Women In Trades Wednesday- Chelsea Coulter

Chelsea Coulter is an apprentice in light automotive. She studied at MIT for one year, and has been with her current company for just over one year now.

How did Chelsea get into her apprenticeship? She explains: “I left school after I finished my NCEA level 2, and went on to study at MIT doing a light automotive course. When this was ending, I approached a few companies looking for an apprenticeship before the company I’m with took me on. Due to working and studying, I couldn’t start straight away, but fit a couple days a week in for about a month before going full time”

What does Chelsea’s day to day at work look like? “My day consists mostly of services, oil changes, brake fluid, diffs, those types of things. There are generally some brakes that need replacing, or some small diagnosis tasks I can take on too. My company do a lot of “retail” work so I some days fit towbars too”.

An interest in cars growing up inspired Chelsea to take on an automotive career, she tells us more: “I was deciding what I was going to do when I left school- because I wasn't too excited about it, and didn't want to work in a supermarket all my life. I had an interest in cars growing up, but didn't know too much about them. My grandmother suggested I go to MIT and do some studying, and then decide what I want to do. From there, I fell in love with the work we were doing, so decided I wanted to carry on with the automotive line of work and progress further.”

What challenges has Chelsea overcome to get to where she is? “There weren't any physical challenges, but there were a lot of mental challenges! When I started my study at MIT, there were five other females in my class. Over the terms, they all slowly left, until it was just me. I’ve never been big on having other females around, but during this time it was definitely a struggle. Going through high school, there were always people of other genders around, and at the job I had at the time, I worked with mostly females, so to be studying and then moving into a workshop with all males was quiet a struggle. At times, it’s still hard, but I feel lucky to have such a great team of males to work with, that most days I don't even notice being the only female. Once starting at the workshop, it was also a struggle being the youngest for a while, but all the boys accepted it and we get on super well so now it doesn't really matter”

What does Chelsea love most about her trade? “What I love most is surprising people with what I know, and what I can help them with. A lot of people are shocked when I tell them what I do for work!” She adds that her most proud career achievements so far are achieving her level 3 qualifications and getting a job with Toyota.

Her future career goals are to be fully qualified, and then to be able to move on to get her WOF (warrant of fitness inspection) license. She states she would also like to be able to open her own workshop- but this will take more than just being qualified.

Chelsea says her career hasn't really impacted her life outside of work; “It’s a normal 8am-5pm job which is really good, and also some occasional weekend work. Because I’m still studying, I’m struggling a little with my time and my volunteer job, but with good time management I make everything work- it would be like any other job while studying.”

What advice would Chelsea give someone looking to get into her line of work? “Definitely take the time to ask around local companies for opportunities- there will always be someone looking to take on apprentices. Also, don't be put off if you feel they look at you strangely because you’re female. When I was looking, a lot of companies didn't want me as an apprentice because of my gender and I was put off for a bit. I kept looking, and found this job that I love- with an amazing workshop team whom I’m not sure I could be without now. I would definitely suggest looking into bigger companies rather than the smaller ones- I feel it helps with studying as well, due to needing certain experience towards your apprenticeship.”

Along with her trade career, Chelsea has volunteered for the Targa NZ rally car event, and been a timing person for their start and finish lines at 2 events; “This was quite exciting and interesting to talk to other car people outside of work” she says of this experience.

Women In Trades Wednesday- Syd Gill

Syd Gill is currently going into her second year as a carpentry apprentice through BCITO. While attending Tawa College Syd didn’t feel she was very good at the other subjects so stuck to only going to wood work and PE classes.

In year 12 Syd decided that she would give Trades Academy at WELTEC a go, where she picked Carpentry. “I really enjoyed the hands-on work at the course, and from there building really grew on me. What made my mind up was that I really wanted a ute and I thought to myself ‘well, tradies have utes’ so I may as well give it a go and see where it goes.”
At graduation of this course, Syd was approached by a lady who gave her a business card, and within a few days had a meeting with a company. “The interview went really well, and I started with this company a week later. About 6 months in I changed employers because I wanted to get the best opportunities for my apprenticeship” she explains.

