After graduating with a B.E. (E&TC), I started searching for a job like every other graduate. One day, my college friend informed me that a company named Forbes Marshall Pvt. Ltd. had posted a notice in our college (MIT, Alandi (D)) about industrial training for recent graduates. I completed the registration formalities online, and my seat was confirmed.

Yes, I still remember my first day, 1st December 2011, at Forbes Marshall. I joined the training course with great excitement as it was my very first experience in an industry. During the inauguration of the programme, we learned that this training course was a joint initiative by CII and Forbes Marshall to train recent graduates.

The intention of this training was to provide industrial exposure to graduate students and empower them. All the participants were fascinated by the idea and very enthusiastic about undergoing the training. During this time, we met Mr. Chandrashekhar Dhamankar, our mentor, who instilled confidence in us and made us feel positive about the training’s outcome. Being the pioneer batch of this program, we felt a strong sense of responsibility.

The training began with classroom sessions to understand the technical aspects of all the products at FM. These sessions were conducted by enthusiastic engineers from various sales departments of the company. They ensured all our queries were resolved either during the session or later through email. Additionally, every Friday, we had sessions on non-technical subjects conducted by external faculty to help with our skill development. After completing the 15-day classroom session, examinations were conducted to evaluate us on different parameters & identify our skill set. Naturally, this task was carried out very judiciously by our mentor.

Next, we were introduced to various operational departments for hands-on training. I was assigned to Krohne -manufacturing specifically for the Mag flow meter coil winding process. This was my first job, and the operator of this machine shared all the technical knowledge with me, helping me understand my work. I was curious about the other processes happening on the shop floor. I made it a habit to learn about these processes after completing my tasks. This behaviour made me more observant and an eager learner.

I worked in various manufacturing departments as a trainee during my course. We were so engrossed in our work that we didn’t realise three months had passed and our training had reached its conclusion. One day, to our surprise, we learned that the company was offering opportunities for contract trainees. Giving us the chance to work in an industry. During the closing ceremony of our training, all the students were to have achieved this milestone in their careers. And we were even more excited knowing that we would be working in the company as contract trainees.

I was selected to work in the quality department of ARCA. When I was introduced to the department, I discovered that I was the only woman in the team. However, I never felt any difference, as my colleagues always ensured I was comfortable working with them. My team was enthusiastic about their work and consistently encouraged me. Within a few months, I was groomed to work independently. My hard work paid off when I was asked if I would like to work in the Quality department as a GTE. Without hesitation, I said yes.

I felt like my dream had come true. I was now truly a part of the FM family.

I have attended various quality training courses, which enhanced my skills and helped me meet the requirements of my job responsibilities. As the years passed, my roles and responsibilities evolved. I now oversee the quality of the entire electronics vertical as a Quality Manager. My core responsibilities include addressing customer complaints, driving supplier improvements, conducting internal and supplier audits and implementing robust product initiatives.

My journey of 12 years at FM has been truly blissful – it feels like it all began just yesterday. Time has flown by, and today I realize how profoundly these years have helped me grow. The knowledge I have gained will continue to guide me, and the bonds that I have developed here will remain with me throughout my journey. I’ve come a long way, and there’s still so much more to achieve with FM.

Ashwini Shelar
CII-FM.AA Batch-1