NEWS & INFO
Bridgestone Careers Day - Auckland Airport, 4 May 2024
Bridgestone New Zealand is hiring!
Learn about the opportunities available at their Careers Open Day on Saturday 4th May, 10am - 3pm Bridgestone Select - Auckland Airport
Can't make it? Email HR Business Partner Shivani Nath at Shivani.Nath@bridgestone.com.au or call 09 573 6346.
KiwiRail wants to take you places!
In the latest issue of the Tradie Magazine, we hear from Anna Skerrett, who works for KiwiRail as a Rail Operator.
Working outdoors in all conditions, she coordinates with different teams to separate wagons and deliver them to various customers. See her story on page 6.
Find out how to join KiwiRail and stop by their awesome facebook page!
Click the image below to read more:
Getting women into trades: Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
The Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau Women in Trades event took place on April 9, welcoming over 250 students from local secondary schools and women interested in exploring careers in the trades. A heartfelt thank you and ka pai to our sponsors and the dedicated organising committee, led by Co-Chair Kylie Taffard and the WiT committee with assistance from Event Manager Karen Caso, for making the event a success.
KiwiRail team at the Auckland Women in Trades Event 9 Apri 2024
Special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for their creative "give-it-a-go" displays that offered attendees a hands-on taste of the opportunities in the trades, from operating heavy machinery to exploring roles at KiwiRail, EQUANS, Jobs and Skills Hubs, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), Mito, Competenz, Etco, New Zealand Steel, Mast Academy NZ, Unitec, Dulux, Komatsu, Live Well Build Well Waihanga Ora, Waste Management, Connexis, EarnLearn, Omexom and ATT Apprenticeship Training Trust. Through your support attendees learned about the potential career paths within the trades.
MC'd by Jennifer Parker, General Manager of Licensed Renovations, the panel featured a diverse group of women who exemplify the positive shift by companies actively seeking to hire more women. From an experienced manager to newcomers, panellists included National Resources Manager Racheal Fenton from KiwiRail, who spoke about her experience leading a predominantly male team. Veteran plumber Kellie Hinton, second-year apprentice Patsy Gadsby from Competenz, and MIT Carpentry apprentice Christina Rose passionately discussed the importance of self-confidence and the growing openness of the trades to women. Zoe Shing from TSA Management, Heather Mansfield from Savory Construction, and Nerrisa Ross from Fletcher Living elaborated on their project management, quality assurance, and site management roles. They highlighted how their employers foster career growth, showcasing the varied roles and pathways that are now available to women.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their interest in joining the trades. The event's impact was clear, as one student noted she is “more determined and encouraged to succeed in [her] training at MIT”. Several attendees praised the event for enlightening them about other paths and opportunities. They are interested in learning about various trades, including carpentry, engineering, project management, electrical, leadership, and more.
“It introduced me to many new careers I had not thought about before. The event has given me better understanding.” With another saying that they are “definitely going to get into a trade industry.”
Charlotte McKeon, a trade teacher from One Tree Hill College, praised the variety of experiences available to her students and the welcoming nature of the exhibitors. Career advisors also noted a desire for more information on how the industry can support individuals with disabilities, including those with vision impairments.
Congratulations to our prize winners, with KiwiRail giving away two scenic passes for their stunning Great Journeys train and MAST Academy New Zealand awarding a prize for guessing the weight of their America's Cup wheel.
Congratulations to the winner. Presented by Racheal Fenton National Resources Manager at KiwiRail.
A massive thank you again to all our sponsors who made this inspirational event possible.
Taranaki event success!
The Taranaki Women in Trades event kick-started our events around the motu. On Tuesday 19 March, we welcomed students from local secondary schools and women keen to explore the trades and the many opportunities available to them.
A massive thank you and ka pai to our sponsors and the passionate organising committee led by WiTT’s Katrina Mayo, all who made the event a massive success. Thank you to all the exhibitors for taking time out and for sharing your enthusiasm with creative give-it-a-go displays, giving attendees a taste of what's on offer in the trades.
Attendees got up close and personal trying their hand at operating diggers, making electrical circuits work, tools, painting and plastering, changing a tyre, virtual reality head sets, tried on workwear, and operating specialised equipment from Methanex and First Gas (Clarus) and much more!
