Event Special Feature- Claire Johnson, Keynote Speaker

Women in Trades NZ would like to introduce you to 2021 Mitre 10 Trade Keynote Scholarship winner, Claire Johnson. Claire is working with public speaking coach Diana Thomson of Speech Marks coaching to craft her inspirational career story into a presentation for our Getting Women Into Trades event in association with MBIE in Auckland on August 19. Tickets and more info on the event are available here

Claire has been in the industry for 14 years. Starting off as an electrician, and for the past six years she progressed to be a health, safety, quality and environment manager at Hunter Civil.

The team from WIT NZ sat down with Claire to do an informal Q&A. We did this to get a better understanding of who Claire is and the role she performs in her professional life.

We would also like to recognize that Claire is on the committee of WIT so we are incredibly proud to be sharing in her journey.

WIT: Tell us about your previous trade, and why you changed to your current career?

Claire: When I first left school I went to S.I.T where I completed a Pre Trade of electrical work. I completed my electrical apprenticeship in Invercargill. When I left Invercargill and moved to Christchurch, I had many interviews to be a junior electrician on sites. The unprofessional questions that I was asked during this process and multiple rejections meant that time was running out so I ended up taking a job at an Electrical Wholesalers . While I was here, I kept applying but I kept getting turned down. This is when I decided I had had enough and wanted to go back into the trades where I knew I belonged. I took on part time study and completed my Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. I had a few other jobs before I found my current one which I have been at for 6 years now. I am the HSQE Manager for Hunter Civil (Civil Construction) based in Christchurch.

WIT: Tell us about how you got your job/apprenticeship.

Claire: When I was at school I wanted to leave as soon as possible as I realized university wasn't my thing. My school was able to put me into a STAR course (STAR is a programme for secondary school students from anywhere in New Zealand to enrol in first year degree courses whilst they are in year 12 or 13) so I could “”try before I buy” regarding working in the electrical industry. After leaving school I attended SIT to complete my pre trade in the electrical industry. During this time I had workplace experience but due to no apprenticeships being available through the workplace experience I managed to find an electrical apprenticeship elsewhere myself.

WIT: How have you progressed in your career?

Claire: After completing my studies and changing career pathways I am now in a HSQE Management Role. I still go to my company's worksites weekly and help out if needed. I have also completed additional studies to help better myself which includes a bachelor in applied management with a major in occupational health and safety. I will finish this course early next year.

WIT: What does a typical day in the life of Claire look like?

Claire: No day is ever the same in the office or onsite and that is what I love, my work team are like a family to me. Everyday is different but the thing that remains the same is knowing that I am going home at the end of the day to my husband and my two cats (if it wasn’t apparent I may or may not be a crazy cat lady!)

WIT: Is there any travel involved with your current career?

Claire: Yes, Hutner Civil currently has civil projects underway in many parts of New Zealand. I enjoy travelling to Masterton, Waiheke Island, the West Coast, Nelson and as well as various work sites around Canterbury. This adds variety as well as spice to the HSQE role.

WIT: What inspired you to choose your current career?

Claire: When I changed from being directly on the tools to wanting to still work in the trades I looked at what elements I enjoyed and Health and Safety stuck out so I decided to retrain in this field.

WIT: What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Claire: The biggest challenge was finding the time to complete the additional study as it was all done by distance learning. Being disciplined was hard as I had to plan the study around my current work/social life.

WIT: What do you love most about your career?

Claire: I love being able to use my skills and help others to ensure they complete their task safely.

WIT: What is your proudest career achievement?

Claire: Getting my diplomas as I never thought I would have a qualification like this in my life when I left school.

WIT: What are your future goals?

Claire: To keep up with personal development and study and keep growing as a person to be able to help others.

WIT: What are some things you may have wished you’d know before you started?

Claire: That young me, fresh out of school, was a very different person to now. I wouldn't change anything as I have learned to grow as a person. Although if I had to choose something maybe stay at home a bit longer and make the most of it.

WIT: Has your career choice impacted your life outside work?.

Claire: Outside of work I have other roles such as NZISM Canterbury Branch Manager and as mentioned above, a Women in Trades NZ Committee member. As a person I am hard on myself and want what's best, it is sometimes hard to let go of this. I have the perfect work life balance which enables me to still continue to do my hobbies outside of work.

WIT: What advice would you give someone looking to get into your line of work?

Claire: It all depends on where you are in your career pathway, I would tell anyone to just do what you think is right for you. There is no point getting approval from someone else as they don't know you as well as you know yourself.

WIT: Lastly Claire, would you give any specific advice to parents considering getting into a trade career?

Claire: Let their children do it. Trades (before Covid) could take anyone around the world if they wished to travel after completing their apprenticeship. A trade is just as good as a university qualification and we need more trades people as there is a real shortage of them across many industries.

