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.”