A typical day sees Syd “starting at 7am on site- unless its a Tuesday, where we have a tool box meeting at the yard at 7, then make our way to site after. As I am an apprentice, I'm moved from site to site often, so I get to work with different people and experience different jobs.”
She is currently working on a house built in 1900- “we are framing up and installing windows, we usually smash out the work till 5.”

Syd does encounter a few obstacles working in her trade- “for example when sub-trades or delivery drivers come on site, they often ask me on a date to go get a beer at the pub, or they ask if they can talk to a ‘real builder.’ I also struggle with confidence because I am always compared to the guys- I am my own person! I may not be as strong as the others but I try make up for it in other ways.”
On what she loves about her career in carpentry, Syd says- “I love building because every day is different and I'm always trying/learning new things. I love being hands on because the long days and hard work is so rewarding! You also get a pretty good tan in the summer.”

Her proudest moment so far is being approached by a tool company- “when Stabila Levels messaged me on instagram asking if I wanted to be an ambassador for them, it made me feel awesome because they obviously see potential in me!”
Syd’s future goals include: “being the best builder I can be, I would love to have my own female apprentice and one day I'd love to run my own company.”

She notes her trade has had a positive impact outside of work and in her sporting hobbies- “Being in this industry has definitely helped my strength and fitness outside of work too. I play AFL locally and I occasionally play for AFLNZ. Since I started building, I've noticed a massive improvement in my performance. It has also helped me gain a lot of life skills I never knew I needed!”

Advice Syd would give someone coming into the trades industry is: “just jump in and go for it! Learn heaps, ask lots of questions and the harder you work the better the rewards are going to be.”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Jess Garlick

My name is Jess Garlick, I am a Heavy Diesel Engineer by trade.

I have been working on Aircraft Engines for Pratt and Whitney- The Christchurch Engine Centre for the past 2 years.

I started off years ago doing work experience for Gough Cat, while I was doing my SIT Pre-Trade Automotive/Auto body course. 

I was positively shocked to be picked from the candidates for an engineering apprenticeship, with a Heavy Materials Handling strand.

Being a woman in a predominantly male role, I feel I have not been disadvantaged and have had equal opportunities. 

The Engine Centre has been great to me; they care about everyone and know that family comes first, which is so important.

My most proud career achievement would have to be finishing my apprenticeship so early or getting my face on a massive billboard opposite the mall.

An ordinary day for me is arriving to work, chucking my overalls on then going to a toolbox meeting and finding out what I will be working on for that day. It could be anything in the Hot Section; the High-Pressure Turbine, Nozzle Guide Vanes, the Diffuser, Number 4 Bearing, Combustors and so on.

I love being challenged and I can say that two days are never the same!

I have always loved being hands on and working on bikes and buggys in the garage for as long as I can remember. In the future I hope to run my own team or workshop. 

I have a young son who loves all things motorized also which is fun for me. We are pretty busy people but still have plenty of time for sports and bike riding; It will be interesting to see if the wee lad keeps following in Mummy's footsteps.

For any gals looking in to a similar career path I would like to say... There will always be the 'odd' person who doesn't agree with your career choice, or the 'odd' person who just plainly doesn't like you because of your anatomy. But that is their issue, if you are doing what you want to be doing, and are happy, then that’s all that matters. Go out there, smash your goals and do you! They probably are just odd after all.

Women In Trades Wednesday- Holly Antrobus

Holly Antrobus is an apprentice technician at Toyota, she has been in her role for almost a year. From the day she finished high school, she has been on the path to becoming a qualified mechanic. Holly left school and went straight to UCOL to begin a year-long pre-apprenticeship course in automotive engineering, while working part-time at her local Subway. Of this experience she says “I was challenged by studying alongside the other candidates who were trying to get the same kind of position I landed with my job at Toyota”

Holly is currently completing her training with MITO, and secured her job through her old neighbour, who also works at Toyota. Her work days currently involve servicing vehicles, along with fitting accessories for new vehicles.

What does Holly love most about her trade? “Getting up in the morning and being able to work on cars- which I’ve had an overall passion for ever since I can remember. I was inspired to choose an automotive trade by my Grandfather, who owns a vintage car collection.”

While Holly states she is thankful to be in the position she is today, on this path studying for her apprenticeship, her future career goals include: “To be a boss of my own workshop with female technicians!”

