Gas Engineer's Exciting Week

A young gas engineer from Pontefract is celebrating an eventful week after receiving an award at his local college and then helping a man escape from his burning car!

Dave Owen (27) from Pontefract works for gas company United Utilities as a First Call Operative looking after the region’s 36,000km system of gas mains on behalf of Northern Gas Networks. As part of his personal development programme, United Utilities supports Dave on a day release programme at college.

Dave won an accolade for his outstanding work while studying for an HNC in Plant and Process Engineering at Wakefield College’s, Whitwood Centre. One of the deciding factors in the award was the tremendous achievement of Dave successfully attaining a “Distinction” grade in every one of his assignments over 10 units.

The “Student Excellence Award” was presented by the Institute of Engineering and Technology at a ceremony at Wakefield College’s, Thornes Park Centre.

The excitement of the week didn’t stop there however, as Dave encountered a burning car when travelling back from Sheffield to the depot at Leeds.

“I was driving on the M1 near Barnsley when I saw a VW Golf in front of me suddenly burst into flames,” said Dave. “When the car stopped I helped the driver out and used my fire extinguisher to douse the flames. It was definitely a rush of adrenaline!”

Dave stayed with the driver until the Highways Agency arrived on scene to take over.

“It’s been quite a week,” said Dave. “I’m very pleased to have been able to help someone in trouble and save their car, and I’m also very proud of my award from the college!”

Dave is now continuing his training at work where he is learning to become a front line manager for the gas company at Sheepscar Recycling Plant, and continuing his education to foundation degree level at Wakefield College.