Women In Trades Wednesday- Martina Perez

Martina Perez is a hydro operator who has been working in the industry for 5 years.

After finishing her degree and moving to New Zealand, Martina started looking for opportunities in the power generation/electricity industry- “I applied for the job and got it!”

 What is a Hydro operator, you might be thinking? “A hydro operator is the person responsible to ensure the safety of the activities around the plant. In order to do so, we have to isolate the hydro generators, dams, local services or our own power lines from any source of energy such as water, oil, electricity, etc.” Martina explains. 

 How does someone train to become a hydro operator? Martina describes her journey- “You are normally trained by your employer. On top of that, some companies also give you the opportunity to obtain L4 Operator/Maintainer Competency, which is managed with Connexis.

I studied marine engineering, which is what leads you to be a chief engineer on a merchant ship. I always describe a ship like a mini city that can produce everything you need- from fresh water, to steam to electricity. I was amazed by how much you can actually create from very little when there are systems in place! I didn’t fully enjoy being at sea all the time, so I chose a similar industry on land. Power generation seemed to fit perfectly.”

 Aside from the day to day challenges of the job itself, there are times Martina has been faced with others from time to time, such as- “Lack of trust from others, not believing I could do it, lack of women’s PPE, not being acknowledged, lack of opportunities, being treated like a princess, and the list goes on… Some challenges come from society and you can do very little about them as your circle of influence is limited (at least at the start of your career), but some others come from oneself. These are the ones you can actually manage and overcome, and when you do you feel rewarded the most, but most importantly it is then when you start also changing society.”

 On what she loves about her job, Martina says- “The challenging moments that make you think outside the box, depending on the situation you are in. The feeling of powering a country is quite likeable too!”

 Martina notes several standout proud moments so far in her career, including- “Achieving something I didn’t think I was ready to achieve on my own. I put my hand up to manage and be the lead operator for a whole unit outage just 2 years after starting my career. It was a complete success and although there were people backing me up, I was alone all the way and that made me have a sense of achievement I had never felt before.”

 As for Martina’s future career goals- “To get into Project Management within the electricity industry. Throughout my career I have experienced the struggles and the pressure people on the ground feel when project management is not good enough, this and the fact that I love planning make me think that this should be my next step!”

 On how her choice of career has impacted her life outside of work, Martina notes- “I am a bit of a clown outside work and people normally don’t take me seriously or think I’m silly. Until they ask me what I do for living, then the look changes and that makes me feel powerful and hence more confident!”

 Advice Martina would you give someone looking to get into her line of work is- “Don’t even think about it more than twice, go for it! If you like being challenged by situations and people, problem solving, looking cool in your PPE, the feeling of creating, maintaining or operating the infrastructure of a country, THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Holly Haddock

Holly Haddock works in the concrete and construction industry, for Higgins Concrete in Nelson- they supply the concrete! She is currently working on her National Certificate in Concrete Production with BCITO.

 Holly has been in the industry for just over 5 years now and says of her experience so far: “It’s been amazing! I worked a year and a half for a placing company doing acid washing, exposing and sealing of concrete, I then went to another concrete plant down in Christchurch where I was living at the time and did 3 years of training down there. Now I am back at home in sunny Nelson with Higgins Concrete and I've almost been here a year. I've never been so happy within a job EVER! and that's saying something!”

 A simple google search started Holly in the direction of her current job- “When I finished up with the placing company, I just googled "concrete companies Christchurch" and I sent my CV around to probably 10 places. A company got back to me asking if I would be keen to do some training with them- I took the leap!”

 A day at work for Holly is never the same as the last- “One day could be spent it in the yard driving the loader, the next I could be out all day doing on-site testing, which is good for me because it lets me engage in person with the customers I speak to on the phone. Putting a face to a name is always really nice.”