Some things Holly wishes she had known when she started? “That it’s okay not to know everything from the beginning, because each day you’ll learn something new and that’s how you get real skills-through experience” Along with this, she has learned quickly about working in a traditionally masculine space, and the importance of a positive work culture: “My job has definitely taught me that everyone’s equal- being in a mainly male dominated industry and being so welcomed, while being the only female technician at my work is something I really appreciate.”

What tips and advice does Holly have for others looking to get into an automotive career? “I honestly recommend the pre apprenticeship course that UCOL has to offer. I found it was such a great start in this career, and it would be a very educational start to get your foot in the door for your apprenticeship. It’s always good to have a trade qualification under your belt, so I would highly recommend getting any trade career if you can. I hope more women get into some sort of trade, as we need more girls in these industries!”

Alongside her apprenticeship, Holly has accumulated a lot of certificates attending Nga Tawa Diocesan school- such as royal surf life-saving achievements and barista courses which she feels will come in handy throughout her life.

Women In Trades Wednesday- Kate Cawkwell

Kate Cawkwell is a third year Electrical apprentice working at Fonterra and studying through Open Polytechnic.

A trade career wasn’t originally in her sights, though family members in the electrical industry inspired Kate to give it a go. She explains to WIT how beginning a medical degree ended up a turning point into entering a trade apprenticeship: “I previously went to university to do a medical degree- having thought my whole life that University was the way to get ahead. How wrong I was! I left uni after my first year, having found it a rather isolating and depressing experience (among other personal contributing factors). After I left study I had no idea what to do with myself. I went to a dozen job interviews but I was always told I was 'too young with not enough experience'. At that point it was suggested to me that I look into getting a trade by family members who work in the electrical industry.”

She had a direction to explore now, but what was Kate’s process to get into the electrical trades? “I saw an ad for an apprenticeship with Fonterra- but thinking I would never get it, I didn't apply. I then went on to apply for a few other apprenticeships before my Mum and my Nana convinced me to apply at the dairy company. Many of my family members had previously worked for Fonterra, and told me what a great place it was to work. I wrote up my CV and handed it in well past the application closing date, though this didn’t seem to be an issue- after what I thought was a rather extensive employment process I had the Job!”

From day one in her trade career, Kate was learning “I’m still an apprentice, but my gosh how I have progressed! Not only in my trade, but as a person also. I came into my apprenticeship just a little scared of failing, I had never used a power tool or stripped cable, or opened a motor before. I didn't even know what the insulation colours were/meant and physics was not a strong subject of mine. I can now do many things and confidently 'wing' the rest! I was initially a bit scared of where this career choice would or wouldn't take me, though I can see now that the world is my oyster. I could go anywhere in the world with this trade!”

A day as an electrical apprentice for Fonterra looks a bit like this: “I’m in a maintenance electrical role, so there are a lot of checks and small improvements that we make on a daily basis. There are also a lot of cool, larger installation and improvement jobs that we do. I feel lucky to work for a company that encourages self improvement and further diversified learning as we also get to deal with a lot of instruments and process automation.”

Family influence was a strong factor in Kate choosing electrical as her trade. “Im not sure if you'd call it inspiration or coercion, but my Mum and Nana really pushed me to put in my applications. Also my Uncle has done extraordinarily well with his trade behind him so this was rather influential.”

A trade career can definitely come with it’s challenges, but as Kate explains, many of these can relate to your own thoughts about heading down a new career path. “Most of my challenges were more mental than anything else, particularly in the beginning of my apprenticeship. I often wondered if this was the right path for me and if I would ever be any good at it. I am so grateful to have had such a supportive team by my side, and that I stuck at it. I couldn't see myself anywhere else now! One thing I struggled with when I started applying for trades was the perception that getting a trade was like a last resort, I was scared some of my family and friends would look at me as a failure when really the only person that felt that way was myself. I wish I had known how challenging this apprenticeship was going to be. It’s not like school where the curriculum was set out for you and you knew what you were going to be tested on. Your success in a trade is dictated by your own motivation and ability to ask questions to further your understanding and do a better job. I also wish I had known about all the other avenues that an electrical trade can take you down, and that there is a lot of money to be made if you work hard enough. I also wish someone would have told me that there is a place for women in this industry because we have something different to give.”

