When a 22 year career as a swimming instructor was impacted by Covid-19, Andrew Thompson needed to make a change. Having prior knowledge of Traffix, an opportunity to work in traffic management seemed a good possibility. This is the story of how Andrew changed lanes, and how he’s found the switch to dry land!
How did you find out about Traffix?
“Through my previous role as a Swimming Instructor, I taught a member of Gary Horsburgh’s family to swim. Sometimes our conversations would turn to what was happening at Traffix, I was left with the impression that Traffix must be a great place to work.”
What made you switch from Swimming Instructor to Traffic Management Operative?
“For 22 years I was a Swimming Instructor. During the latter part of my time in the industry I was teaching at a small independent swimming company, unfortunately I lost my job during COVID. Thereafter, I worked on a self-employed basis doing many things including 6 months working on a farm.
“This wasn’t an ideal situation for my family or me, I needed job security. Although it was around 7 years since I had seen Gary, Traffix sprang to mind. I contacted Gary and he put me in touch with the HR team.”
How did you find the interview process at Traffix?
“I wasn’t exactly relaxed when I turned up; I’m not a fan of interviews but the atmosphere was really relaxed. However, the longer the interview went on the more comfortable I became. The role that was explained to me ticked all the right boxes; I began to feel that this was the job for me. To the extent that by the end of the interview when asked if I would like to give it a try, I said yes without hesitation.”
How did you find integrating into life at Traffix?
“I’m 4 months into life at Traffix, considering where I’ve come from I would say that it has been an easy transition. People talk about Traffix being a family and it’s true. Everyone talks to each other, the management have time for you, sometimes you are working directly with management but regardless of rank we’re one big team.”
“I would definitely recommend the job to the right person. If somebody is looking to be part of a team, enjoys working outside, meeting new people and would like to be home at a reasonable hour then I would say come and try it.”
Is there more to Traffic Management than you first thought?
“I thought it was just a case of being out on the road putting lights and cones out, but there’s a lot that you need to understand before you can leave the depot. The qualifications and the tickets available provide an opportunity to keep going higher and higher within the company, it’s up to you how far you want to go.”
Can you describe a typical day?
“There isn’t a typical day, which makes it more exciting. I start nice and early at 6am, find out my job for the day, load the van and off we go. No two days are the same, I’m with different team members at multiple locations carrying out a variety of tasks. When we arrive at the job there’s always something to consider – there could be a crossroads or a roundabout, perhaps a petrol station which needs an access route. Everyday there’s a different story with what we’ve had to deal with and who we’ve needed to speak to.”
How do you see your career progressing with Traffix?
I would like to keep moving up the ladder as much as I can, there are plenty more tickets for me to take which will lead to different job opportunities here. I like being out on site meeting clients and the public, I don’t see myself sitting in an office, certainly not all day.”
Having switched careers, would you recommend Traffic Management?
“I’ve been surprised by just how much I have enjoyed my first 4 months. I’ve gone from flip flops and swim shorts to high vis and boots, I used to go home smelling of chlorine and now I go home smelling of sand.
“I would definitely recommend the job to the right person. If somebody is looking to be part of a team, enjoys working outside, meeting new people and would like to be home at a reasonable hour then I would say come and try it.”
