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