What does Kate love most about her trade? “I love the diversity, each day brings something new. New challenges and new people. I like being on my feet and doing physical labour, its very rewarding. Most of all I love being in a job market that is not saturated and offers new opportunities at each turn. I have a lot of people asking me to do small jobs for them, its pretty cool feeling of value to others. I've also started a lot of new sports that have partially been made possible by my workmates. Like snowboarding and water skiing!”

And for the future, Kate has some super cool goals to chase! “I would love to travel the world with my trade for a while, work on ski fields, maybe some marine work on super yachts, Antarctica with their science projects, the cook islands setting up housing and schools. You can literally go anywhere with this!”

Of course, along with what she’s told us so far about what she wishes she had known before pursuing her electrical career, Kate still has a couple of tips for those considering the same career path: “Just get out there and don't hold back! Be your authentic self because authenticity makes people feel comfortable around you, being "real" is relatable. (To a degree I guess, your boss doesn't need to know your position on controversial topics in an interview).” And even for those who may think age could hold them back from starting a trade: “My mum’s been saying that she wishes she got a trade, so I asked why she doesn't get one now? Her reply is that its too late. I disagree, my Mum is 47 and thus has ATLEAST another 20 odd years of working life before retirement. I haven't even been working 5 years yet and it feels like a lifetime. An apprenticeship is only 3 years, then you'll have at least 17 more years exploring your new career! Remembering that you'll only go as far as your work ethic and determination.”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Georgia Fisher

Georgia Fisher is a Process Operator (or Operator Technician, different companies have slightly different names for the same role) in the NZ Oil and Gas industry. She currently works for OMV, at Maui Production Station in Taranaki. Georgia has been at this current role since January 2019. Previously, she worked as a contractor to Greymouth Petroleum in a similar role to help get her foot in the door. She worked in hospitality while studying to help pay her bills.

After leaving school, Georgia was unsure on the path she wanted to take, so took a year off and worked in retail. She soon felt that she wanted something more in a career- she tells us how it all happened: “I wanted something different, hands-on, and something to challenge myself. I’d heard about a year-long course at WITT (Western Institute of Technology) that would allow me to gain industry knowledge and help get my foot in the door. This piqued my interest, but I didn't have a trade background, which was a pre-requisite for applying. To expand my knowledge, I completed a 6 month pre-trade course, where I learnt how to use hand tools, a drill press, a lathe and a welding machine- which I thoroughly enjoyed! At the end of the six months, I applied for the operator course, but unfortunately I wasn't offered an interview. (This course was very sought after and usually has up to 200 applicants a year, while the course only had space for 20). I didn't give up though, and spent the next year studying a diploma in mechanical engineering. When I applied again the following year, I was lucky enough to be offered a spot on the course."

During the year that she completed the course, the oil and gas industry was experiencing a big downturn and there were very few jobs available on completion of the course. "I think less than half of us managed to get employment in the industry. I decided to take a chance and become a contractor through a company, which then contracted me out to Greymouth Petroleum. I worked at a small site in Inglewood called Kaimiro Production Station, and I loved it! I spent three years there, and gained so much knowledge and skills that I’ll have with me for life."

"When a job came up at Maui Production Station, I jumped at the opportunity to further my career and be an employee for a company with such a big name in the industry. I have now been here for a year and a bit and hope to be for many years to come!”

What does a workday look like for Georgia? She explains: “I work 12 hour days on a 6 on and 6 off roster, which can be any combination of day and night shifts. We usually have 4 people on shift at a time- a control room operator and three area technicians. I will arrive on site at around 6.25am in the morning (MPS is about an hour drive from my house) and complete a shift handover meeting with the current shift. We will discuss any plant changes, jobs completed or coming up, maintenance etc. Then we will have our shift morning meeting at about 6.45am where we will discuss work planned for the day, any plant issues and operating parameters, HSE focuses, equipment isolations etc.

Next is permit issue, where I will oversee and sign permits for jobs being completed in my area of the plant. HSE is very important for us, so it is imperative that all jobs are being carried out with the appropriate controls and barriers in place. Safety of all personnel is paramount. By around 8am, I’m getting outside for my first round. During this round, I will be checking my area for any changes or discrepancies, as well as taking samples, attending toolbox meetings, topping up compressor or pump seal oil, taking readings for the CRO (Control Room Operator), adjusting controllers, and anything else that may be required."

