We’re excited to officially welcome Michael Anderson and Luke Arnett to our growing team here at Washington Metalworks! Michael joins us as our Business Development Manager, and Luke steps into the role of Project Manager within the Rail Team (Commercial Sector).
A Smooth Onboarding Experience
At Washington Metalworks, we understand that starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. That’s why we prioritise a smooth onboarding process for all new starters. As Ian Barella, our Technical Manager, took the time to explain to us, this includes dedicated programs tailored to each department. This ensures Michael and Luke receive the information and support they need to feel comfortable and confident from day one.
Beyond Introductions
Michael and Luke’s onboarding experience goes beyond simply meeting their team members. They have meetings with department heads to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the entire business operates, followed by introductions to their direct supervisors and process managers.
Building Connections
Washington Metalworks fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment. To break the ice and help Michael and Luke connect with their colleagues on a personal level, the company organised a team night out – a bottomless brunch in Newcastle! They’ll also be joining the commercial team for a Tough Mudder event later this summer.
Mentorship & Learning
WMW believes in investing in its employees’ growth. Both Michael and Luke have been paired with experienced mentors – Matthew McAnaney for Luke and Ian Barella for Michael. These mentors provide guidance and support throughout the initial training period and beyond and are always on hand to assist in any way they can.
Training & Development
The company offers comprehensive training programs, including a 3 stage learning platform for the commercial team. This program starts with the basics, then progresses to more advanced topics, ensuring Michael and Luke gain the necessary skills to excel in their roles. Michael’s training will be tailored to his unique position, focusing on business development within specific sectors like defence, nuclear and oil & gas.
Safety First
Safety is paramount at Washington Metalworks. As part of their induction, Michael and Luke participated in a walk through of the facilities, learning about essential safety protocols and the importance of PPE in an engineering environment.
Growth Opportunities
Washington Metalworks is dedicated to employee development. Ian shared examples of a number of employees who have progressed through the company, transitioning from shop floor positions to lead roles for example. The company encourages open communication and utilises metrics like KPI’s to track progress and identify areas for growth.
Advice for New Starters
Ian offers Michael and Luke, and all new starters for that matter, one key piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We have a large team and everyone is happy to help.” Washington Metalworks fosters a team environment where success and failures are shared and everyone’s opinions are valued.
Welcome to the Team!
We are thrilled to welcome both Michael and Luke to Washington Metalworks. We are confident that they will become valuable members of our team, contributing to our continued success.
Stay tuned for further updates to learn more about their experiences at Washington Metalworks!
