When it comes to unusual work environments, Nathan Carrington has most of us beat. As an embedded engineer working within a secure government facility, Nathan supports one of Fordway’s largest and most complex contracts to date. Since joining the company in early 2025, he’s been a key part of the IT operations on-site, helping to establish infrastructure from the ground up while navigating a highly secure and fast-moving environment.
So, what’s it really like working in such a unique environment? We asked Nathan to share his experience, from day-to-day tasks to surprising moments, and what he’s looking forward to next.
What first attracted you to the role at Fordway?
I feel very lucky to have found this role. I was initially drawn in by the opportunity to work on such a large-scale project — I knew it would give me a chance to grow my knowledge and gain experience across a wide range of IT tasks.
What was the onboarding experience like?
Friendly and professional. There was a lot to take in, but the team did a great job of helping me get up to speed with the systems and making me feel like part of the team from day one.
You joined right as the project was launching — what was that like?
It was definitely intense, but also really rewarding. The sheer scale of the site was a shock — you don’t realise how big it is until you see it. But I’ve learned so much in a short time, and the Fordway team have always been there to support me.
What does a typical day on site look like for you?
Every day is different. I arrive around 9am, go through security and pick up a set of keys, which allow me to move around independently. I might be setting up hardware, helping users, installing networking kit, or managing inventory. There’s always plenty to do.
What’s the atmosphere like on site?
It depends where you are. Some areas are quieter, while others — like the Central Services building — are full of activity. That’s where you’ll find the library, classrooms, healthcare, faith spaces and more. It’s a busy place, especially with new arrivals coming in all the time.
Do you have your own workspace?
Yes — I currently have a dedicated inventory room that also works as my office. There are plans to create a hot desk for me in the main on-site IT office too.
What’s been the most interesting technical challenge so far?
Helping to physically set up the IT infrastructure across the site — everything from installing equipment to laying cables and making sure there’s proper network redundancy. I’d studied those things before, but this is the first time I’ve had the chance to do it all hands-on.
How do you stay connected with the wider Fordway team?
During onboarding, I spent time at the Godalming office, which really helped me feel part of the company. We also have daily calls with the team, and lots of my colleagues have either visited or are planning to visit the site. It’s a supportive setup.
What do you enjoy most about the role?
The people. Both the on-site team and Fordway colleagues have been incredibly professional and easy to work with.
What skills have you developed since joining?
I now have a much broader understanding of IT infrastructure and how it’s deployed in real-world environments. Plus, I’ve learned a huge amount about how a secure site operates behind the scenes.
What are you looking forward to next?
I’m aiming to complete my first Microsoft certification this year, and I’m also looking at vendor-specific ones like Fortinet. There’s so much more I want to learn.
And finally — how do you unwind outside of work?
I’ve set myself the challenge of completing the Three Peaks — climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. I’ve been doing some practice hikes in the Lake District and Snowdonia. When I’m not training, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.
Want to know more about life at Fordway?
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