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Success Stories with:
Apprentice Engineer
Nathaniel Richards
Nathaniel tells us he always knew he wanted to work in engineering. He opted to do Design Technology (DT) for one of his GCSE subjects as he got great joy out of putting things together and fixing things so he knew engineering would suit him well.
Nathaniel studied a level 2 Mechanical Engineering course at college, as well as maths and science at A Level. He also studied a skills for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) course.
Mid-way through his college course he started researching apprenticeships and discovered Anabas.
Tell us about your journey within the company so far?
I started my apprenticeship at Anabas in December 2021. I spend one day every fortnight in college and the rest of the time I work in the engineering team at Anabas. I’m currently working towards my Building Services Engineer level 3 qualification.
I work across Anabas’s client sites in London and each one is unique. I work with one legal client whose building is very mechanical, another insurance client has a very electrically heavy building and one of our media company client sites entails a lot of plumbing. I shadowed various Anabas engineers and it is interesting to see how they approach tasks.
From November, I will join the mobile engineering team so I will be driving around to call outs.
I get to work with lots of people from client employees to client building managers and other Anabas team members including account managers, post teams and cleaning and security teams. I learn from every single one of them.
What steps has your development taken? How has Anabas supported you in this?
At first, I really didn’t know much at all but now I have a totally different outlook on buildings. I find myself assessing buildings now in my spare time! I can spot things like dry risers and fire systems which I just didn’t know about before.
In engineering no two days are ever the same. There are always different challenges, and it is very satisfying finding solutions.
Anabas is really supportive of my course. I can take 20% of my weekly hours off to complete any study work assigned during my working hours. They also make sure I’m safe at all times whilst I’m working, and they explain exactly what I am doing and why. I’ve benefitted so much from this hands-on experience; I find things much easier to remember.
Can you give us an example of a time where you feel you went above and beyond your role at Anabas?
One time I had to seal up a vent as the taping had come off. It was the main vent for a kitchen, so it was critical it was completed instantly. It was a case of applying myself to the job and very quickly to minimise disruption.
From time to time, I talk with other Anabas colleagues who are studying college courses. We discuss what they are studying and it also gives me another opportunity to learn.
Would you recommend Anabas as an employer to friends/family? And if so, why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Anabas. It is such a friendly environment, and it makes work a happy and fun place to be. I really enjoy working at Anabas and doing my apprenticeship here has really exceeded my expectations.
Nathaniel is dedicated to becoming a fully qualified engineer and progressing the solid foundations he is working hard to build on every day. He’s keen to keep learning so he can serve Anabas’ clients on his own and deliver the right answers and guidance.
We love that Nathaniel is keen to share advice he’s learnt on his journey with other Anabas apprentices and support them on their career path too.
What do you love most about working at Anabas?
When I first engaged with Anabas. I spoke to the learning and development manager and the business support director and I immediately felt at home because of the friendly and open welcome. I loved the company’s values and ethos and could immediately see myself working here. Everyone is so approachable, and I always know I can ask anyone for help.
How have you grown as a person during your internship? How has this influenced your role?
I feel far more confident now. Not just in my ability as an engineer but I am a lot more confident in liaising with and approaching other people. Before I would’ve been nervous, but I love meeting new faces now.