 On what inspired her to choose a career in concrete production, Holly says- “Once I got a taste of concrete (not literally) I just absolutely fell in love! There's so much behind it. To learn about it from basically the ground up- fundamentals, how it all works, and the knowledge behind it really sparks me up and gets me going!”

 While she loves her job, there is a bit of a challenge Holly has had to overcome- “The biggest challenge I feel I’ve overcome to get to where I am today, would be gaining respect from customers. A lot of the time answering the phone, especially in a construction trade, males want to talk to males because hearing a females’ voice makes them assume that I'm not sure what I'm talking about. Overcoming that and building a rapport with our customers has been so important to me! Working for a family owned company that also respects that has been a huge advantage for me too.”

 On what she loves most about her job, Holly has a hard time narrowing -down her options- “I love everything about my job! Even if I feel like it’s getting a bit repetitive, I'll switch up the way I would usually do things on the day and just have fun with it! I'm constantly learning new things every day about my industry and I'm never afraid to ask any questions.”

 Holly’s most proud career achievements are also hard to pick from—“For sure completing all the training I have done so far. I also feel like I can't pin point it. I'm proud of myself for doing what I love every day, and being part of a movement that is changing so trades aren't always going to be a "male dominant industry" forever.”

 Where does Holly see the future taking her? “Definitely just to see how far my trade can take me! The sky is the limit for me, and fortunately I work with such a great team so we are always encouraging each other to reach our goals.”

Holly feels the only lifestyle change she has had to make for her industry is to get used to starting work very early- “My body clock will wake me up at around 3am most days, but it gets me up and productive on the weekends!”

 Advice Holly would give someone looking to get into concrete production is- “Just go for it! Get stuck in and you will surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Proving people wrong that think you can't do things is the best feeling! The industry is getting better but finding an employer that wants you to succeed as much as you do is also very important.”   

Women In Trades Wednesday- Rachelle Dunn

Rachelle Dunn, wife to Rob and mum of two adult girls I am currently employed by a logging contractor to process logs- ie cut log stems to length on a skid site in the bush. I operate his Sumitomo 370 machine which weighs nearly 40 tonnes, with a Southstar processing head that weighs around 4 tonne. In the last 6 months, my role has changed a bit. I’m helping out in his office/admin work half of my day, then heading out to the bush crews for the other half of the day to help with quality control or to process logs.

I started working in the bush in 2014 at the age of 41, after 20ish years working in corporate offices. I had always wanted to be in an outside job and loved the openness and isolation of the bush. I was also really interested in big machinery, not worried about getting dirty, and wanted to be part of an operational team. While working in an office for a corporate forestry company, I approached a logging contractor and asked them about how I could get into the industry. He told me they would take me on if I was keen to learn and showed enthusiasm.

I started on the skids, marking and checking quality of the logs, and hopped onto the processing machine every smoko while the regular operator was having a break. My time in the seat got more often where I could fill for people. After 2 years, the regular operator moved onto another crew and I got his seat full time. I’ve been processing on a machine full time for 4 years.

My day starts at 5.30am, driving to the bush site that we are working in. We have a crew toolbox meeting and start work at 7.00am in the machines. We work through until 3.30 then head home. We can be up to an hours’ drive away from home, so it makes for a long day. If it’s a good day and the machine is running well, I could cut up to 600 tonnes of logs. But sometimes a hose on the machine could blow and I’d have to replace it, or something could break on the machine which would need repairing. Being a team, the others would always help out to get the machine back up and running as quick as possible. At the end of the day I’m required to do general maintenance on the machine which includes greasing and filling with fuel and oils. This is the most challenging part of my job, as the physical part of lifting and moving containers of oils around on unstable ground is harder for me. Also, I’m not very mechanical minded. But as a mentioned before, there’s always someone to help out, and its really enjoyable learning that side of the job and being able to do it myself.