WIT would like to say a huge thank you to Claire for participating and sharing her experience and to all the readers who have taken their time to read this feature. If you would like to contact Claire you can contact her through email at: Claire@huntercivil.co.nz

Event Special Feature: Diana Thomson of SpeechMarks Coaching

Women In Trades NZ would like to introduce you to Diana Thomson, owner of SpeechMarks Coaching. For the fourth year running, Diana is working with our Mitre10 Trade Keynote speaker to craft her trade story and experiences into an inspiring presentation to be shared at our Getting Women Into Trades event in association with MBIE at the Vodafone Events Centre on August 19.

WIT NZ sat down for a Q&A with Diana so our community can get to know a little more about who she is and what she does.

WIT: What is your official job title, and how did you get into your current line of work?

Diana: My official job title is owner of SpeechMarks Coaching, but I call myself an author/coach /speaker. I am a public speaking coach and have niched my niche to be ‘the woman’s public speaking coach’ because I found so many women were great at what they did but not confident about speaking about it.

WIT: What did you do previous to this?

Diana: 30 years ago I graduated from Auckland University with a bachelor of property and spent 15 years in the commercial property management world, managing all sorts of property across the country on behalf of companies. I went on maternity leave; didn’t return and instead moved to Singapore with my husband and child. It was there that I started public speaking training myself, this led to a job as a workshop presenter and international relocations consultant. Helping people move from around the world to Singapore.

WIT: What do you get up to in a day at work?

Diana: My work day will see me prepare for my women’s speaking group ‘She Says So’ contacting members and guests who are interested in joining. Some social media posts and even working on my next presentation/keynote. It may also involve work with my one on one coaching clients, such as my Women in Trades scholarship winner.

WIT: Do you have any career highlights that stand out?

Diana: The highlights are when my clients speak confidently to an audience and I actually get to watch! A guest appearance on The AM show was also a bit of a highlight I have to admit.

WIT: What do you love most about this career choice?

Diana: This career choice feels like the first that I’ve been fully in control of but also is really making the world a better place, because other women are really benefiting from my help.

WIT: Have you had challenges to overcome to follow your current path? Do you have any wisdom or advice for others facing challenges?

Diana:My business is a result of me overcoming my challenges of self-doubt and lack of confidence. My advice to other people is to seek help from qualified independent people if they are having challenges.

WIT: Publishing your book “Anyone Can Speak Confidently” was a huge achievement. What inspired taking your skills to paper, and did this require a whole new level of confidence and backing yourself?

Diana:Writing my book was easy once I figured out who was going to help me and how it was going to be different from other books on the subject. I am a hopeless speller and my grammar is fairly average so writing has always been my Achilles heel. I had to believe that I had something worthwhile to share. I couldn’t have done it without spending the time and money with a publishing coach.

WIT: What made you keen to work with Women In Trades NZ?

Diana: Women in Trades philosophy and approach aligns with my own and they are an absolute pleasure to work with!

WIT: What is your favourite part of working with the Mitre 10 Trade keynote scholarship tradeswomen?

Diana: I enjoy the process of watching them realise they really do have something valuable to share with their audience. But my favourite part of working with the keynote scholarship recipient is listening to them at the event and then their face afterwards. It's such a mix of relief, excitement, amazement, pride.

WIT: Do you have any advice to give someone who is looking to improve their speaking - in meetings, presentations or everyday life?

Diana: Top tips for speaking and meetings and everyday life is actually to really start to listen (it’s called active listening). Prepare for the meeting and then participate - if you’re doing a presentation ‘write less and rehearse more’ is my mantra. If you can bring passion and energy to a presentation your audience will not only feel grateful but they are more likely to remember what you said. For any more top tips go to my website and click the free public speaking top tips hand out!

WIT: What are some proud moments you'd like to share with us?

Diana: Being a finalist in the National Annual Speech Evaluation Competition in Singapore 2013. Also, I built my own sales page on my website so I can now sell my books and She Says So Course from it. Sounds silly but I am really proud that I figured out how to do that!

WIT: Any final comments or tips?

Diana: Something I have learnt that may help others- Try and surround yourself with a variety of people from different backgrounds with different opinions and life experiences. Not only do they make your life more interesting but they help prevent you from getting tunnel vision.

Diana can be contacted at: www.speechmarks.co.nz

diana@speechmarks.co.nz

Ph: 021 028 54068

Everything you need to know about our 2021 Getting Into Trades event- in association with MBIE

UPDATE 18/8/21:

Unfortunately, due to the NZ level 4 lockdown which came into effect at 11.59pm last night, we have had to postpone this event.

The health and safety of all involved is paramount to the WIT team, so we are working hard to organise an alternative date for when restrictions are once again lowered and it is safe to proceed.

Keep an eye out on our media channels and website for more info in due course.

kia kaha,

The team at Women In Trades NZ

Women In Trades NZ and MBIE present: Getting Women into Trades Event 2021.

When: Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

Where: Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road Auckland, Auckland, 2104 New Zealand

Are you interested in a career change? Curious about the challenges of being a woman in the trades? Not sure which trade or training path is right for you? Then Women in Trades are running the event for you!

