What name are you known by and why (nickname)?

I am known by Noli because my full name, Nolwethu'Thando, is long and hard to pronounce for many people. I really love my name so I appreciate it when people can pronounce it correctly.

Tell us about your role and how you became interested in the engineering sector?

As an HR graduate, I get exposure to all the functions in the business. A close friend of mine started working in a mining company last year and I was intrigued by what she shared about working in the mining and engineering space.

What’s the most exciting/innovative project you’ve worked on?

I joined Weir ESCO 4 months ago, so am relatively new. I really enjoyed the Nelson Mandela Day initiative that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. Giving to our community was exciting for me and it was the very first time I have ever been part of this kind of project.

What would you say to other young people who may be considering a career in the engineering sector?

They should do as much research as they can because they will find a role that connects with who they are and who they want to grow to be. Now that I work in the engineering sector, I am learning about the different roles that are available that I did not know about before.

What makes you feel that you can be yourself and belong at Weir?

The people at Weir have made feel like I belong. Everyone is welcoming and has different personalities which already makes me feel like I can also be myself. I like that we have affinity groups at Weir – they create a space where everyone feels included.

How do you see your future career?

I see myself growing in my career over the next few years, furthering my studies and ultimately being in a leadership position. Weir is great place to work with a lot of opportunities to grow and develop within the organisation.

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Weir. Why is it important to you?

It is important to me and my generation. I care about the environment and believe in being mindful of how our actions in the present will affect the future.

What is your greatest achievement/most exciting thing you’ve done outside of work?

I am particularly proud of being part of the Golden Key Society when I was a student. The Gold Key Society recognises the top 15% of achievers in their class and helps students develop their academic, leadership and service potential. That was the first time I had set a long-term goal for myself and achieved it. It helped me develop confidence in my ability to set goals and become a firm decision maker.