Event Panel Feature- Jennifer Haraki
Women in Trades NZ would like to introduce you to Jennifer Haraki- Technical Training Advisor at Winstone Wallboards LTD, 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 Jennifer, 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- who you are, any hobbies?
Jennifer: I am married with 2 young adults with special needs. A lot of our time is spent on securing a future for our children so that once we pass, they will be okay. In doing this our children have become our social life. When my focus isn’t on my family my hobbies mainly include learning new information.
WIT: What area of trades do you currently work in, and what did you do prior to this?
Jennifer: My trade is Carpentry. Because I know how to build a house, this gave me the opportunity to complete a QS cadetship, become an Architectural Technician, a Project Manager and have a legislative role as Building Processor and Inspector with Council. I am a GIB® Technical Training and Support Advisor working for Plasterboard Manufacturer Winstone Wallboards on the GIB® Technical Training and Support Team.
We operate the GIB® Technical Helpline that deals with enquiries based on our performance systems like Fire, Noise and Bracing.
We provide advice and on-site support from Builders to Architects and anyone in between.
Part of my role in the GIB® Technical Team is to provide on-going support to education organisations that provide and deliver training to the trades including Construction, Building and Architectural courses.
WIT: What do you find most enjoyable/rewarding about working in your trade?
Jennifer: a. The collaboration of working with others, b. getting the best solution for an on-site issue. C. Even if the answer is not welcomed, we are still helping.
Our industry is a labyrinth of connections and if you don’t understand these connections or have people who can help you make these connections; it becomes very disjointed. That’s why working with those who are just starting out is so important. It’s a really rewarding feeling to be able to give back.
WIT: What have you found most challenging, and how did you overcome these challenges?
Jennifer: I find the most challenging factor is that sometimes people will judge you before they’ve taken the time to understand you because you do not fit in a box. Dealing with people’s egos, discrimination and perceived perception- You keep working hard and look for people that see you as an advantage and have the ability to utilise your skills and experience to not only benefit them but also gives you room to grow.
F.A.I.L is the acronym First Attempt In Learning – look at it as “you gave it a shot”. Do not look at it as failure look at it a “stepping stone” to achieve your real goal and then “go hang out with smart people” who give you a hand up –I have to be reminded that it is my journey not “someone else”. In my opinion people should just get the job done.
WIT: Do you have any goals for the future?
Jennifer: Present goal is to upskill and complete NZDAT. Short term goal - When these young people step out of the classroom and into the workplace, it’s important that their learnings are immediately relevant so I help people understand where they are going and ensure they can make a meaningful contribution to their employer from the moment they pull on their work boots. It’s my job to make sure that when they leave the classroom, they get it right. Long term goal – oversee a shift in industry standards.
WIT would like to say a huge thank you to Jennifer 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!