"Every single day is different- so at any given time during the day, I could be attending meetings regarding projects or HSE, installing or removing isolations on plant equipment, starting up or shutting down plant equipment, completing emergency exercises, overseeing work being completed in my area, making changes to controllers at request of the CRO, loading out or loading in product, taking samples for the lab, and of course doing a few more rounds in my area throughout the day. We have to be available at all times to assist with plant issues, as it is very important to keep gas going out the gate. At the end of the shift I will write down my notes for the next shift and complete a shift handover with the operator taking over my specific area.”

Want a little background on how Oil & Gas processing works? Georgia gives us a run-down: “The Maui field consists of two offshore platforms, and a production station. The wells offshore extract the oil and gas from the reservoir deep beneath the seabed, which then goes through a process of separation before being sent to MPS separately through the gas pipeline, and the condensate pipeline. The gas will be dried out using a heating and cooling process before entering the pipeline, which travels all the way to Auckland where it is distributed. The condensate is stripped of LPG through the fractionation train, and then pumped to the tank farm in New Plymouth, our condensate then travels overseas to be further refined. The LPG is stored on site and then pumped to Port Taranaki where it is loaded onto ships and distributed.”

Georgia counts her Mum as one of her biggest inspirations; “She was actually the one who pushed me to be in this line of work, and I wouldn't be where I am without her. She also works in a male dominated industry so it's pretty cool to see us both pushing the gender boundaries! Obviously working in a male dominated industry comes with it’s challenges. 99.9% of the guys that I work with are great, but there has been a few times where I have had to speak up and stand up for myself.”

What does Georgia love most about her trade? “I love the fact that every day is different.” She explains. “I like being able to use my mind to problem solve issues on the plant- sometimes we have a plant issue that has never happened before, so we have to try figure out the cause and rectify the issue, usually quite quickly! I am lucky enough to work with a great bunch of guys who are always willing teach me and help me problem solve.”

What are Georgia’s goals for the future? “Hopefully in the next few years I can progress into the role of CRO. This would mean having control of the plant, and therefore a lot more responsibility. At the moment I am focusing on completing my training to be competent in all areas of the plant.”

What did she wish she had known before she entered the industry? “I wish I had known how difficult the long hours would be. It definitely takes some time to get used to it. Having a healthy lifestyle helps! Shift work definitely takes a toll on your mind and body, which I figured out very quickly. I try to live a relatively healthy lifestyle and am lucky enough to have a gym available at work which I use most days!”

Advice Georgia would give others looking to get into the NZ Oil & Gas industry? “If you live in Taranaki I would definitely recommend the Process Operations course at WITT. The majority of the oil and gas companies in Taranaki are heavily involved with this course so it helps you get a foot in the door. In my experience, going to work for a smaller contract company also helped me gain necessary skills to progress in my career. The oil and gas industry are always looking for females to make the workplace more diverse so its a good time to put yourself out there if this line of work interests you!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Stacey Lord

Hi, I’m Stacey Lord. I’m an Electrical Instrumentation (IMC) apprentice, as well as a qualified Electrician working at New Zealand Steel. My electrical apprenticeship as well as my current IMC apprenticeship have both been under the guidance of ETCO (The Electrical Training Company).

I first stumbled across ETCO at a school career evening in 2014, and got talking to them about what the trade is, what subjects I was taking at the time (electronics, hard materials and the usual English, maths and science), what subjects I needed to take the following year (physics), as well as other criteria needed for the apprenticeship. Over the following year ETCO kept in contact, asking if I had received my NCEA results yet, or if I had sat my restricted driver’s licence. In June 2015 I started my electrical apprenticeship.

During my apprenticeship, I did work that ranged from commercial lighting and installs, building panels for timber treatment plants to changing lights on the harbour bridge. Now, while working in IMC I’ve been maintaining machinery such as x-rays, and rotary kilns.

I guess you could say I got into this line of work because I didn’t want to get stuck behind a desk and I always liked doing something a bit different, I also really enjoyed doing electronics at high school.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced happened about 2 years into my electrical apprenticeship, when I had a car crash that resulted in concussion, adding 6 months onto the apprenticeship. The concussion impacted me a lot, as I wasn’t allowed to work- let alone physically and mentally handle any work, as I had trouble concentrating, staying awake and keeping my balance (all signs of concussion). It took me 9 months to get back to working full time, and by that stage I had to catch up on my book work and ended up doing two levels together.

