Meet APM Canada Quality Leader, Zeljko Gnjatic!
Est. Read Time: 8 minutes
This month’s spotlight features APM Canada Quality Leader, Zeljko Gnjatic! Zeljko started his journey here when he was hired with Alstom Power Canada in June 2009, and after 2016, it become GE Power when GE purchased Alstom. He recently reached 25 years in this industry and 15 years with APM! Outside of work, Zeljko is the father of 15 year old, Lucas (grade 10), husband to his wife, Mitra, and was an industry appointed member to the Alberta Safety Code of Council for 2 years. We are so excited to spotlight Zeljko! Read more to get to know his greatest accomplishments, favorite quote, and perspectives on success and leadership.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working with APM?
Quality personnel is actually supported by Management in this Organization.
What is a typical workday for you?
Dealing with technical inquiries from different sites, trying to find and schedule QC welding inspectors for different sites, and answering client inquiries regarding Quality group work. I also revise QC Manuals, forms, audit and archive QC turnover packages, provide/transmit QC packages to clients and deficiency list corrections. A workday also includes client audits and provincial jurisdiction authorities audits single contact from APM and maintaining APIC licenses and quality certifications required for pressure parts welding.
What energizes you at work?
I like when I see good work completed, documented, and recognized internally and by clients.
What do you find the most challenging in your role?
Mostly finding Qualified Welding Inspectors when projects overlap during outage busy seasons in spring/fall.
What do you like most about working with APM?
They let me do my things.
How has APM helped you in your career development?
Well, it did not stop it, which is already good for me. No meaningful request from me was rejected for any training I wanted.
What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?
I completed many over the last 30 years.
Metallurgical Engineering Technology- Diploma, Novi Sad, 1990-1993
Technical Institute, Novi Sad, Serbia .
Materials Engineering Technology. Diploma,
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Edmonton,1997-1999.
Professional Technologist (Engineering) registered in AB.
Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists (ASET), Edmonton
CWB Certified Welding Inspector, Level 2, Edmonton
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB)
ISO 9001 Certified Lead Auditor
AQS Management Systems/International Standard Organization (ISO 9001)
ABSA In-Service Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification (2010-2021), Edmonton
Alberta Boilers Safety Association, the pressure equipment safety authority
ABSA In-Service Boiler Inspector Certification(2010-2021), Edmonton
Alberta Boilers Safety Association, the pressure equipment safety authority
API -510, Certified Pressure Vessel Inspector, Edmonton
American Petroleum Institute (API), Washington, DC, USA
API-570, Certified Piping Inspector, Edmonton
American Petroleum Institute (API), Washington, DC, USA
National Board (NB) In Service Inspector Exam, Passed in 2010
National Board of Boiler and pressure Vessel Inspectors, Columbus ,Ohio, USA
RT-Industrial Radiography Inspection-Qualified Operator, Edmonton
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Industrial Safety Certificates: Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, CSTS
What is your proudest moment with APM?
This moment is very special to me.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I was always lucky with my Managers I report to.
In APM, it started with John Collins as the APM Quality Director I reported to. He is to blame for my work, he gave me too much freedom, so I started feeling special and did not mind doing QC work. It continues with current APM Quality Director Scott Ranaldi. I got the impression they think I know what I am doing which is strange but good feeling in workplace.
How do you prefer to spend your days off?
Mostly being active as I sit too much during work hours.
I go with Lucas and Mitra for daily walks, also running and going to gym twice weekly, dragging Lucas away from electronics.
On weekend I play one round of golf with some friends.
How do you balance your career at APM and family?
I think I got all flexibility with APM one employee can wish for, so it is easy to maintain a balance and I am enjoying it.
What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?
Come and join us, it is good place to be, believe me, I worked in many other places. If you ever have a dilemma if APM is good place to work please call me, I will give you couple horror stories from other places if that is what you need to hear. I am not naturally happy person, but APM helps with my happiness level as an employee.
What is a non-work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
In 1998 or so I built a modest house for my family in Serbia, which is the greatest thing I ever did in this life.
My family become civil war refugees in 1993 running from the Bosnia and Hercegovina war with destroyed house and all possessions. We were more or less homeless and without place to stay with no money, no savings, no valid documents or work in Serbia where we had to move to stay alive. Luckily, me and my brother were able to emigrate to Canada in 1995 from Serbia and tried to get some work here, saving some money very slowly, way too slow, but eventually, we were able to build a house for family left there and give them a life back. This was race with time as parents were older and I wanted them at least to die in their own home.
Zeljko’s Top Life Highlights
Family
Work
Friends
Zeljko’s Motto
Getting life and work experience is only partially good as you get older during the process of it.
Zeljko’s Favorite Sport
Golf, it’s the best sport and I’ve tried many.
Zeljko’s Favorite Quote
“Those telling the truth will never have many friends.”
- Hermann Hesse, novelist
Zeljko’s Definition of Success
It is accomplishing what you set out to do. Your happiness level will tell you.
Zeljko’s Perspective on Leadership
When my original idea is considered their own idea
Zeljko’s Favorite Place On Earth
Palm Springs, California is a golfer’s heaven especially for Canadians during winter months. I visit Palm Springs every year for a week in February, it’s an extra super great place.