I love being in a big machine, I enjoy feeling the power and strength of them and how easy they can lift and move up to 3 tonne logs. I enjoy being outdoors, away from all the busy town people, just being with my crew who we get to know pretty well and have a lot of banter and laughter. I like the rewarding feeling at the end of the day seeing what we’ve produced as a team. And its so cool seeing the logs I’ve cut on a back of a truck heading to a port or mill. Being in the bush or on a machine is not a job just for guys. If you are willing to work hard, get dirty, can give banter and take it, it’s a great fun career choice.

Women In Trades Wednesday- Lydia Hill

Lydia Hill is a Machine Operator who has been working in the industry for 10 years. Holding her truck licences class 2 and 4L, Lydia also holds her wheels, tracks and rollers endorsements, tickets she gained through North Tec Whanagrei.

Day to day tasks are constantly changing for Lydia- “It changes every day to every week. Some days I can be stripping top soil and cutting out house pads which I am still learning about, or I could be building bunds, cutting drains, stripping roads…there is just so much that goes on in any given day in earthworks- it's never dull!”

Early on, Lydia wanted to be an air hostess, but her grandfather who owned an agricultural contracting business needed someone to work, and due to there being no males available to take it on, she was it! “I didn’t see myself doing this for a life career, but ending up enjoying it when i ventured out on my own. After 4-5 years of working for my grandfather, I moved to Auckland and started a life for myself continuing what I knew best (earthworks).”

Working in construction hasn’t been without challenges to face to get Lydia where she is now- “Being female in this trade is hard! I've worked in a few different types of earthworks and always come across some males that are against women in this trade and think they belong in the kitchen. I’ve even had men try to get me fired. I found my biggest challenge was to build my skin thicker and not allow them to affect me. In the end, I'm proud of how far I've come, how much I have learnt and I accept that I'm still learning.”

Lydia notes the environment as what she loves most about her trade- “It's so peaceful- finding new places you’ll never find when looking from the road or down an old path. I love starting new developments and being able to see it start to finish and be proud of how it’s turned out- it’s like a painting really!”

Operating diggers isn’t just digging a hole or loading a truck. There is so much more; forestry, subdivisions, civil, agricultural, and many others. Lydia counts developing these skills as her most proud career achievement to date.

Lydia’s future career goals include- “getting all my truck licences and being able to develop a house site top to bottom for when I go to build my own home one day.”

As far as the impact her career has had on her life, she says- “you’re working 12 hours a day, roughly 6 days a week. I don’t have much of a life outside of work, but that doesn’t bother me. I'm not a usual 23-year-old, I'm not into drinking or partying.” Lydia cites her time in her trade with the development of her confidence over the years. “I've learnt that if u don’t give shit back to the blokes, they don’t respect you, and just treat you like a delicate little girl-which you don’t want to be while operating heavy equipment.”

Her advice for anyone looking to follow in a similar career path is- “Absolutely do it! I've never looked back. It’s great money and great opportunities for those that are driven and have nothing holding them back. It's a full on, fast moving industry. You have some amazing moments with old and young people you never thought you would make friends with. All I can really say is my name is Lydia Hill and I can’t wait to see you all out there!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Zoe Kokx

Zoe Kokx is currently undertaking a 5-year apprenticeship in Aircraft Engineering with Air New Zealand.

A typical day for Zoe involves: “doing maintenance on our fleet and those who contract work to us. Depending on what area our team gets placed on, we could be working on anything from engines to cargo to flight deck. Some jobs I've been involved in this year include replacing the flight control cables along the wings of a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 and replacing the EGT (exhaust gas temperature) harnesses on an Air Caledonia engine. We also work on the USA air force C-130 Hercules- which is awesome knowing they've been all the way to Antarctica.”

 On what inspired her career choice, Zoe says- “I've always loved planes, it still blows my mind when I see a C-17 or even a 777 take off, I know how it works but it still seems crazy!”

