At just 26 years old, he has already led major electrical projects at Royal Holloway University and Eton College’s prestigious Provost’s Lodge, managing teams, coordinating complex installations, and taking responsibility for delivering work to the high standards expected by some of the country’s most respected institutions.

His journey into project leadership wasn’t part of a carefully planned career roadmap. Instead, it was built through hard work, practical experience, and a determination to keep progressing.

Ryan’s career began at the age of 16 as an electrical apprentice working for a sole trader.
“I spent two years with him. It was a good start, but I wanted broader experience,” Ryan explains.

Looking back, those early years provided valuable foundations, but he knew that gaining exposure to larger commercial projects would help accelerate his development.

He moved into a commercial environment to complete his apprenticeship, working alongside larger teams and gaining experience on more complex installations.

Even after qualifying and obtaining his Gold Card, Ryan felt there was more to achieve.

“Even after I qualified, I still felt like I was seen as the apprentice,” he says.

That ambition eventually led him to mel Group.

“When I came to mel Group about three years ago, they had positions available for electricians. At the start, I was moving between smaller projects and different sites every few days.”

What followed would quickly transform his career.

One of Ryan’s first significant opportunities came through a project at Royal Holloway University.

Initially, he was given responsibility for a relatively small studio installation.

“That first job gave me confidence. I knew I had it in me, I’d just never had the opportunity.”

The success of that project led to larger and more complex work across the university, culminating in the delivery of a flagship 3D laboratory installation.

With each project, Ryan’s responsibilities grew.

Alongside his project work, mel Group supported him in gaining his 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification, helping him continue to expand both his technical knowledge and professional capabilities.

Perhaps the most significant milestone in Ryan’s career to date was his involvement in the refurbishment of the Provost’s Lodge at Eton College.

The project required extensive electrical works within one of the college’s most prestigious buildings and demanded exceptional levels of coordination, attention to detail, and professionalism.

“It’s funny – I didn’t really understand the magnitude of it at the time,” Ryan says. “People kept saying, ‘Do you know how big this is?’ But I just kept my head down and focused on the work.”

As the project progressed, Ryan found himself overseeing a team of five engineers, managing key elements of the installation, and taking on increasing leadership responsibilities.

“Only once we finished it did I look back and think, ‘Actually, yeah… that was pretty huge.'”

The project lasted close to a year and marked a significant transition in Ryan’s career – from carrying out the work to leading others delivering it.

While technical expertise is essential in electrical contracting, Ryan believes leadership is where the biggest learning curve begins.

“At 26, I didn’t expect to be managing teams already. I love the installation work.”

But project leadership requires a different perspective.

“When you’re running a job, you’re not just thinking about yourself. You’re thinking about everything that could go wrong, making sure everyone knows what they’re doing, and keeping standards high.”

For Ryan, successful leadership isn’t about authority.

It’s about preparation, communication, and consistency.

“If everyone’s on the same wavelength – why we’re doing the job and what the standard is – then managing is easy. Structure and planning keep everything smooth.”

One of the realities of project leadership is that responsibility doesn’t simply end when the working day finishes.

“Your day doesn’t end at four. You do think about whether you’ve set everything up properly for tomorrow and whether the team has what they need to have a smooth day.”

Rather than seeing this as pressure, Ryan views it as part of taking pride in his work.

“It’s not stress really. It’s wanting to do a good job.”

That mindset has helped him earn the trust of colleagues, management, and clients alike.

Since Ryan joined mel Group, the company has experienced significant growth.

“It’s mad how complex the business has become,” he says. “But that’s a good thing. It means more interesting projects and more opportunities.”

For Ryan, one of the advantages of working within a growing business is the ability to progress alongside it.

“I’m lucky because as I grow, the company’s growing too.”

It’s a relationship that has allowed him to take on increasing responsibility while continuing to develop his skills and experience.

At just 26 years old, Ryan has already progressed from apprentice electrician to project leader, delivering major projects and managing teams across complex environments.

Yet he remains focused on learning, developing, and taking on new challenges.

Whether that means larger projects, greater leadership responsibilities, or further professional development, one thing is clear: Ryan’s journey is only just beginning.

And as mel Group continues to grow, it is providing the platform for talented individuals like Ryan to build rewarding and progressive careers.

If Ryan’s story has inspired you, explore our current vacancies and discover how a career with mel Group could help you develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and take the next step in your professional journey.