The thing I love most about being in the trade is the variety of work and the people I work with. All of whom have never judged me for being a female, and gave me a chance to prove that I can be a tradie. All my workmates treat me as their equal and don’t tiptoe around me (which is something I have encountered, as people don’t expect a female in this role) if they don’t like something, they tell me.

My proudest moment was qualifying as an electrician. I am furthering my training by carrying forward with the IMC apprenticeship.

One of the biggest things I have noticed about being in the trade is how much it affects my mood outside of work. Because I’m doing something I enjoy, I’m a lot happier. It affects how I dress outside of work hours- as I’m in overalls and boots all day it’s nice to dress “like a girl” which I never used to do. I also get to know new people, because as soon as I mention I’m a Sparkie, it opens up a whole new set of questions such as “how is it being a woman in the trade?”, “how did you get into it?” “what do you think about women going into the trade?” etc.

My advice to anyone looking at becoming an electrician is to go for it, do something that makes you happy. And for the females- don’t be afraid of being the only women on site or on the tools. Change has to start somewhere, so why not with us?

Stacey

Women In Trades Wednesday- Alana Davies

Alana Davies is a 21-year-old Drainlayer, who has been in the industry on and off over the last three years. She is currently doing her apprenticeship with Skills, and says of her experience: “they have been absolutely amazing to deal with, and have supported me through all the ups and downs along the way.”

After going through the gruelling process of stopping and starting her apprenticeship multiple times due to family relocating, struggling to find an apprenticeship, being let go, and quitting, she is finally on the right track thanks to Manawatu Contracting and Drainage.

Alana tells us more: “I started part time with them around August last year, at that point in life I was not overly keen on going back through the process and getting back in the trenches, but they always reckoned they'd convince me eventually and get me full time one day….I took a leap of faith and here I am! Over the years I have been torn between whether to go back into farming, or back into Drainlaying. I love both of them, but obviously being unable to do both of them full time, I think now I have found that somewhat perfect balance- My boyfriend is a Shepherd on a sheep and beef farm, so I get to help him out on the farm on the weekends if he works, and then I have Drainlaying during the week.”

Alana counts her dad as her biggest inspiration- “He is a certified Drainlayer, and from as long as I can remember being a little kid sitting in a Dads digger bucket, I've always wanted to be like him and get outside, get dirty and have a hands on practical job.”

A hands-on type career with full support from her family was always on the cards for Alana- “I am so lucky to have such amazing parents who have supported me from the get go. I think Mum always knew from a young age that I wasn't like most of my peers, that I'd probably choose a non-traditional path somewhere down the track. I loved getting my hands messy, playing in the mud, watching Dad unblock the toilets, getting out on motorbikes, long weekends out camping and scaring other girls my age and older in the dark, playing rugby with the Island boys down the road -barefoot and on tar-seal- I was often found playing with offal from animals during science projects too, you know all the fun and yucky stuff!”

Variety and a strong teamwork attitude are two key qualities Alana loves about her job. “I turn up to the yard at 7.30am each morning, grab a coffee and catch up with the boss and the team for the morning debrief. We then go out, check the trucks and diggers over, load gear and batteries for our power tools into our trailers, and set up our vehicles for the day. Sometimes we will go out and lay a set of house drains, sometimes there’s hours on the digger- backfilling and tidying sites. Other days it's small repair jobs like moving a downpipe or fixing a broken sewer pipe that the builders went through when they built the deck, digging plus installing water tanks and septic tanks, helping the boys with the earthworks of a foundation or a driveway dig out, and sometimes there are days where I sit in a truck all day carting loads to and from site and out to the quarry- I do love a good day in the truck!"

"Manawatu Contracting is a family owned and operated business who treats all of us like family. I work in a close-knit team, and we all like to have a good yarn and a good laugh on site. It's just awesome knowing you are more than just a number, that you do count as an individual and as an up and coming tradie.”

Alana’s current goal is to hit the nail on the head and to finish her apprenticeship this year, “Corona may have held things up a bit but we'll get there!”