 Zoe wanted to be a pilot when she was in high school, so when she was of age, she applied for the Air Force. Unfortunately, she wasn’t accepted due to having asthma, but that wasn’t enough to put her off a career in aviation… “A few years ago, I discovered this trade and went for it, after trying for ATC I knew this was my last chance to work with planes. After doing my pre-trade, I was lucky enough to land a job with Air New Zealand.”

 “I think the thing I love most about my job is always going to be the planes. In what other job can you stand by the runway and watch planes planes battle to take off and land?!” Zoe comments on her love for the designs and engineering that makes planes as magnificent as they are, and she especially loves that she gets to get her hands dirty to keep them in the air.

 Her proudest achievement to date is “when I was doing my pre-trade I managed to get the top trainee award- even though I had no mechanical background. I had studied so hard! My future goal is to complete the CAA exams and get my licence so I can get type rated for the A320s and maybe the 787s.”

 Zoe’s advice to anyone looking to get into her trade is: “make sure it's something you're passionate about. It's a job that holds a lot of responsibility, and the training can be grueling, but being where I am now, it's all worth it!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Sophia Hattingh

Sophia is a second year electrical apprentice who is currently working in the industrial electrical space in the steel industry. A space she describes as “extremely male-dominated”.

 A trade career wasn’t where Sophia started out though. She studies design After doing design at university, and after spending a few years in the industry, she  decided to make the shift and get a trade.

 A typical day at for Sophia involves preventative maintenance on various machines, getting completely covered in dust and grime, picking up her boss’ tools after him and assisting him on breakdowns. 

On what she loves about her trade, Sophia has quite the list, including: “learning new skills, being able to work with my hands and keep active during the day. I love working 6.30 - 3 and being able to get to the beach after work!!”

Sophia’s biggest challenge has been night class studies- “having the energy to do school work for 3 hours after a full day’s work can be really tough – especially in the summer!” But then my greatest achievement has been passing all of year one.

 Sophia has big goals for the future- “I hope to have my own business at some point. But for now getting through the next three years on an apprentice wage is my main focus. That and passing exams!”

Sophia’s advice for anyone wanting to get into electrical (or any trade) is: “talk to as many people as you can in the trade about their job. I don't have any tradies in my family so whenever I met an electrician I would ask them hundreds of (probably really annoying) questions. But that gave me an idea for what to expect and where I might like to work etc. Also follow tradies on instagram!! I love seeing what other people - especially apprentices - are doing. Its also great for a bit of solidarity seeing other women in the trades :-) "

Women In Trades Wednesday- Amelia Rae

Amelia is a fully qualified and registered Master electrician with 11 years industry experience, who runs her own company with 2 staff members.

The feeling that she has something special to add to the industry is what inspired Amelia to start her own business. “I have a unique eye for detail, combined with a huge passion for what I do, and I feel this strongly reflects in my level of work. Because of this passion, I can get really involved in a customer’s wish list, and I love making their dreams become a reality by suggesting some cool new features along the way. I’m always staying up to date with the latest technology and housing trends”

A typical day for Amelia is meeting her staff in the morning, making sure they understand their tasks for the day and setting some motivation, then meeting the customer or builder onsite and getting stuck in. “Some days I will be 'jobbing' where I can achieve 6-8 jobs in a day, others I will be on a new house doing pre wiring or fit-off. I work 7 Hours on the tools, then pick up my son from day-care. When I get home, I cook dinner, get him bathed spend some time together and then another 2 hours admin when he is asleep at night.”

“I absolutely Love my job and wouldn't change it for anything! I have found something i really enjoy and am passionate about. The best part for me is seeing a customer try and explain their dreams and what they are trying to achieve, and being able to go above and beyond to deliver more than what they could have expected - Making others dreams a reality”

Getting qualified was a big proud moment for Amelia, “I had a huge ‘f**k yes, I’ve done it!’ feeling, despite all the stigma around being a female”. “Starting a business was cool, but growing it to employ staff due to the top level of work i produce and demand to work with me personally and my company is a huge confidence booster to doing it right - I couldn't wipe the smile of my face the first day my staff drove off to their jobs! -that was a huge goal of mine to achieve”. Another awesome achievement is that to our knowledge, Amelia is New Zealand’s first Female Master electrician who is self-employed.

