Job satisfaction: Andrew Wishart’s enjoying his work
We continue our series of Question and Answer features with employees of GTS Solutions by asking Site Supervisor Andrew Wishart about his career.
Name: Andrew Wishart
Age: 51
Job title: Site Supervisor
Tell us a little about yourself. Did you attend high school & college?
I actually did all my schooling in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe, as my dad got a job there working on the railways. The whole family moved there when I was four years old. I came back to Scotland when I was 19 and went straight into work as a sawmill labourer.
Did you have any problem with barriers to education or getting into work before joining GTS?
I am now classified as disabled after an injury I sustained while working in 2008. I fell down some metal stairs in a pub and a disc (C6) came out just at the back of my neck. I had an operation to repair it but that affected the nerves in my leg and I need to wear a caliper now. I managed to stay in security but switched from doors to sites. It wasn’t without its challenges, though, because as soon as you tell some companies you’re disabled, they’re not interested in you. It still goes on in some places. Although I wear a caliper and walk with a limp I can do everything else a normal person can do.
How did you hear about GTS Solutions?
I saw an advert for the position of a site supervisor in Fife on the internet and made contact. Tracey got in touch a couple of days later and things moved on from there and I’ve been with the company nearly 12 months now.
What made you apply for a job?
Living in Fife, security jobs here are few and far between so when I saw this one come up offering more hours than I was on, I sent my application in.
What is the best thing about your role?
The company are very flexible and are happy to accommodate you when it comes to time off. Tracey is also very supportive if any issues arise in my area and is always on hand with support whenever I need it. The hours suit me fine and that helps me spend time with my four-year-old granddaughter Ellie.
What is the toughest part?
To be honest, I don’t think there is one. We have a good group of lads and the place runs like a sewing machine!
If it wasn’t for GTS Solutions, what do you think you would be doing?
I’d hopefully still be working in security but who knows where. This is great for me at the moment as it’s just five minutes from where I live.
What is your ambition?
I’m happy just doing as good a job as I can for the company. Who knows there might be something I could do going forward regarding coaching disabled people in the workplace but I’ve not thought about it that much just now.
Where would you like to be in 5/10 years’ time?
Hopefully still with GTS! Or if I’ve won the lottery on a beach in Jamaica!
Would you recommend GTS Solutions’ training programmes?
Absolutely. You get fantastic training backed up by a great support system. I talk to Tracey regularly and she’s a great communicator with the staff which is very helpful. I’ve got no complaints at all – they have good people at the top which makes a big difference.