Not only is it a great motivating factor for the staff member concerned, but also for those around him or her to see progression, development and building confidence in these members of staff. We believe that this is key to the overall ethos of a successful business going forward.
As well as the mentoring process, special projects were assigned to the intern, targeting specific knowledge areas such as COSHH assessments, fire risk assessments, and occupational hygiene monitoring (noise assessments etc.), as well as developing HSE plans and reports, for example. All activities, progress and achievements were recorded in an intern log book which was periodically reviewed, and this enabled us to identify which learning areas required additional mentoring, whilst revising our learning targets and objectives for these as we went along. The intern also underwent formal NEBOSH Training, OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor Training, Behavioural Based Safety training, First Aid, as well as training in Air Monitoring, Confined Space Entry, Scaffold Inspection, to name a few.
He was then finally registered with the Abu Dhabi EHS Centre (OSHAD) where he successfully completed training and grading as an OHS Practitioners. This was specifically based on acquiring in-depth knowledge of local OH&S legislation and to enhance his professional profile. We are now in the process of expanding this program to afford employees aspiring to pursue a career in HSE, to undergo a similar internship program as HSE inspectors which will also create a career path for HSE practitioners in the company. Further efforts are in progress to incorporate a similar scheme for FM Supervisors and Facility Managers.
Recent publications show the industry is rapidly expanding in scope and size with an ever increasing demand for skilled professionals. Hence, we should find innovative ways towards capacity building that goes beyond value employees as mere workers in transit not worth investing in. And for anyone out there asking why we are so willing to share our internal processes with our competitors? Well, it’s simple. By improving the standard of development and learning of staff at Cofely Besix, we are helping to raise the overall standard of employees right across the region. Ultimately everyone working in the FM industry, as well as our clients, will benefit.
(Andre Mars is the Quality Health Safety and Environment (QHSE) manager at Cofely Besix Facility Management)