Amelia’s future goals are around growing her business, and being recognized for the quality of work they produce.

Outside of work, her trade has given Amelia the ability to be self dependent and not rely on anyone- “I can achieve all hands on tasks myself, as my trade has given me the attitude of ‘hey, i can give that a go’ and try to things myself instead of not knowing were to start. I can also help friends and family in the same way”

Amelia’s advice to anybody looking to get into a trade like hers- “Give it and any opportunities a go, it really doesn't matter what anybody thinks, as long as you’re enjoying it and having fun. There can be alot of egos in this industry, so head down, work hard and let the results speak for themselves!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Chelsea Roper

Chelsea Roper has been in trades for 2 years so far as a builder, and is currently in the second year of her carpentry apprenticeship with BCITO. 

A typical day for Chelsea can vary widely- “I could be standing frames, digging holes and then off to another house to fit door hardware. No two days are the same.”

“I chose a career in the trades so that I could help my partner build our own home, we couldn't afford to otherwise.” Chelsea was previously a qualified graphic designer for 6 years, and felt it was time for a change.

On what she loves most about her trade, she says “I love taking nothing and creating something, and getting to see jobs from start to finish!”

Chelsea’s most proud achievements in her trade career to date include: “being a 1st year and putting in 24 mortise door locks, including 2 into cedar front doors.”

As for the future of her career, Chelsea has no set goals, apart from finishing her apprenticeship. (We think that’s a pretty massive goal in itself!)

Chelsea’s  advice to people wanting to take on a trade, would be-  “just do it! Dont let the stigma or opinions of others hold you back, stand out, be different and do what YOU enjoy in life.”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Flora Rivers

Flora Rivers is a carpentry apprentice, and was the hilarious and inspiring 2018 Mitre 10 keynote speaker at the annual WITNZ Getting women into trades conference. 

Currently completing her apprenticeship with BCITO, Flora was inspired to pursue a trade career for reasons a little different to most- tired of being let down by people she was relying on to fix things, she took on the task of learning how to do it herself. 

A generous man named Craig Williams bought her her first toolbox and with his encouragement, Flora took the steps to take on her carpentry apprenticeship- which included moving to New Zealand from her home in Samoa.

She notes this move as one of the biggest challenges she’s overcome, alongside the silent daily battles of strength between the boys on site- “you win some, you lose some!” She says.

Beginning a trade has impacted Flora’s life outside work in that she now sleeps a lot more than usual, explaining herself as being a bit like a “modern day sleeping beauty, who doesn’t consent to being woken by a kiss from a random stranger!”

Flora’s future career goals at present are “to be a better Me than yesterday”, and her advice for others is pretty straight up too- “if you’re gonna do it, be confident that you can do it, because you most definitely can! It’s all about your mindset.”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Ashlee Dankrell

Ashlee Dankrell  is a second generation painter and decorator in line to start her apprenticeship with BCITO shortly- following her workmate’s completion of their qualification.

A typical day for Ashlee includes “Trying to wing that extra five minutes of smoko by getting our boss talking about something he’s passionate about… that, and lots of sanding and vacuuming!”

Inspired to enter a trade career by her Dad and brothers, Ashlee says seeing the instant and dramatic change in a room is what she loves most about her trade.

“Switching from external repaints to level 5 new builds” is her most proud career achievement to date, and while not being scared of a bit of hard work, Ashlee also enjoys getting a bit of humour in the mix- “it reflects the trade I’m in!”.

As for future career goals, Ashlee’s include managing her own painting company with her brother.

Advice she would give someone looking to get into painting and decorating: “Hope you like sanding dawg! You gotta start at the bottom to work your way up”.