Our People: Fostering generations of expertise is Process Automation Australia
At ABB, we take pride in fostering a dynamic and supportive culture that encourages individuals to thrive. In this article, we explore the experiences and insights of one of our esteemed colleagues, who shares his journey from the start of his career with ABB to his achievements and aspirations today.
Starting the Journey
For Chris Howe, Service Operations & Engineering Manager Hub Asia Technical Authority for PAEN, the decision to start his first day at ABB was an outcome of his desire to explore various job prospects after completing a four-year apprenticeship with the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME). Responding to a newspaper advert, he was invited for an interview and ultimately joined Elsag Bailey, a company that was later acquired by ABB in 1998.
The First StepsUnder the guidance of Chris’s first manager, Paul Webb, in the Test department located in Telford, Shropshire UK, he began his role as a Test Engineer. His responsibilities involved setting up and testing control systems for Factory Acceptance testing. During this time, Chris worked with diverse customers, and one memorable project involved collaborating with a customer from the UAE named Umm Shaif. This experience required extensive temperature monitoring and preparation, proved to be a valuable lesson that would prepare them for future endeavors, even in Australia.
Navigating Change at ABB
As a global organisation, ABB constantly adapts to meet the changing demands of customers worldwide. Chris emphases the importance of embracing change and its integral role in personal professional growth and opportunities. Additionally, he highlights the opportunities he had to work overseas, particularly in Europe, where he supported customers and broadened his horizons. His experiences abroad allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and strengthened his ability to collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds.
Personal Achievements and Advice
Reflecting on his journey, Chris takes pride in his entire career with ABB. From building strong relationships with colleagues and customers across the globe, he expresses satisfaction with his accomplishments. However, he emphasizes that his greatest achievement lies in the present moment and expresses gratitude for reaching his current position. Notably, he offers advice to his younger self on emphasizing the importance of embracing the ups and downs of his career and appreciating the valuable experiences gained along the way.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, our colleague shares his aspirations for the next chapter of his career at ABB. With a focus on his new role to grow the Service business in Australia, he expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity to build his own team, which sets them on a path towards continued professional success within the organisation.
The journey of Chris at ABB is a testament to the thriving culture and endless possibilities that await new starters. ABB's commitment to providing a supportive environment for personal and professional growth enables individuals to embark on exciting careers filled with opportunities to explore new horizons and achieve remarkable milestones.
As we continue to promote and nurture our unique culture at ABB, we welcome new talents who are ready to seize the opportunities and contribute to our shared success.
