Professional development and the learning of new skills are among the key values that Ecotec promotes. As part of our Academy, many participants have had the opportunity to see what the assembler profession is like in real life, and many of them are still working with us today. Today we are pleased to talk to Marek Sobieszczanski, an experienced Ecotec associate, who also went through our training program and participated in courses to develop his career.
INSTALLER – Marek Sobieszczanski (hereafter MS)
INTERVIEWER – Kaja Witkowska (hereafter KW)
KW: Hi, good morning, once again. Thank you for taking part in our interview. We decided to talk to you because you have been working with us for quite a long time and you were a participant in the Ecotec Academy. I wanted to ask you, when you applied to participate in the Academy, were you already working professionally, or was working at Ecotec your first experience?
MS: Of course I have worked before. I’m not that young in age, so I already had a couple of years of work behind me.
KW: Do you remember what made you decide to make a career change and why you decided to take our training?
MS: What motivated me… like many people, I simply parted ways with my previous employer and was looking for a job. My son has worked at Ecotec and he recommended me this job. It so happened that the work started with the Academy, so I took part in the first edition.
KW: Where did the idea to choose the profession of installer come from? Was it related to your previous experience or due to the fact that your son recommended this company, did you decide?
MS: Among other things, I also worked as a locksmith, also with screws and metal parts I already had to deal with. The Academy itself brought me more or less closer, an image of what awaits me when working with Ecotec.
KW: Exactly, did anything surprise you during your participation in the Academy? How do you rate our organization, the instructors, trainers and accommodation?
MS: I had a positive impression of the running and organization of the Ecotec Academy. I think everything played out, there were no problems. The accommodations were fine. There was commuting for meals, also in this respect it was ok. The organization itself of the conducted Academy, or this so-called course, was very pleasant.
KW: To what extent did the training you took part in meet your expectations for professional development?
MS: I’m a visual learner, so just taking part in any work gives me a lot. I just memorize a lot of things, and for me it was fine, because I saw what was in store for me. Although as of today I know that there are several types of substructure. Nevertheless, the one we worked on, which we installed and later dismantled – I remembered it. Even today I am working on such one, also everything is fine. I remembered every element – how it was put together, how it was done one by one. I was satisfied, I learned from it, and I found that this could be an occupation for me.
KW: What would you advise those who are thinking about participating in our Ecotec Academy?
MS: Take a chance, give it a try. That’s the basis, because without that, unfortunately, it’s impossible otherwise. On the other hand, above all, look and listen. Participation in the Academy is for people who want to work on this kind of substructure.
KW: Yes, definitely.
MS: If someone is not interested in it, then there is no point. It is in truth as I said. This is an introduction to what lies ahead for Ecotec employees in the future, which gives us an overview of all the work. It’s a test for people who simply either come to the conclusion on their own that they’re not suitable, or who don’t want to, for example, walk up a ladder – because that’s unavoidable with this type of substructure, maybe they can’t handle strength – I don’t know it’s hard for me to say. I think you just have to be careful, take a good look, because this is such a good thing for later.
KW: Sure. And just in retrospect, you’ve already hinted a little bit about this with the previous question, but you kind of wanted to add, how do you assess the impact of participating in the training on your career development?
MS: The Academy was not my first course. I had already participated in two, including a course on team leader, which I also enjoyed very much. In terms of organization, lecturers, etc. On the other hand, the Academy itself helps a lot. I, working today, am simply able to do practically any job. Among other things, thanks to the Ecotec Academy, because there, having learned about even just this one substructure, it is simply much easier for me to approach tasks assigned by managers or team leaders.
KW: What does your workday usually look like? What are the biggest challenges you face?
MS: The biggest challenge I suspect, is waking up (laughs). You start work in the morning, you arrive at the right time. It varies on projects. Sometimes from half past 7, from 6, from 7. At the morning gathering there is a division of tasks and we work. It is known that the conditions in the field are different – sometimes it rains, sometimes it is a little chilly, it varies. Then, always depending on the management, we have breaks – if there is a need for it. There is an ongoing supply of water, so I think it’s not too bad. It’s not so hard and exhausting work that we can’t cope.
KW: Sure, I understand. And what makes you enjoy your work? What is the most interesting thing about this job?
MS: Hmmm… I think it’s not hard work. That’s one thing. A job where you also have to think a little bit, and because I like to think, so this is where I fulfill myself. There are different situations and sometimes you need to think something through. It is known that on the computer substructure looks beautiful, but in reality it is different. Depending on how the posts are driven, on the terrain on which we work and so on.
Besides, time passes quickly, which is important when we are away, because we miss our families. At least that’s the case for me, and it’s known that we also care about working as much as we have to and coming home.
KW: Yes, yes. And why do you think it’s worth working in our company?
MS: Well, among other things for the reason that the work is not hard, the wages are fairly good, so I think no one is complaining. The only drawback is that there is this distance, that there is a separation from home and loved ones. Well, but this is unfortunately everywhere. And besides, all the issues that arise there on an ongoing basis are taken care of as far as possible, such as housing issues.
One more thing, here in Germany the Internet works poorly. That’s why I’m forced to read books… (laughs)
KW: (laughs) That’s not a bad thing either. Would you like to add something from yourself? Maybe you have some thoughts about working with us?
MS: I would like there to be more contact between the office in Warsaw and the workers on the site, because sometimes there are things that need to be done quickly. And that’s pretty much it, because other than that I think everything is ok. The company is trying, and we can appreciate that too, so we give as much as we can.
KW: Thank you for the interview and the constructive feedback. We will certainly take into account your call for faster contacts between the office and projects. I wish you continued success in your professional journey and hope you will stay with us for a long time to come.
MS: With that, I think it’s going to be hard, because of my age, because I’m retiring soon. So I will think about it some more. Right now the ball is in Ecotec’s court (laughs)!
If you want to find out more about the Ecotec Academy, check out this blog post.