quickly discovered that electrical work is about far more than classroom learning.

His apprenticeship exposed him to real-world challenges from an early stage, providing valuable hands-on experience and accelerating his development.

After qualifying, he moved onto larger commercial projects across London, taking on increasing levels of responsibility and gaining experience in complex environments.

While the projects were rewarding, the pace and pressure eventually led him to consider a different path.

“I didn’t want to be waking up at the crack of dawn to go into London and pull my hair out all day.”

That search for a better balance ultimately brought him to MEL.

Surrounded by classmates wearing tracksuits, he felt overdressed, even awkward. But that choice paid off. Shortly after, the college called: a local company was looking for an apprentice, and Ben had “stood out.” The suit had done its job.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 and typically take about four years to complete. During an apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside a qualified employer while studying at a college or an approved training centre, combining on-the-job training with classroom learning to become an electrician.

The company threw him in at the deep end, sometimes literally doing work he technically shouldn’t have been doing as an apprentice, but he learned quickly.

For those not pursuing an apprenticeship, completing a Level 2 qualification is typically the first step. The City & Guilds 2365 Diploma qualifications are a common route for those seeking to learn and practice the skills necessary for employment in the electrotechnology sector.

Once qualified, he was thrust straight into big London sites, managing teams and navigating complex commercial projects. It was a valuable experience, but the stress eventually took its toll.

Ben interviewed with mel Group while working on a busy construction project in central London.

The conversation immediately left an impression.

“They came across as very personable. The ethos attracted me. It felt close-knit, almost like a family.”

After joining the business, he quickly discovered that the culture matched his first impression.

“It’s 100% true. Absolutely.”

His first project at Eton College offered a welcome change from the commercial environments he had spent much of his career working within.

The work combined domestic and commercial installations, introducing greater variety and new technical challenges.

One of the things Ben values most about working at mel Group is the variety of projects and environments.

From educational facilities and heritage estates to infrastructure and environmental projects, no two jobs are quite the same.

That variety became even more apparent when he was introduced to Environment Agency lock projects.

Drawing on his mechanical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills, Ben began working on projects that combined both electrical and mechanical disciplines.

“The crossover work really suited me. It was something different and gave me new challenges to get stuck into.”

The opportunity to continually learn and expand his skillset remains one of the aspects of the role he enjoys most.

One of the most significant milestones in Ben’s career came when he completed his City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification.

The qualification is widely regarded as one of the most challenging assessments within the electrical industry and forms an important step towards achieving Approved Electrician status.

Knowing its reputation, Ben dedicated time to revision and preparation.

“A lot of people I knew had struggled with it, so I wanted to make sure I was ready.”

The result exceeded even his own expectations.

He achieved 100% in the written examination.

“Apparently I’m the only person at that test centre to get 100%. I was quite happy with that.”

The achievement reflected not only his technical ability but also his desire to understand the principles behind electrical systems rather than simply following procedures.

While qualifications are important, Ben believes the most rewarding part of the job is applying his knowledge in real-world situations.

One project that stands out involved installing and wiring a Rotork electro-hydraulic actuator at a Thames Water facility.

The system was highly sophisticated, involving complex controls, multiple terminals, sensors, and specialist programming requirements.

“When you first look at it, you think, ‘What’s going on here?’ There are so many terminals, cables and numbers.”

Once he understood how the technical drawings related to the installation, the challenge became one of precision, planning, and attention to detail.

Projects like these continue to push his technical knowledge and provide opportunities to learn new skills.

“It keeps you on your toes. It’s something different from just screwing in a light bulb.”

As Ben’s experience grows, so too does his understanding of the importance of client relationships.

When asked whether technical knowledge or customer service is more important, his answer is immediate.

“They’re equally important.”

Delivering safe, compliant installations remains the priority, but representing mel Group professionally and building trust with clients is equally important.

“I take any client interaction seriously. You have to have respect.”

It’s an approach that reflects mel Group’s wider commitment to professionalism, quality, and long-term relationships.

Despite his achievements, Ben remains grounded and focused on continual improvement.

“I try to stay in the here and now.”

He enjoys solving technical challenges, developing his expertise, and working on projects that continually expand his knowledge.

While he isn’t certain exactly where his career will take him next, he’s excited by the opportunities ahead.

Whether that involves specialist technical roles, design, project leadership, or new areas of the industry entirely, one thing is clear: he has no intention of standing still.

“It keeps you on your toes. It’s something different from just screwing in a light bulb.”

Ben’s journey demonstrates how the right environment, support, and opportunities can help talented individuals develop successful and rewarding careers.

From apprentice electrician to Approved Electrician, his story reflects the commitment, professionalism, and ambition that drive both his career and mel Group’s continued growth.

And judging by what he has achieved so far, the next chapter is likely to be just as impressive.