A massive thank you to all of our sponsors who made the event happen:
The energy and enthusiasm at the event were palpable. Brodie Kane rallied the students and MC’d an inspiring panellist discussion led by the students’ questions. The students asked about how to enter the trades, how much support our panellist's received from employers, and how they juggle life and their careers. The advice from our panellists was clear, you need to back yourself and the trades can take you anywhere you want to go.
Events like these are crucial in breaking down barriers, misconceptions and stereotypes to open up pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. It's heartening to see such strong interest and support from the Taranaki community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and supported this initiative. Your involvement is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse trades sector.
Our next event is Auckland, 9 April 2024 from 10am-2pm at Due Drop Events Centre! https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/getting-women-into-trades-auckland-tamaki-makaurau/auckland/manukau-city#none
A massive thank you to all of our panellists and organising committee members who helped to make this happen:
Panel Speakers:
Lakein Cottam – First Gas / Clarus
Katie Bolland – Taranaki Electrical Services
Keely Feaver – Methanex
Kimberly de Vries – Fulton Hogan
Hayley Smith – Taranaki Roofing
MC – Brodie Kane
Organising Committee:
Kylie Taffard & Whitney Murrie - Women in Trades
Katrina Mayo - WITT Te Pūkenga / Project Maunga
Katie Bollond - Taranaki Electrical Services and Master Electricians
Hineakura Tokotaua - Te Heru Māpara
Kerrie Thompson-Booth ad Angela Ferguson - WITT Te Pūkenga
Hayley Smith - Taranaki Roofing
Nuala Donnelly - Connected.govt
Tetsu Garnett - He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki
Mary Sagan and Melissa Keith - Chamber Hub
Lesley Johnson - Leighs Construction
Check out the latest issue of the Tradie New Zealand Magazine
In this issue we talk about some of the changes we're seen in the industry and our upcoming events!
Attend our 2024 free events!
See our list of 2024 events here!
Are you interested in exploring a career path filled with opportunities for growth, innovation, and fulfillment? 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!
…COME AND INVESTIGATE A FREE TRADES CAREER AT THE WOMEN IN TRADES EXPO!
· Taranaki, 19 March 2024, 11am-3pm, TET Stadium, 1 Elliot Street, Inglewood
· Auckland, 9 April 2024, 10am-2pm, Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri
· Wellington, August 2024 details still to be confirmed.
· Timaru, 8 August 2024, 10am, Caroline Bay Hall.
We are a not-for-profit showcasing the benefits and rewarding careers you can have in the trades. We are in our 7th 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
interact with a lively panel of trades gurus
learn the next steps to undertake your trades training and career.
HIGHLIGHTS:
First, get hands-on and try different trades in our 'Give it a Go' segment. Try your hand at some fun tradie skills and talk with experienced people (and tradeswomen!) from across the trades. You'll learn about career paths, training and job opportunities.
After some delicious kai (free!), we'll hear from a Keynote Speaker. A tradeswoman working on the tools will share her journey and insights. An interactive panel discussion about the ins and outs and unique challenges for women of the tradie life follows this.
Last year, Timaru Girls High school students attended our Christchurch event, leaving inspired and motivated. According to their teacher, Jo Shaw:
"The girls loved the experience... Your panel of tradeswomen was awesome too!!"
Now, we're bringing this empowering experience back to Timaru, thanks to such positive feedback.
Meet Kimberly de Vries - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist
• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?
I have worked in Construction for 17 years, during this time I have had two children, now 5 and 7.
• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?
I have worked in construction since leaving Canterbury University.
• How did you get into the Trades?
I studied Geography at Canterbury Uni, while studying a Coastal Studies paper, we visited a construction site among the dunes. The lecturer started asking us how we thought the dunes would be reinstated. I started to think about applying my degree in the construction sector.
I then wrote letters to a few construction companies communicating the type of role I was looking for. A company who got back to me created a role for me as an Environmental advisor, it was the same company whose construction site we visited at Uni. As part of my new role, I managed the reinstatement of those same dunes I visited 😊
• Who are you completing your training with?
I worked as an environmental manager for two years, I then got an opportunity to work as a site engineer on a tunnelling project in Auckland, the company offered to pay for me to study toward a NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering. I studied part time for 4 years.
• How have you progressed in your career?
I worked as a site engineer and over my career have processed up to Project Engineer, Project Manager and to where I currently am as the Contracting Division Manager in Taranaki for Fulton Hogan looking after a team of 55.
