A significant aspect of a business’ success depends on its ability to train the people who work for them. At Norbar, I have experienced the company’s serious commitment to support new staff as they learn the ropes of their position. The amount of effort and consideration that went into my training program at the Calibration Laboratory is exemplary of the value of the company's philosophy and methods. A lot of thought had gone into formulating a training plan that will equip the staff with all the relevant skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to do a good job. It feels great to be working for a company that is so supportive, and invests so generously in developing their employee for success.
My training at Norbar Banbury took place in 2 stages. The first part enlightened me to the operation of a world-class calibration laboratory. Having picked up these good laboratory practices, they were immediately put to use upon returning to the Singapore Laboratory. The UK calibration team are very open in sharing their skills, knowledge and expertise. I find myself applying those lessons readily and reaping the results.
The second part of my training was focused on preparing Norbar Singapore’s calibration laboratory for the scope extensions of ISO 6789-2:2017 and BS 7882:2017. I also had my first look at the automated Torque Wrench Calibrator which was being customised for the Singapore calibration laboratory. It was still a work-in-progress when I saw it, but already one can see what a beautiful piece of engineering it is going to be! When put into service in Singapore, I imagine it would be quite a showpiece for us to illustrate to our customers how a calibration to the new ISO 6789-2:2017 is properly performed.
It has been a truly eye-opening and enriching experience to learn from the UK calibration team. The knowledge I have gained gives a much higher sense of job satisfaction, which translates into greater motivation and enthusiasm towards the work we do.
The training in Norbar Banbury had been a wonderful learning experience, but it was not just all work and no play. On weekends, I took pleasure in discovering bits of local history.
In the Banbury Museum, I am delighted to find old Norbar torque wrenches being exhibited.
That discovery piqued my interest to recce Norbar’s historical locations nearby.
So, I went to North Bar Place, where the North Bar Tool Company began, shortly before being incorporated in 1943. Hence this year sees the company’s 75th anniversary.
North Bar Place (present) North Bar Place (1969)
Next, I went on to Norbar’s second home, in Swan Close, now the site of a Morrisons supermarket.
Swan Close (present) Swan Close (year unknown)
This training has been a fascinating journey of learning and discovery in more ways than one.
About myself:
I joined Norbar Singapore’s calibration laboratory in September 2016. My main responsibilities are transducers, multipliers and electronic display calibration, and administration/maintenance of Norbar Singapore’s ISO 17025 Quality Management System. I have 11 years of previous work experience in ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, specialising in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing.