When did you start working at ISF and what was your job role?
My dad, Iain, is the MD of ISF so I’ve always known the company. I first started working at ISF in 2011, when I was 29. Initially, I was a manufacturing operative but soon moved into a site engineer role.
What did you do next in your career?
After a while, I felt the need spread my wings and look for new challenges so I could find out what was right for me. So, I took the decision to leave ISF in 2015. This led to three years away from the company working for Bouygues Ltd on the LED streetlighting conversion in York. I then moved to SSE Enterprise plc; an energy infrastructure company based in Leeds. Both were great experience and showed me how large companies manage their engineering processes, and how they handle health and safety.
However, I always knew where I belonged and so I returned to ISF in 2018. A large part of my role now is managing health and safety for the business and so my time away and what I learned was invaluable.
What is your role? Can you describe what you do on a day-to-day basis?
My title is now Operations Co-Ordinator. This role encompasses many different duties, and my work is varied and interesting. As well as managing health and safety for the business, I operate the plasma machine. This is a CNC profile cutting machine that cuts out steel profiles prior to fabrication. I am also responsible for purchasing steel and consumables.
What do you like most about your job?
The variation in work. There are so many different, interesting projects to get involved with. And there’s plenty to do – I’m always busy! The health and safety management can definitely be stressful, but I do like it. At the end of the day, the most important thing is everyone going home safe.
Any career highlights or pivotal moments?
During my career at ISF I have been able to undertake a whole host of training courses which have improved my knowledge, confidence, and ability. Being given the opportunity to complete the IOSH Leading Safely course, followed by the IOSH Managing Safely and Lead Accident and Investigation courses, has been especially important. This training and development has meant I have been able to change job roles and progress into management but has also given me skills that are transferable into various areas of the business and other job roles.
From a personal perspective, during my time at ISF I have also started coaching Carr Vikings Under 11’s football team (which ISF have also sponsored), which gives me such a sense of pride. However, my absolute favourite experience has been taking part in a charity boxing match in front of 1000 people to raise money for Cancer Research. ISF sponsored my part in that too, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Its hard to put into words the feeling it gave me – the adrenaline buzz, pushing myself out of my comfort zone in front of so many people, all whilst raising funds for such a fantastic cause. Just incredible.
What advice would you give for anyone considering applying to ISF and why?
Don’t think twice. This is a great company to work for. You’ll be well looked after, with so much training and support given, plus plenty of opportunity to progress.