Meet the Team – Col Allen – Infrastructure Maintenance Technician

Could you please tell us about your experience in the scaffolding industry?

I am a qualified plumber and Heating Engineer, so I’m not from a scaffolding background, but I did work for a large North Wales-based scaffolding business for a short time in the early noughties. When I was employed there, I did yard work and so I have a good idea of what all of the bits and bobs are called.

Can you describe a typical day at Simian?

I generally arrive for 8am and find out what I will be doing for the rest of the day on my electronic planner. I might be servicing fittings, installing televisions or doing general building maintenance including painting, plumbing or repairs. No two days are ever the same and there is always something to do, so the job is never boring and it’s always nice to see that the work I do plays a part in making Simian’s Warrington centre a better place to be for learners and team members.

Is there one aspect of your work in particular that you most enjoy?

I think the variety of what I do is the best part – but because what I do adds value, it means that I feel that I am contributing my own little bit with my colleagues.

Before working at Simian, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Before I became a plumber, I worked for a specialist pub and hotel refurbishment business, so I was regularly involved in quirky and interesting projects. On one job, we had to install MIG fighter jet in a nightclub and on another job, we travelled to Italy to refurbish a floating casino.

Aside from scaffolding, what would be your dream job?

Who said scaffolding was my dream job? 😉 I would love to be a sports reporter. I can’t think of anything better than travelling and watching sports for a living!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to do a road trip around Europe visiting some of the famous football grounds.

Have you ever had your 15 minutes of fame?

I have scored a free kick in the clock end at Highbury, but sadly that was only in a kick around. I have also

Tea or coffee?

Coffee

Crisps or chocolate? 

Crisps. (For the record, Worcester Sauce French Fries!)

Beer or wine?

Craft Beer.

Celebrity look-alike?

People have said I look like Will Young and Robbie Williams.

Favourite film?

The Fighter, a biopic starring Mark Wahlberg, about the dysfunctional family life of Mickey Ward.

Favourite food?

Chinese.

Favourite Book?

McCarthy’s Bar by Pete McCarthy.

Favourite ever Band?

Echo and the Bunnymen.

Favourite current band?

Are Talking Heads still around?

If you could go for a beer with anyone dead or alive, who would choose and why?

Graeme Souness, the Liverpool footballer. He’s a born winner and would never accept second best.