“Balancing my life and the job has been challenging but I don’t give in to defeat. The energy sector has given me an opportunity to learn and grow and for me being able to contribute and give back is very satisfying. When you work hard and deliver as you are expected to, the reward always follows”.
Photo credit: Luvo Productions Ltd.
Looking at the life of Ameer Mohammed, one might jokingly ascribe the name of his hometown as the perfect theme for his life – Ameer was born and raised in Perseverance Village and perseverance has been a key theme of his life. Ameer is the HR and HSEQ Manager at Kennicon Engineering Limited, a role which he would never have foreseen, looking back at the cards he was dealt in his early life. He recalls being just 14 years old when his father decided to end his secondary school education at Couva Junior Secondary. This was prompted by the family’s financial situation which required an additional income source. Ameer therefore had to give up the carefree, adventurous life that his peers enjoyed, to begin earning, first as an automechanic and then a year later, as a fabricator. He defended his father’s decision, noting that at the time, it was the best decision for his family’s welfare.
His young adult life included 14 years employment at a supermarket and he never envisioned any other life. Today, he is qualified in the field of HR having completed a certificate, diploma and Associate’s degree in the field. As he reflected on his personal and professional growth, he recalls an elderly lady, a regular customer at the supermarket saying to him “I see you working in an office one day you know”. At the time he brushed it off, but it seems that her words were almost prophetic. He acknowledged the vital social skills that his time at the supermarket helped him to develop; he gained confidence in interacting with people of all ages, races and economic standing and is very thankful for that exposure as people continue to be at the core of what he currently does. .Ameer’s challenges did not end when his career at the supermarket did; marriage followed and included roughly 2 years of self-employment. Shortly after, he was divorced, but thankfully fathered two children before the end of the marriage. It was in the years which followed this life-changing event, that his professional life would become more of a focus.
Ameer was hired by Kennicon Engineering in 1996 as the Assistant Timekeeper. During this time, he interacted closely with Managing Director, Nazamudin Mohamed and this brought to light his natural inclination for the issues related to people and HR. The rapport between Ameer and Nazamudin motivated Ameer to excellence in his position as the Assistant Timekeeper and he was especially impressed by the efficiency which Ameer brought to the position by computerizing the timekeeoing system. What resulted was Ameer’s promotion to Head Timekeeper which meant that he now reported directly to the Managing Director. Rapid and major changes followed, as he was shortly after, given the opportunity to spearhead the company’s HR department. This was a pivotal moment for Ameer as he would have to be properly equipped for this new role. With Kennicon’s certification in various standards, he realized that returning to school after 24 years was his best option for the mobility that he sought. This came with many challenges, not the least of which was being peers with students so much younger than him. What his age taught him however, was not to take anything for granted and he poured himself wholly into becoming qualified, and more importantly given the difficulty of his journey, celebrating his success. In 2017, while he was enrolled in the Associate Degree programme, Ameer suffered a heart attack. He eventually resumed his studies, and it is events like these which changed his perspective on many things, “When my classmates chose not to attend our prize-giving and graduation, I made sure I turned up to enjoy those moments of achievement”. Ameer persevered and graduated with honors from his associate's degree program.
Ameer today wears two hats having transitioned from the HR role to also becoming the HSEQ manager. He enjoys the continuous learning which both portfolios offer and made special mention of two aspects which still excite him, namely the third-party audits and the opportunity to participate in energy sector events and seminars. What is even more significant and a key part of his loyalty and dedication, is the supportive role which his management team has played throughout his 28 years with them. He is perhaps unique in having qualified as late as he did in life, but has had many experiences and lessons which have been valuable to him and those in his professional and personal circle. He too, has benefitted from numerous qualified and more senior people who have crossed his path: his MD, Nazamudin Mohamed, his former lecturer at Cipriani Labour College, Marcia Goodridge and Orett Campbell an ISO auditor and trusted advisor. His advice to upcoming professionals is that they “must value time, respect workplace rules, and focus on personal development and giving the highest quality in all you do, as these factors are crucial for career advancement”.
Looking back, Ameer has encountered many obstacles, but he is grateful that he surmounted all, and can enjoy the success which he has accomplished despite the delays and late starts. Throughout his setbacks he has continued to support his children and grandchildren and is pleased and proud that their educational and professional journey has been more traditional. His closing words were a commendation to the “people in the energy sector who navigate life despite the challenges and still make a difference by excelling at what they do”.