This interview provides an inside look into the talented people who work with Aquaspira.
For this interview we had the pleasure of sitting down with Nuha Alam, Engineering Placement Student at Aquaspira. Currently pursuing her studies in Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff University, Nuha’s journey has led her to Aquaspira, where she has dedicated nearly a year of her academic journey. Throughout her time here, Nuha has delved into the world of Engineering with a focus on Research & Development, making contributions to the Technical team. Join us as Nuha shares her insightful experiences, both personal and professional, during her transformative time at Aquaspira.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
Hi, I’m Nuha, and I am currently a third-year student in my year in industry for Mechanical Engineering (BEng) at Cardiff University. I am originally from Birmingham, so I moved to Cardiff a few years ago to study and have now relocated to Nelson, Lancashire, for the placement! It has been an exciting experience with many great memories made. I would certainly recommend it to anyone considering a year of work between their studies.
Q: What sparked your interest in Engineering as a career path?
Funnily, I came across a ‘list of jobs for when I grow up’ that I had written when I was 11 years old, which ranked my dream careers. Mechanical engineer was #3, so I guess I did pretty well.
At school, I gravitated towards subjects where there were clear-cut answers to questions, ones in which I could learn a method or discern a pattern to find the solution. My strengths lay in science and mathematics, so I always knew that I would enjoy a career in this field. I decided to pursue engineering because I love tackling problems that yield tangible outcomes. It has been truly enjoyable – from participating in insight days and work experience to now being a part of a year-long industry placement – to witness the impact engineering has on our daily lives.
Q: How did you find out about Aquaspira?
I discovered Aquaspira through my university, which supports the year in industry scheme.
Before beginning my degree, I thought that a placement year sounded appealing, but I wasn’t entirely sure if I wanted to extend my degree by an additional year. However, once I started the course, I quickly realised how beneficial it would be – not only for excelling in the program itself but also for securing graduate roles later on.
Unfortunately, my year group was adversely affected by COVID. We were unable to complete our A Level qualifications and couldn’t attend university in person during our first year. This had a significant impact on our learning, as we missed out on practical experiences and found it challenging to visualise certain topics, particularly materials and manufacturing.
I did encounter difficulties in grasping some modules, particularly during my second year of university. This led me to the decision that I would take a year off to rekindle my passion for the subject.
Aquaspira has been fantastic in understanding what I aim to achieve from this year in industry experience. They have ensured that both the company and I are able to accomplish our respective goals.
Q: You moved from a city to a small town to complete this placement. Did this present any challenges?
Engaging in a year-long industry placement can be quite an intimidating experience, particularly since it marks my first time in a ‘proper job’ setting. It differed greatly from any part-time role I had undertaken before, as my level of concern about performance and the impression I left on the company was much higher.
Initially, I was quite apprehensive about the possibility of underperforming. However, I was fortunate to find myself surrounded by an amazingly supportive team that swiftly dispelled these worries. My manager, Paul, was always there for me to discuss any issues, always offering encouragement whenever I questioned my abilities.
Transitioning from a student-oriented environment to interacting with colleagues as friends is another significant aspect of a placement year. Fortunately, Aquaspira provides a supportive atmosphere, and I couldn’t have asked for better individuals to collaborate with. Whenever I felt down about anything, everyone was approachable and willing to talk, which made the adjustment much smoother.
Q: What does your day-to-day routine look like?
My daily schedule at Aquaspira is a structured 8-4 role, a routine I actually find preferable to the unstructured nature of university life. I am a part of the Research and Development department, which involves practical testing of products and materials, delving into research to comprehend standards, composing reports, and contributing to the technical aspects of the business. As a result, my role offers a degree of flexibility. I collaborate with the quality team to gain insight into the functionality of existing products, with the technical team to explore enhancements to the pipes, and with the production team to assess the feasibility of implementing new changes from a manufacturing standpoint.
Q: Describe the approach to career development within Aquaspira
My perspective on career development has undergone a notable transformation during my time at Aquaspira. I’ve come to recognise that I can make an impact, learn, progress, and derive enjoyment from my work, even if it’s not in the exact field I initially aspired to.
Prior to taking on this role, I was hesitant about working in a pipe manufacturing company. Let’s be honest, sewers, pipes, and drainage don’t immediately evoke glamorous images. I wasn’t sure if I’d find the projects as engaging as I might in another domain. However, this concern turned out to be unfounded, as I found the projects to be truly inspiring. This shift in my mindset taught me that it’s not solely about the product itself, but the work culture, the colleagues, and the shared enthusiasm that contribute to job satisfaction.
Q: How have you found the experience overall?
On the whole, I have found the experience to be highly enjoyable. Aquaspira stands out due to its lack of a rigid hierarchy, making everyone, regardless of their position, approachable and friendly. It’s in the smaller moments that I’ve come to realise how unique and wholesome the company is, and this perspective will undoubtedly influence how I select companies to work for in the future.
Right from the beginning, I appreciated the business’s responsiveness throughout the interview process and their clear communication. What’s more, numerous individuals were incredibly helpful during my relocation, something for which I’m immensely grateful. They assisted me in property hunting, suggested activities, and even showed me around the town.
Q: Have you developed any new/valuable skills during your placement?
I have experienced significant personal growth and development over the past few months, and I am genuinely proud of the progress I have made. In terms of the placement itself, I have enhanced various soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. I have also gained practical experience in manufacturing engineering, getting the opportunity to use power tools and machinery.
Moreover, I have been able to further develop skills that I learned at university, such as using SolidWorks and programming in Python.
Outside of work, I achieved personal milestones as well. I purchased my first car using the money I earned during my placement. I also pursued activities I had always wanted to try but lacked the confidence for, such as regular swimming and going to the gym. I have been pushed outside my comfort zone by engaging in solo traveling and signing up for a Half Marathon soon! Something that used to intimidate me was driving on the motorway, but my colleagues were incredibly supportive and even joined me on practice motorway drives to boost my confidence. Thanks to their encouragement, I have already covered 10,000 miles in the last six months!
Q: What advice would you give someone who’s interested in applying for a year in industry?
My advice to anyone considering applying for a year in industry is to seize the opportunity without hesitation, it’s a decision you won’t regret. Specifically for engineering, I believe a placement year should be considered almost mandatory, given the difference between the academic environment and the actual working world of engineering. Many aspects that workplaces assume you’ve learned during your studies might not have been covered, even basics. If you aim to truly impress your future employers, this year of practical work experience is invaluable.
I came to realise that there were numerous concepts I could get away with not fully grasping during my university studies and still perform well in exams. However, this approach isn’t as beneficial as being in the professional realm after university. The practical experience gained during a year in industry is what truly bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add about your job that makes it more interesting/special than others?
Absolutely, it’s the people!
I’ve found that northerners are incredibly friendly (albeit quite blunt at times),and engaging with individuals who have such a different approach to communication has been truly refreshing.
The staff at Aquaspira genuinely take pleasure in their work and exhibit a loyalty to the company that I hadn’t realised could exist. My prior experiences were predominantly within cutthroat, fast-paced environments where employees often felt ‘you are just a number’. However, Aquaspira is a complete departure from that norm. The company ensures that everyone, regardless of their position, understands their importance and is treated with respect. This sense of inclusivity and value sets Aquaspira apart.
Q: You are just a few months away from completing your placement at Aquaspira. What has been your most memorable moment?
There have been many moments throughout my time at Aquaspira, but I must say that the most memorable one for me was when my colleagues surprised me for my 21st birthday. Having only recently relocated and begun working just two weeks prior, I was struggling to adjust to the new surroundings. With the added challenge of being away from my friends, the prospect of spending my birthday alone was disheartening. However, the team surprised me with a cake, thoughtful gifts, and balloons at work, which truly made me feel special. The gesture was followed by a wonderful evening meal.
