In the first of our series of Meet the Team features we speak to Quality & Health & Safety Manager Andy Nisbet, to find out about his work with the company including the drive to bring in talented apprentices and the focus on reducing environmental impact.
When did you join Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Ltd?
I have been Quality & Health & Safety Manager since June 2020.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
My main responsibilities include ensuring compliance on quality, enforcing health and safety standards in our operations and securing accreditations for our work to set global standards. I oversee all our risk assessments to protect our staff and our customers in every job which the team do. I also organise permits for work and am heavily involved in our apprentice recruitment. I report into Mike Long, VAS managing director, and work with colleagues across the whole business.
Which qualifications do you draw upon in your work for VAS?
I have an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) certificate in health and safety. I am also a qualified auditor and am a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI).
Where did you work before VAS?
I started out as an apprentice at IMI in Birmingham, where I became a maintenance fitter. I progressed to team leader, then supervisor and then maintenance manager, overseeing the facilities. In total, I spent 41 years with the company before moving to VAS, having built up extensive knowledge of furnaces.
What do you enjoy about working for VAS?
It is refreshing to work here as it is a brilliant place. We have a young workforce with fresh ideas. I can draw upon my experience to support them as the business moves forward. I like working with apprentices as it is rewarding to see them take everything on board. It has been new for me to work in heat treatment, which I have enjoyed.
What is a typical day like for you in your role?
I am working across several areas at once. I am leading on sustainability and net zero, shaping a programme to improve our environmental impact by making the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge with Sustainability West Midlands. I also produce the risk assessments on a daily basis and organise our apprentice plan. Every day is very different.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your time with VAS?
I am proud of our work in meeting ISO 9001 compliance, as our last two audits have shown no non-compliances. I have supported two of the team in progressing as Gas Safe engineers. It is great to see them succeed as not only does it make VAS compliant but it helps them progress in their careers with the company. We have also made very good progress on achieving the ISO 17025 standard, a globally recognised calibration standard which will enable VAS to expand our customer base massively. I’ve been working on this with Martin Perry, our Calibration Manager.
What is the best advice you would offer someone joining VAS?
You should have an open mind. Be prepared to learn and work hard, then it will be rewarded.
What are your interests outside of work?
Away from the job, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have two grown up children who have now embarked on their own careers. I like football and am an Aston Villa supporter. I also enjoy walking.
Where in the world would you like to visit?
I would like to go to Australia, Singapore, India and Japan. One day I will go.
