Event Panel Feature- Janis Baker

Women in Trades NZ would like to introduce you to Janis Baker- 4th year Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, Volunteer Firefighter, and one of our panellists for our 2021 Getting Women Into Trades Event.

If you are attending the event on August 19, and have any questions for Janis, make a note and bring them along- you will have the opportunity to ask questions of all our panellists at the end of the panel session.

WIT: Tell us about yourself, what do you enjoy? What do you do for fun outside of work?

Janis: My name is Janis Baker. I'm 20 years old, from Inglewood, Taranaki. I'm a Volunteer Firefighter and have recently gained the position as the Deputy Chairperson for the Region 3/Te Upoko Women's Advisory Network.

I am passionate about the community, and being involved with the development of young women and leaders. This is also shown by the work I do with the Innovative Young Minds Program and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Some of my hobbies include baking, sewing and creating things. As well as that I am a very social person.

WIT: What trade do you work in and what experience do you have within your trade? Did you make a change from a more traditional career? If so, why?

Janis: I'm just about to start my 4th year in my Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship. I work on Hydro Power Stations- so have experience maintaining turbines and generators, and general site work maintenance. I am also enrolled in the National Certificate in Electricity Supply specialised in Hydro Operation. Through this I am learning about high voltage, switching, operating and maintaining transformers, circuit breakers etc.

Before starting my apprenticeship I was in my final year at school, and had work experience milking cows. Through the gateway program I was experiencing work as a diesel mechanic, and also had a part time job at the local Four Square.

WIT: What do you find most enjoyable/rewarding about working in your trade?

Janis: Without the maintenance and hard work that we as a team put into keeping our turbines spinning, there wouldn't be enough electricity to power NZ, so I find it rewarding that what I do is essential for almost any other work to happen. This is from turning your lights in your house on to powering big industrial factories. I also enjoy that Hydro Power is clean and renewable so we have very minimal harm to the environment.

WIT: What have you found most challenging and how did you overcome these challenges?

Janis: Age has probably been my hardest thing to manage. I was 17 when I started my apprenticeship and the next youngest person I was working beside was 40+. This was hard because I was fresh out of school so stepping into a very mature work environment was hard. I was kept on my toes and felt like I grew up very quickly. After a few months of adjustment I absolutely loved working with the team and we got on well.

WIT: What advice would you give re finding a job / the interview process? Or starting out fresh in a new company as a new apprentice? Do you have any words of support/encouragement?

Janis: Give it a go! Most women want to "tick" all the boxes before they apply. I didn't and I got in! I have the attitude about asking questions that the worst answer you can get is no and no isn't bad! Remember - you can always try again next time. If you do get an interview opportunity then go in and give it your best! Believe in yourself and feel confident, because your potential employer will be able to feel how you're feeling. You've got this!

WIT: Do you have any goals for the future?

Janis: I want to start my own business to help encourage, support, and empower women who are leaving school and are unsure about their next step. Whether this is through coaching, mentoring, or attending a workshop. This is still a wee way away but I've planted the seed. I believe I can make an impact with this now as it was only 3 years ago that I was at school, and I have gained the experience through my volunteer work to be able to do this successfully.

WIT would like to say a huge thank you to Janis for taking the time to help us get to know a little about her trade journey, ahead of hearing from her in person at the upcoming event.

If you haven't got your FREE tickets yet- head to our event page HERE for all the info and tickets!