Although my career looks very linear I was provided opportunities to build on my capabilities along the way, I have also worked in specialist roles, including programming, communications, quality, traffic management. These have provided the opportunities enhance my knowledge in the construct industry, all of which benefit me in my current management roll.
• What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day looks very different, which is one of the things I love. My days involves the following, checking in with my engineers to help work through challenges on site, communicating with suppliers / subcontractors/ clients, tendering, HR related tasks for the team – career conversations, programming and learning.
“I have had to challenge my own mindset on the possibility to continue working in construction while having children. I assumed I would need to move to an office based role while having children [...], I didn’t see many other women doing it. Thanks to a supportive husband, putting up strong boundaries and having a supportive employer it has been possible.”
• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I have had to challenge my own mindset on the possibility to continue working in construction while having children. I assumed I would need to move to an office based role while having children, as when I entered construction, I didn’t see many other women doing it. Thanks to a supportive husband, putting up strong boundaries and having a supportive employer it has been possible.
• What do you love most about your trade?
I love the people, I have worked with amazingly skilled and talented people. As a women I have always felt supported and encouraged to challenge myself.
Meet Hayley Smith - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist
• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?
My Trade is Roofing. I have been in the construction industry for 6 years. During this time my Husband and I started our Roofing Company B.A.R.S Roofing.
• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?
My previous career was in finance. My goal was to be what everyone classified as “successful” I had the high paying job, big house expensive car nice things, but I was miserable. After having kids my view on what’s important really shifted, and I found myself drawn to the construction industry. There are so many inspiring and resourceful people in the construction industry! I got my foot in the door as the finance manager of a local building company. Once I figured out the ins and outs of business, I was able to start our own company.
• How did you get into the Trades?
I started out managing our company. You know, as the office lady. Then I started going on sites to hold things, as an extra set of hands. Next thing you know, I’ve got my own tool belt and tools, and I’m on site any chance I could get! I loved it. I wanted to do my apprenticeship to prove that I know my shit. I’m not just the office lady. As part of owning a business, it made sense to work to become qualified.
“I started out managing our company. You know, as the office lady. Then I started going on sites to hold things, as an extra set of hands. Next thing you know I’ve got my own tool belt and tools and I’m on site any chance I could get! I loved it. ”
• Who are you completing your training with?
Vertical horizonz. I’m in my third year as a Roofing apprentice.
• Who inspired you to choose this career?
My husband. Eww cute aye. We didn’t come from money so we wanted to break the cycle and start something amazing to support the success of our children.
• How have you progressed in your career?
Our company would do contract work for one of the main roofing companies, Roofing Taranaki. I built such an incredible relationship with them that they wanted to hire me as their HSE and Marketing Assistant. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to balance this role alongside being on the tools, running our own company and having a family.
• What does a typical day look like for you?
First stop is coffee! Then if I’m in the office I head in and clear my emails and check that all health and safety paperwork is up to date for all of our current jobs. One day I could be organizing traffic management and the next I’m showing up on site to ruin your day with a site audit, haha. If I’m on the tools I’m often heading to our suppliers to pick up gear etc then heading to site to give the team a hand on the roof. We are mostly doing TPO at the moment which is a roofing membrane that you’ll see used in internal gutters or flat roofs.
• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
My strength. There’s no way I was going to stand back and let someone else carry my sheet or throw my ladder on top of my truck. No way, I’m playing with the big boys and I wasn’t about to let the team down. There are times of course when I can’t muscle things but in those times I can drop back and do other things that require higher attention to detail. Your team will always find the best way to utilize each other’s strengths.
Also, old dinosaurs on site that think girls don’t know anything. The funniest thing is them ignoring me and asking one of our crew a question. Only for them to just point to me and say go ask her she’s the boss.
• What do you love most about your trade?
I love the relationships and banter. Its nothing like the catty vibe you get in an office full of women! It’s like a fun family vibe. Someone’s always got a stupid funny story to tell. You’re constantly paying one another out which is fun. You can be honest and tell someone they are being a dickhead one day and then be having a heart to heart the next. You can be unapologetically you.
Meet Lakein Renee Cottam - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist
• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?
I have been working at First Gas (Clarus) for 4 years in the Corrosion Prevention Team. During the first two years, I was in excavations, digging up the line and repairing any coating defects. For the last two years, I focused more on the Cathodic Protection of the pipeline. I am in my third year of an electrical apprenticeship, which coincides with my Cathodic Protection work.
• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?
I have completely flipped the boat in terms of careers! I came out of high school and went overseas as an au pair, then started as an air hostess in Brisbane. When I returned home, I entered into a construction role and started as a Water Reticulation Technician at Offshore Plumbing Services.
“The old tale that the pipeline industry is just a big old boys club. I like to describe it like airport security – (customs) the wall/gate is up until you go through the scanners, and they check you out to make sure you aren’t carrying any explosives then it all opens up, and you are on your way. ”
• How did you get into the Trades?
My previous bosses sat me down and showed me the job advertisement for my current role and said this is the next pathway to climb the career ladder in Pipelines. I loved what I was doing, but with professional growth in mind, I put in my application.
• Who are you completing your training with?
I am currently doing a Dual Trade, My Cathodic Protection Apprenticeship is a time based learning, so every Level of Training is based on time in trade accompanied by a 1 week block featuring two exams. These qualifications are run through Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) in Australia.
My Electrical Apprenticeship is run through Te Pukenga.
• How have you progressed in your career?
I am currently a qualified CP1 – Tester, however I am on my way to obtaining my CP2 Qualification.
• What does a typical day look like for you?
My normal work routine most weeks involves travelling around the North Island completing pipeline surveys like DCVG – Direct Current Voltage Gradient Surveys or troubleshooting our CP Pipeline Rectifiers.
• Who inspired you to choose this career?
My grandfather, father, uncles and brothers have all been involved in the pipeline industry in the past, whether it was the first pipeline install or working on the rigs. I have always been around the industry, brought up by people in the industry. It inspired me to do something that would contribute to the dinner table conversations.
• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
The old tale that the pipeline industry is just a big old boys club, I like to describe it like airport security – (customs) the wall/gate is up until you go through the scanners, and they check you out make sure you aren’t carrying any explosives then it all opens up, and you are on your way. This industry can be exactly like that, you come in and guards are everywhere, everyone is scoping you out seeing who you are, what you are capable of then bam the guards drop as they realise you aren’t a threat, or you aren’t there to make their jobs harder. Then it's like one big family.
• What do you love most about your trade?
My Trade is quite specialist in NZ, there are few qualified Cathodic Protection Technicians. I love knowing that I am learning something a lot of people don’t understand or even know about.
Meet Keely Feaver - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist
Keely’s career success story is proof that a career in trades is a viable pathway to a fulfilling future. A “learning by doing” person, she has years of Electrical Engineering experience under her tool belt. These skills served as a solid foundation for a rewarding career - today, she’s a Gas Supply Scheduler at Methanex, New Zealand.
• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?
After attending a presentation by Defence at school, I settled on joining the Navy. With marine technicians needed at the time, I took on a marine trade apprenticeship.
Marine technicians look after all the ship's systems except weapons and computers – engines, electrical generation and distribution, fridges, air conditioning, toilets... I jumped in without knowing the names of any tools - it was a steep learning curve.
I was with the Royal NZ Navy for 6 years as a Marine Technician (Electrical). After the Navy, I joined Methanex as Field Operator in 2012, and later moved to a Panel Operator position in 2016. I am now in a Gas Supply Scheduling role.
• What does a typical day look like for you?
Operations look after the plant around the clock. We work in 12-hour shifts. Each shift, you are assigned a section of the plant that you're responsible for. At the beginning of our shift, we do an inspection of our plant area to make sure everything is OK, and we monitor over the day to make sure there are no changes.
If there is equipment that needs fixing, we de-energise the equipment and lock it out to make sure no-one is going to get hurt while it’s being worked on. After the work is complete, we bring the equipment back online.
We are also the emergency response team in the event of a fire or other emergency. We make sure the people on site are safe, we protect the environment and machinery.
“I jumped in without knowing the names of any tools - it was a steep learning curve.”
• Who inspired you to choose this career?
After attending the Defence presentation, it seemed like a good option. Free accommodation and food, free uniform, free travel, free fitness classes – best of all, no student loans.
• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
There were a lot of days I felt completely out of my depth, and I thought I was never going to be any good in my trade. I’m a learning by doing person, so I think getting that confidence just takes showing up to work every day and getting lots of experience.
• What do you love most about your trade?
In Ops, no matter how much work is left to do - at the end of your shift you can hand it all over, which means work and home can be separate.