International Women’s Day – Jo’s story

Today is ‘International Women’s Day’ and to mark this event, we would like to re-share Jo’s truly inspiring story…

In 2008, Jo desperately wanted to get control back of her life…


“I was not long out of an abusive relationship, the kind where I thought every day ‘this is the way I’m going to die’. I was a single Mum. I had two kids and wanted to be the best mum I could be to them. I felt I had let them down so badly with all the violence they had witnessed at such a young age. I felt trapped and wanted a way out to build a better life that we all deserved. No one was going to change my life except ME!”


Fast forward to 2018… I was working as a domestic electrician on a new build school, doing first and second fix work. A colleague on the same job told me that he was going to Swansea to complete the CompEx 01 – 04 course with C&P Engineering! He gave me their telephone number to call and the rest was history!

Initially the tutors were reluctant to let Jo take the course as she had limited industrial experience, but she managed to persuade them that she had sufficient commercial experience to meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, as she was determined to get that CompEx qualification!

The CompEx 01 – 04 course is a five day course and provides competence-based training and assessment in the selection, installation & inspection of electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Jo’s enthusiasm and determination shone through on the course and the tutors, Dewi Evans and Steve Tossell, were more than happy to provide additional support to help her successfully pass the assessments.

Jo studied diligently every evening, to make sure she was fully prepared for the theoretical and practical exams at the end of the week.

When Jo received her results, she was thrilled to learn that the hard work and extra tutoring had paid off and had successfully passed all four modules of the course. Her feedback to the course tutors says it all…


“Well, I’m as chuffed as a Choo Choo train!! I cannot put into words how fantastic you were in your tutoring!! But my goodness you boys taught a domestic spark and I managed to pass the CompEx course !! A million billion thanks to the both of you… CompEx is the Gold-Standard’ in terms of qualification but once you have passed the course and you are on site, that’s when the learning really starts”


After gaining her CompEx qualification, Jo’s career has really taken off! Having worked in the Utilities Sector, LNG/Oil terminals, chemical processing plants, liquid nitrogen storage depots, Jo is now working offshore and holding her own on what is still considered to be a male dominated environment.

‘CompEx 01 – 04 changed my life, my career prospects, my earning potential allowing me to improve my and my children’s lives. That is what being a Mum is about; setting an example and bringing up your children to be the best they can be’.

For further information about any of our CompEx training courses click here.
Alternatively you can email us: info@cpgengineering.co.uk or ring us on 01792 897 002.