We are a not-for-profit trying to increase the number of women in construction and the trades and are in our 6th year of running this exciting and immersive event, especially for women. Come along to meet potential employers, industry training providers, tertiary institutes and industry organisations; listen to an inspiring Keynote speech from an experienced tradeswoman; interact with a lively panel of trades gurus; and learn the next steps to undertake your trades training and career.

The event is in two parts:

GIVE IT A GO First is your opportunity to get hands-on and give different trades a try in our ‘Give it a Go’ segment. While trying your hand at different tradie skills you will also be able to talk with experienced people (and tradeswomen!) from across the trades to learn more about the training and job opportunities out there.

KEYNOTE AND PANEL: After some delicious food, we head into the auditorium to hear from the Mitre 10 Trade Keynote Speaker – a tradeswoman currently working on the tools who will share her journey and insights with you. This is followed by an interactive panel discussion about the ins and outs, and unique challenges for women, of the tradie life.

THE DETAILS:

When: 3pm - 7pm, Thursday 19th August, 2021

Where: BNZ Theatre at the Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland

What: Conference for women to learn about all about being a tradie - training, careers, challenges and opportunities - from women in the trades, apprenticeship providers, education providers and employers.

Who: School leavers exploring their tertiary training opportunities or women looking to retrain for an exciting new career.

How? FREE tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/getting-women-into-trades/auckland/manukau-city

Women In Trades Wednesday-Christine Swepson

Christine Swepson is an Electrical apprentice of 1 year and 2 months. Christine’s interest for trades began whilst she worked in sales and customer service, she wanted to be an architect or vet, or to do something with her hands that was creative and meaningful, but at that time didn’t go through with it.

In 2018 Christine was working at Mercury when she saw an event for Girls in Hi viz promoting the Electrical & Telco Industry, this got her thinking more about the becoming an Electrician instead. Seeing these girls doing a trade is where Christine’s real interest began!

After this Christine explains she completed a pre trade at MIT in 2019 and then went to a careers expo where she handed in her CV to Manukau Jobs and Skills Hub. A few months later, Manukau Jobs and Skills Hub were able to put Christine through a one-week work experience and as well as this they sent her a job advert for Broad-spectrum, which she applied and interviewed for in December and got the job in January 2020. Christine explains “I am with Connexis doing my night classes at Etco. I started at the end of January, so I am still learning as I go. Every day/week can be different.”

At the moment Christine is at City Rail Link at Britomart doing lights, switchboards and terminations. She states that “I have done a lot of my firsts on this site, when I first started there, I spent a good three months only making up earths for containment bonding. I would have done over 3000 so far so I could safely say I am an expert at that!”

Christine’s family and her boredom of office work pushed her to make this a reality and she has not regretted it. When asked what challenges Christine had to overcome to get where she is now, she explains “I have a really supportive family and a positive outlook. If anything, I would probably say taking a pay cut from working full time in an office is something I’ve had to overcome but I know with time it will pay off in the end as I will forever have a life long skill that I’ll be able to take with me wherever I go and a guaranteed increase in pay”

What Christine loves most about her job is “That it will be a trade that will always be in demand, as no matter what technological advances there are there will always be a need for electricians. Since working in the industry, I have realized there are so many different areas of work I can choose to do/specialize in” and lastly “that there are so many great sparkys that I work with and I am able to learn different things from everyone in order to be better myself works quality”.

Christine’s proudest career achievement is “When I was complimented that my switchboard was beautiful and neat. Word got around, I mean I only had five cables, but I was still pretty chuffed with myself.” Christine has multiple future career goals that include “To get qualified, be a really good electrician through experience, get my inspectors license, do an electrical engineering degree and/or paper and to keep climbing the career ladder.”

Some of the things that she wished she had known when she first started are “I wished there was more on job/site practical experience with the pre trade I did. To know the must have tools and power tools that are really needed when you start out, as this stops you from wasting money on a tool you may only need once a year or never at all” and lastly “how to use certain power tools (although YouTube has helped me a lot with this one) and with on job experience and a good boss you’ll be shown how if you’re new to it”.

When asked how her career choice has impacted her life outside of work she states “I am way more tired after work definitely, I look forward to some more downtime. I am now excited and happy spending money on tools and would rather that for Christmas and birthday gifts now.” Christine has two kids, so she explains “I’ve always worked and because my hours are flexible at the moment, I am still able to have a good work/life balance”.

Christine’s final advice is “It’s all about who you know and who can help you! Apply anywhere and everywhere, put your CV into all of the places that tradies go such as ideal, carters etc. If you’re unsuccessful and doing electrical then I suggest trying a pre trade as it takes one year off your theory, so it pays off in the end. It’s definitely doable if you put your mind to it and it helps if you have the support of your family and/or partner. To remember you’re not alone, there are a lot of tradies who are parents and lastly to make sure you choose the right company that you can get work/life balance at.”

Christine would like to see more social promotion about women in trades and women in trades events such as television adverts and radio adverts to get more awareness to the public and she states “I started my trade when I was 30 and I would’ve definitely done it earlier in life had I been more informed at school or socially knew more about it.”

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!”