How does Alana find her trade affects her life outside of work? She explains: “Juggling your personal life and commitments can be a wee bit tricky with a full-time outdoorsy job, especially when Aunty Flow kicks in at that inconvenient time of the month, and you’re extra tired. At the end of the day, with all the opportunities and experience I'm getting, it's so worth it. It's all about balance, and learning what you can and can't do during the week- you just have to try and squeeze it into everything else on the list for the weekends.” Also, being a long-distance Godmother- “To two beautiful babies!” Alana adds, but not getting to be able to travel to spend more time with them is one of the challenges she faces- “I just have to make the most of my time with them when I do go up for holidays”.

Alana’s advice for anyone interested in a career in Drainlaying is simple: “Don't be afraid to give it a go, you'll know pretty quick if you like the job or if you don't. There is so much support for women in non-traditional trades these days which is awesome, I still to this day have young and old folk come over on a semi-regular basis, to say a quick ‘hello’ and tell you they think it's awesome to see a girl in the trades. Always get a few cheeky comments about keeping the boys in line…I mean, someone's gotta do it- right?!

Also ladies, there is always someone with a watchful eye, whether we know it or not, so keeping a tidy standard of workmanship, an eye for detail, and a good sense of humour will take you a long way....and don't be afraid to ask the old boys questions...the old bucks know their stuff!”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Kimberley Kalin

Kimberley Jayne Lichtwark-Kalin has been working in the automotive glass industry coming up 3 three years, for Smith&Smith®, and is currently completing her technician qualification with BCITO- She has one module to complete to be fully qualified.

She began her career as a Flexi Tech, basically a TA (Trade Assistant) to everybody in the workshop in a summer support role. When this was up, Kimberley was offered a Technician role and an apprenticeship. “I am now the leading hand at our branch and have an amazing team that works with me. My official title now is Leading Hand of New Plymouth. It’s been a busy couple of years!”

On how she got into her trade, Kimberley explains: “I was a single mum at the time (son 2 years old) and I was ready to get back into the work force, however I wasn’t keen to go back to hospitality. I decided to complete a welding course, but the hours needed in an engineering trade are too long with a child, so I completed my course and continued to work part time in a cafe whilst applying for full time work. I saw an advert for a “Flexi Tech” summer support role at Smith&Smith®, it was only a temporary role but I applied anyway, I had also applied for a position in a gas company at this time.” “A few weeks later I interviewed for both jobs. The gas company offered me the job on the spot, but it didn’t feel right. There was no opportunity to grow my career within the company nor was it very hands on. I hadn’t heard from Smith&Smith®, so I called my now Boss.... numerous times, and convinced him to take a chance on me…. He eventually offered me the job! I was certain it was where I wanted to be.”

Kimberley was inspired to climb the ladder in her career because of the company she works for. “I have had nothing but endless support, fun, education, opportunities and of course a few struggles.”

The challenges Kimberley encountered personally through her journey were hard, but not something that couldn’t be overcome. “Being a single mum, I’ve had to budget very strictly so I could afford to put my son in full time day-care before I started, also I needed to love my job because childcare pretty much cancels out my pay cheque. But trust me- with hard work comes great success! Everything is temporary if you have an end goal.”

On what she loves most about her trade, Kimberley includes both the work itself, and her company: “What I love is that it’s forever changing! Vehicles are constantly adding new features, new software and no two cars are ever the same meaning I’m NEVER bored! Aside from the trade itself, it’s my company that made me fall in love with my job, they offer so many opportunities to grow professionally and personally. They really celebrate their people and I love that!”

Kimberley counts her biggest achievement so far as having the opportunity to compete in the New Zealand best of Belron last year. “Six of the best techs from around the country got to battle it out for the chance to go to the world comps which will be held in Barcelona. I didn’t win, but I am the first female to get as far as I did! It was a very emotional, exciting, shocking, stressful event but all worth it! (Link to a video of this event can be found on our WIT Facebook page)

On how her choice of career has affected other areas of her life, Kimberley notes some pretty cool points: “My career has given me nothing but positive impacts on my life. I have had the opportunity to speak to people of all walks of life and professions, I’ve made life-long friendships within my company and community. It’s given me the confidence to get in and fix everything before throwing it out! It has also helped me develop my mechanical and business knowledge.”

