DCG Success Stories

Electrical engineer Shabaz Baz is one of three former Derby College higher apprentices to advance their engineering careers with Nottingham-based Chord Consult.

Shabaz, 21, from West Bridgford, completed his HNC in Building Services Engineering last year, gaining a distinction.

His mechanical engineering colleagues, Zoe Fittock and Angelina Stankovic, both took the same DCG course the year before him and, he says, have been very supportive.

Shabaz always knew he wanted to go into engineering but chose to study a broad range of A-level subjects – IT, Psychology and Business – to keep his options open.

And fate intervened when Shabaz got talking to one of his current employers while working at his previous job in a boxing club.

He said: “We were having a chat and he told me his engineering firm was recruiting. He asked me to submit my CV and I was invited for interview.

“That was three years ago now and I’m really enjoying my role at Chord. I liked my time at college too. I went into the Roundhouse on day release and found the whole atmosphere so friendly and welcoming.

“Our tutors were great. One of my tutors in particular, Neil Smith, was essential in helping me understand building services. Since he taught most of our modules, I can say that my distinction grade is testament to his teaching ability.

“I hadn’t been too sure at first about going to college after A-levels, but I found I liked being responsible for myself. At college I was treated like an adult.”

Shabaz, who was the student representative for his group, took a lot of knowledge away from his studies, and not just learning which applies directly to his job.

He added: “My course focused heavily on mechanical engineering and I’m on the electrical side but that’s given me a greater understanding of  Zoe and Angelina’s roles in building services. At college I enjoyed learning about the lifecycle of a project and the planning aspects.

“Meeting people is, I’d say, one of the best parts of my job. We’re working in a big industry and dealing with a lot of teams. Also, although we provide the same services to each building project, there is variety as every building is different.”