The NIBULON people are not afraid to go beyond their capabilities. The vivid example is Mykola Alekseienko. Repair of equipment at the branch, work on tractor and forklift, electro welding and turning works, control over the technical condition of the buildings. It seems that nothing is out of reach for Mykola. And this is not an innate talent, but only an unstoppable desire to learn new things and develop.

Mykola joined NIBULON in 2011, immediately after graduating from the Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty of the Mykolaiv National University. He started as a maintenance technician. From the first days with confidence and gladly he tackled all tasks, which helped him to advance up the career ladder. Today, Mykola is a chief engineer of the Novoodeska branch. We are happy to share his story in the column «My NIBULONs Journey»:

“While studying in the 5th year, I thought about work and about the future in general. I heard that NIBULON is building a grain storage in his hometown. I knew almost nothing about the company, so I searched for information, visited the branch during construction and filled out a questionnaire in the HR department. Even then I realized that I would like to work here. I just received my diploma – I received an invitation for an interview. I successfully passed it, and on September 1, my journey at NIBULON began – a kind of start and the beginning of a new stage in life. For me, this day is somewhat symbolic, because by profession I am not only a mechanical engineer, but also a teacher of physics and mechanics.

I started with routine repairs and maintenance of technological equipment. Along with the shift, he worked on cleaning grain warehouses and cleaning technological premises. I liked the work, and I tried to do it conscientiously. I think the management noticed this, because when a vacancy for a group mechanical engineer appeared, it was offered to me. I worked at the branch for a little over six months and accepted the offer without hesitation: I saw prospects for growth in the company, I had the strength and desire to develop, and I associated my career with NIBULON.

A new position always means new duties and more responsibility: control of truck fleet work schedules, execution of tender purchases, participation in repair works of technological equipment and much more. Such a load did not frighten me, on the contrary, it inspired me to thoroughly study the work of the branch and acquire new professional skills. Therefore, I learned to work on a tractor, forklift, truck and fire truck, perform electric welding and turning work of low and medium complexity, and work with a plasma cutter. I also mastered the job from a fire engine driver to a unit commander, took direct part in exemplary civil defense training both at the branch and at the transshipment terminal.

The next career step up for me was the position of chief mechanic. Controlling the technical condition of the equipment in the branch, organizing the work of the mechanical workshop, working with increased danger at height and with fire, purchasing materials for the safe and smooth operation of the grain storage – this is far from an exhaustive list of my daily tasks, performing which I grew as a professional.

Four years ago, a vacancy for a chief engineer opened at the branch. This time, after receiving the offer, I took a pause to think. I understood that the responsibility grows in an arithmetical progression, and I wanted to be absolutely sure that I could cope with the responsibilities and expectations from the company. After talking to my manager and getting his support, I finally agreed. Having some experience behind me, I knew that NIBULON has many specialists who are not only professionals in their field, but are always happy to share their experience and are ready to help. We are a united team that works toward a result, and in a team it is always easier to work.

As the chief engineer, I am responsible for occupational safety and fire safety at the branch, organizing a number of repairs and technical maintenance of all equipment, monitoring the technical condition of grain warehouses, preparing the branch for accepting the new crop, etc. There is a lot of work, it is multifaceted and requires awareness of many issues, concentration and clear planning.

There is one more task, which is not officially included in the official duties, but is integral to my position – to establish and maintain strong working relationships between all team members, to participate in building a team that works as a whole and in which you can trust every link. This is probably the most difficult challenge I have had to take on, but also the most interesting. It became another milestone that helped in professional and personal development.

In parallel with work and mastering new skills, Mykola also finds time to acquire new professions: he has diplomas of slinger and painter of the 2nd category in his arsenal. And now he is improving his qualification in the specialty “Electric and gas welder 2nd category”. Mykola is not going to stop. There are plans to upgrade qualifications in the direction of “Forklift Driver”.

To the question about where he has so much strength and energy, Mykola answers that the secret is good rest:

“If you have a good weekend, you will be more productive during the working week. Tested in practice! I have many hobbies: I play football, table tennis, fishing, motor sports, conversion of gasoline cars to propane-butane. I am traveling in Ukraine with my family. I am interested in archaeological research. It seems to me that the more interested a person is, the more he is open to new things, the more drive and passion he has in his work.”