College leaver Mitch started at as a warehouse operative, then become a PDI engineer and a robotics Product Demo Specialist!
Back in July 2015 fresh faced and out of college I ended up getting a temporary 3-month position helping out in the ICE warehouse. I was very grateful for this as at the time I had no idea what I wanted to do or where my career was going. This allowed me to try my hand in the cleaning industry – I didn’t know what to expect, being the youngest there at the time it was quite daunting, but everyone was so welcoming and friendly.
It was fast paced, fun and challenging, and it helped me mature very quickly. After the 3 months were up, I was thrilled to be offered a permanent contract as a Warehouse Operative. It was great to have a good wage coming in and to enjoy going to work and almost being part of a family.
“After 2 years of being a Warehouse Operative – picking and packing, gaining my forklift license and helping with PDI (pre-delivery inspection) – I made my first progression in being a PDI Engineer. This involved getting machines ready and tested for delivery to customer sites. This was great because it enabled me to get real hands-on experience of all different types of machines.
As I grew more comfortable within the company, I decided the cleaning industry was the place for me.
After 2 years of being a Warehouse Operative – picking and packing, gaining my forklift license and helping with PDI (pre-delivery inspection) – I made my first progression in being a PDI Engineer. This involved getting machines ready and tested for delivery to customer sites. This was great because it enabled me to get real hands-on experience of all different types of machines, from ride on scrubber dryers to buyers and even road sweepers. Whenever a new machine or range was introduced, I would have full training which helped improve my knowledge even further.
I really enjoyed this role especially when large rollouts of equipment were needed in a short space of time and everyone pulled together to meet the deadline – this gave me a real sense of achievement.
After 2 years within the PDI team I was offered the role of Product Demo Specialist, which was customer facing and more sales based. My experience within the PDI role gave me the foundations I needed to be able to train and demonstrate equipment at customer sites.
I really enjoy this role and love being out on the road and engaged with customers in all different environments. There was so much variation in my role, every day was dierent, from being in central London to the south coast or even Scotland. I believe this role has really made and shaped me to be the person I am today. It has allowed me to have a genuine passion for my job, and increased my condence, which has also helped me outside work in everyday life.
Recently I have progressed into a more specialist role of Robotics Demo Specialist, which involves demonstrating and training customers on our automated oor cleaning equipment. It is extremely interesting and exciting – now when I go to customer sites, I bring something really different, everyone wants to see the and engage with the robotic machines. It makes me feel like I am part of something special and I take pride in the work that I am doing. Did I ever see myself doing this? No, but I’m so glad that I am – every day is a challenge and gives me the opportunity to progress. I am thankful that I have been given these opportunities, but at the same time I have been committed, focused and have worked extremely hard.
I am very proud to work in the cleaning industry, I enjoy work, and I am very lucky to work with some extraordinary, wonderful people which definitely helps!
Mitch Holmquest, ICE