Kimberley’s advice for someone considering following in her career path? “If you want to do something DO IT! You will always find a way to get there if you don’t give up! Nothing comes easy or free, but the rewards you get out of pushing yourself to be the best far exceeds any struggle to begin with! It always seems impossible until you start.”

Women In Trades Wednesday- Tegan Williams

Tegan Williams is a Painter Decorator who has been working in the industry for 3 years, and is completing her apprenticeship with BCITO. She is also a volunteer firefighter, and her hobbies include woodworking with native timbers making chopping boards, bath boards and picnic boards for the beach.

How Tegan got into her trade is a little bit different- “I got my job through my Officer at the fire station. I was complaining on the truck one day that I was really unhappy with my office job, and wanted something new before summer started. He offered me some summer work and I’ve never looked back!”

What does a work day look like for Tegan? She explains: “A normal day for me will consist of waking up and making a coffee for my partner (who also happens to be my boss) and then off to work at 7:30am. If it is a new build that we can lock up, once we get to site, we usually unload the entire contents of the ute- drawers, paint brushes, rollers etc into the garage, then start to fill every single hole in the house. We mask out the floors in the garage, then head to the paint shop. Return to drop the paint off then by this time it’s usually smoko, which has become our breakfast time. Afterwards we’ll start masking out the windows ready to spray with sealer, then it’s lunch which consists of heating up leftovers in the sandwich press while I go pick up some coffees. To finish off our days well tidy up and get all the gear ready for the next day or usually head off to another small job and get that done.”

Tegan notes that she didn’t exactly feel inspired to choose her career, “but I was definitely inspired to keep doing it once I stopped feeling self-conscious about being a woman in the trades. This, funnily enough, was because I found an amazing community of female tradies all over the world on Instagram- this I’m thankful for as I am not cut out for an office job!”

A few challenges Tegan has overcome to get to where she is now include: “Definitely having to grow my self-confidence and making sure I’m heard. Being a female in a trade is hard. Being a female apprentice in a trade is even harder. You’ll meet old dogs who don’t want to hear your new tricks, you’ll meet people who think you’re there for the day to help your dad out, and you’ll also meet people who won’t talk to you because they think you won’t understand. Which leads to one of the most satisfying things in my day- Proving them wrong!”

The diversity is something Tegan enjoys about her trade- “When it’s sunny, I work outside. When it’s raining, I work inside. Every day is something different whether it’s working on a roof, repainting a stairwell, or fixing a hole in the wall the dog chewed out when there was a storm. 3 years on and I am still learning.”

She’s also shared a couple of work stories with us- “One time I didn’t check that the pressure of my airless was released before twisting the gun off to clean it. As I unscrewed the attachment around 1L of watery paint squirted all up my arm, all over my shirt and down my leg. I had to wash off on the site tap before I could use the boss’ car to go home and change!”

“Another time my Boss was having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by 11am when we arrived onto a worksite. Nothing I was doing was fast enough for him and while he was on a roof and I was bending down to pick up the planks to hand him, my pants split. I paused, he asked ‘What’s taking so long? Hurry up!’ I said I just split my pants. He said ‘who cares? It can’t be that bad, hurry up- let’s see’ to which I turned around and could fit my whole hand in the rip. I had to borrow a builder’s jumper to walk to the car and drive to the warehouse to get new shorts! Boss was even more unhappy when I got back to the jobsite!

Future goals for Tegan encompass all aspects of her trade- “being able to run individual jobs by myself from the quoting to the last stroke of paint.” How has her career choice impacted her life so far? “My career has allowed me to be a lot more flexible outside of work for sure. There’s no need to squeeze in that appointment at lunch time or organise to meet friends after a certain time as being in my trade is so flexible and my boss is very understanding. I can also make up hours or work extra hours when I need to, as we’re so busy with all the new housing going up around our area. The job has also given me a lot of physical and mental self-confidence. I’m no size 10 girl, but that is fine by me as I have a physically demanding job, and I know my body is strong and healthy and that is one thing that makes me so happy when I look in the mirror each morning.”

Tegan’s advice for someone considering a career in Painting & Decorating? “If you’ve ever thought about getting into a trade, I say just do it. It’s just like any other job that you’ll apply for. If you don’t like it you find something else you think you’ll enjoy. You just never want to look back and think ‘if only I’d given it a go’.