STAFF STORIES
Next up in our Meet the Metals Team series is Ali Addy, Operations Controller. Today Ali shares his insight into the favourite part of his job, his career journey to date and highlights how rewarding it is to be part of a busy team.
How long have you worked at John Lawrie Metals?
A.A: 2 years in September 2022.
Have you always worked in the scrap metal industry? Or what other roles have you had before?
A.A: I first started working in the metal processing and recycling industry aged 18 as a yard operative during university holidays. I acquired many skills during this time, including how to downsize large structure using hot cutting tools. I was then offered a management position for the opening of a new yard. I then went offshore working as a Cementer for a decommissioning campaign before COVID hit. I then joined John Lawrie Metals as a Burner in the Aberdeen yard a couple of years ago.
What does your job entail?
A.A: Operating the weighbridge, managing the purchase of scrap metal through the door, coordinating shipping requirements – booking vessels for export, filling in export paperwork, and dealing directly with the vessel/captain during loading phases. I manage all our Shell and BP contracts, liaising and reporting accordingly. I organise road transport requirements, and assist our Operations Manager with the day-to-day running of the Aberdeen yard.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
A.A: Currently I am enjoying learning about the shipping side of things, it’s a challenging new part of my role but I’m really enjoying it.
What are you most proud of / your biggest achievement as part of your job?
A.A: I recently achieved my certificate/diploma in Hazardous Waste Management which was really important to me, but I'm also really proud of my career journey through John Lawrie Metals – I’ve taken every opportunity that has come my way and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m also really proud to have juggled the last two years with undertaking my MSc in Decommissioning. It has been a lot of hard work but a great experience.
What advice do you have for those who aspire to work in the industry?
A.A: Be prepared to get your head down and work hard - it’s not always a glamorous job but it’s a fascinating industry to learn about and be a part of.
Where are you from?
A.A: Ellon, Aberdeenshire.
Where did you go to school?
A.A: Myrescough College in Preston, I went down there on a rugby scholarship to study sports science.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Any talents or hobbies?
A.A: Play and watch both cricket and rugby.
Any pets?
A.A: Not yet, hopefully by the end of the year…
What's your favourite sport?
A.A: Cricket.
Coffee or tea?
A.A: Coffee.
Which 3 guests for a dinner party, dead or alive?
A.A: Jimmy Anderson (cricket) Joe Rogan and Johnny Wilkinson (rugby).
