"I am driven by the opportunity to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. My approach is centred around being approachable and friendly, while maintaining a high level of professionalism with both learners and clients/managers."
What led you to work for PETA?
With a diverse background spanning electro-mechanical engineering and various roles in maintenance, sales, and management, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to PETA. My journey began with hands-on work servicing forklift trucks, cars, and heavy-load vehicles, evolving into building and servicing generators for power stations, where I managed high-value prototype projects. This experience led to diverse maintenance engineering roles, including positions as a Buyer, Salesperson, and ultimately, a Manager overseeing all departments. Along the way, I also gained qualifications, including an L2 diploma in counselling and an HND in economics with a specialization in finance and accounting. My passion for helping others, combined with my belief in PETA's mission, drew me to the organization, where I can leverage my skills to support learners in the engineering department
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
"As a Learning and Development Coach in the engineering department at PETA, my role is to guide and support learners through their educational journey. I am driven by the opportunity to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. My approach is centred around being approachable and friendly, while maintaining a high level of professionalism with both learners and clients/managers. I believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and exploring new concepts. Ultimately, I am motivated by seeing learners grow and achieve their full potential, contributing to a skilled and capable workforce.
What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?
I draw upon a wide range of knowledge and experience in my role. My electro-mechanical engineering background provides a solid foundation for understanding technical concepts and troubleshooting issues. My experience in various maintenance engineering roles has equipped me with practical skills in problem-solving and process improvement. Additionally, my time as a Buyer, Salesperson, and Manager has honed my communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities. My L2 diploma in counselling enhances my ability to listen and empathize with learners, while my HND in economics with finance and accounting specialisation provides a strong understanding of business principles. This diverse skill set allows me to effectively support learners from various backgrounds and with different learning styles.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
On a day-to-day basis, I approach my role with a focus on creating a positive and productive learning environment. This involves actively engaging with learners, providing guidance and support, and facilitating their understanding of key concepts. Strong communication skills are essential, as I need to effectively convey information and provide constructive feedback. Problem-solving skills are also crucial, as I often need to help learners overcome challenges and find solutions to complex problems. Additionally, organizational skills are necessary to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks. Being approachable, patient, and adaptable are also key to building rapport with learners and creating a supportive learning atmosphere.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about sports, particularly bodybuilding. I find that physical fitness not only improves my overall health and well-being but also teaches me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. Bodybuilding requires a consistent commitment to training and nutrition, which translates into other areas of my life. I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself to new limits and seeing the results of my hard work. Additionally, I find that exercise helps me to relieve stress and clear my mind, allowing me to approach my work with renewed energy and focus.
What are your personal values, and what is important to you?
My personal values are centred around listening to people, never judging others, being humble, and helping others. These values guide my interactions with colleagues, learners, and clients/managers. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. I strive to approach each situation with empathy and understanding, seeking to find common ground and build positive relationships. My commitment to helping others is the reason I pursued an L2 diploma in counselling and why I joined PETA. I believe that by supporting and empowering others, I can make a positive impact on their lives and contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world.