17/07/2023
Have you ever wondered about a career in electricity supply, as a Line Mechanic/Cable Jointer, or climbing trees?
Read below about Electra’s first EVER female Line Mechanic, Madi, and how she got into a career she’s truly passionate about. This could be the start of something special for both you, and us, we’ll teach you all you need to know!
"Meet Madi, our first ever female Line Mechanic. From beauty therapy to electricity supply, there is nothing that this fantastic human, can’t do, or won’t try.
Madi is only 22 years old, yet started her career in farming, went into beauty therapy, and whilst speaking to a friend one day, realised, that a new unfounded career, awaited her.
Madison has now been with Electra for four years and has been a qualified line mechanic for over a year, having completed her NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution) Level 4.
We asked Madi what some of her challenges were, and she sincerely answered these, below.
Being the only female line mechanic at the company had some challenges initially, from what to do when you need to go to the toilet onsite, to building up my physical strength. But, she says, all along the way her male co-workers were supportive and encouraging.
“You are a bit shy when you start, so it would have been nice to have had another woman there to ask about some things, but in the end, you work it out for yourself,” she says.
When it came to building up her physical strength Madison credits her crew with letting her pace herself and helping her build her confidence.
But, the guys around her, were always encouraging and helpful,
Madi says “If I was initially finding something hard, they would really encourage me, telling me I was nearly there and to keep going. There was no-one being impatient or telling me to hurry up.
“I grew up farming, so I was pretty ‘farm fit’ but you still have to really do the job to get ‘job fit’. It only took me a month or two to build up the correct strength and fitness for this job”, she says.
“The first time I went up the pole I pulled up a cross arm [a heavy metal bar used for supporting electricity conductors]. I think that was one of the best things, because it really gave me the confidence that I could do it. But there was never any pressure that I had to do something.”
So, what can all of this mean for our newest trainees?
“It’s kind of a lifestyle, rather than just a job.”
She loves the variety her job offers, especially the chance to work outside and work in different locations.
If this sounds like you, get in touch with us today, or apply on the link below, we're hiring 6 new trainees starting September, 2023!
Start you career in the Electricity Distribution Industry as a Cable Jointer, Line Mechanic, or a Utility Arborist at Electra Ltd!
