Balzhan ABDRAKHOVA: “It is important not to be afraid to take responsibility”

I started working in the production laboratory of the Adjustment and Environmental Protection Department of the CHPP-2 named after A.Zhakutov, AlES JSC, in December 2020. The head of the workshop, Düsengali Zekebaevich Soltanbayev, explained to me what tasks I would be performing and familiarised me with my responsibilities. He also introduced me to my colleagues, who welcomed me warmly. My first mentors were Elena Garikovna Kim, head of the production laboratory, and Olga Ivanovna Bebchuk, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant. Thanks to the responsiveness of my colleagues and the training provided by my mentors, I quickly settled into my new position. I am now a 4th grade chemical analysis laboratory assistant at TsNiPD.

I was attracted to this job and the company because the energy sector is in high demand and cannot stop or disappear under any circumstances. It ensures the functioning of all spheres of people’s lives and the state’s economy. Companies in the industry produce electricity, supply the population with hot water and, in winter, heating.

Our company, Almaty Power Plants, also plays a huge role in providing Almaty and the region with electricity and heat. The company’s history began in the early 20th century, when the first combined heat and power plants were built in the city to meet the growing energy needs of industry and the population. If I had to choose a symbol, emblem or coat of arms for myself and for our company, it would probably be the Sun: always shining, shining everywhere!

After the first CHPP-1, which celebrated its 90 th anniversary this year, the Cascade HPP, two other CHPPs and the Kapshagai HPP were gradually put into operation. These facilities became the backbone of Almaty’s energy system. Today, AlES JSC is a modern company that not only produces electricity and heat, but also actively implements environmentally friendly technologies, modernizes equipment and improves production efficiency.

Experienced power engineers are respected because the stability and development of the national economy depend on their work. I am justifiably proud of this profession. It is also important to me that the company I work for offers decent pay and opportunities for professional growth.

Accordingly, I myself strive to meet all the requirements set for AlES employees. Over the years, I have developed my own approach to organising my working day. I plan everything in advance, set priorities, and organise my workplace. I complete tasks sequentially, without “splitting” myself between several tasks at once, as this reduces the quality of the work done. My typical day begins with planning and preparing laboratory equipment. Then we go to collect samples, conduct chemical analyses, and document the results.

I am convinced that a person who wants to bring maximum benefit to the company must possess a number of personal qualities that complement their professional skills. First and foremost, these are responsibility and discipline, because the energy sector requires precision and compliance with all safety standards. It is also important to be proactive, able to propose new solutions and not afraid to take responsibility.

In addition, team spirit and the ability to communicate with colleagues are essential, because the success of the enterprise depends on the coordinated work of the entire team. Persistence, stress resistance and attention to detail help not only to perform tasks efficiently, but also to prevent mistakes. Overall, this is a serious set of requirements and qualities that you need to develop in yourself. And it boosts your self-esteem. That’s why what I like most about my job is the feeling of importance and responsibility for what you do. It’s also important to value your profession, be able to work in a team, take care of your own health, learn and improve your skills, and pay attention to occupational safety. I believe that a person should live in such a way as to benefit those around them and feel a sense of purpose in their work.

A stable, responsible and interesting job is, in many ways, the key to well-being at home. For me, the most important things in life are family, health and a job that I am proud of. My father, who taught me a lot, serves as an example in this regard. In difficult situations, what helps me most is calmness and the ability to assess the situation soberly. I try not to rush to conclusions, but to consider all possible options and the consequences of each decision. Experience plays a big role – my own and that of my colleagues, because in the energy sector it is important to take even the smallest details into account.