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.