Abdul Sanhat

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Abdul. I am a Stress Engineer and my job entails analysing structures to make sure they are strong enough to take the loads, and are safe and fit for purpose. I have been working for AFD for 10 months now. I studied Aeronautical Engineering at The University of Salford and graduated with a First-Class Honors degree.

What made you want to apply for a position at Airframe Designs?

I visited the Airframe Designs website before applying and I noticed that AFD engages with different customers and works on multiple air vehicles such as Civil Aircraft, Military Aircraft, Helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Working on a diversified pool of projects was something I aspired to do.

What's it like working for Airframe Designs, and what have been the main highlights so far?

In AFD, no two days are the same. It’s full of excitement, knowledge, learning and encouragement. What I like the most about AFD is that management is always close to you, and you are always welcome to challenge how things are done or suggest new ways of doing things. This boosts confidence and makes you feel that you are making a difference. AFD cares about development and professional recognition and always encourages and supports engineers to register with professional bodies such as the Royal Aeronautical Society.

What do you like the most about living in Lancashire?

Living in Lancashire is not like living anywhere else. It combines the calmness of the countryside with the business of the city. The thing I like the most about living in Lancashire is the seaside. I live in Lytham St Annes, and I enjoy the Beach of St Annes every time I come back from work.

What challenges did you encounter transitioning from University to working in industry, and how did you overcome them?

There are many challenges one could face during such transition, but for me there were two main challenges, finding the job and finding accommodation. Job hunting was never an easy task and is always time-consuming and nerve wracking, especially when offered your first professional interview in your life. I dedicated time each day for job hunting and created a log of the jobs I applied for, and the stages I went through for each job. AFD staff were amazing in providing a stress-free interview stage and a smooth onboarding process. In terms of accommodation, I always made sure that I booked a viewing of all suitable properties early ahead of my first day. I managed to find a suitable flat and moved in 8 days prior to my first working day.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I speak two languages, Arabic and English, with Arabic being my mother tongue. I can also write using both my left and right hand!

What advice would you give to a prospective Apprentice/Graduate thinking of applying for a position at Airframe Designs?

I would advise them to apply as early as they can and prepare ahead of the interview. Attitudes and soft skills are important, so it is good to ensure that these are clearly stated in your CV.