Three secondary school leavers got a unique opportunity to find out whether a career in the electricity distribution industry was something they want to pursue.
From left, Logan Forteath, Lana Atutahi and Flaye Marshall watch bulldozer crane driver Ian Murrell preparing to remove an old power pole.
Lana Atutahi, Logan Forteath and Flaye Marshall spent three days with King Country-based The Lines Company as part of its commitment to highlight the number and varied careers available in the sector.
Service Delivery general manager Jared Murrell said exposing young people to work experience in the electricity sector was crucial.
“It not only provides them with hands-on skills and knowledge but also helps build a future workforce of skilled electricians and line mechanics.”
Lana, a recent graduate of Te Kūiti High School said she had not realised how secluded The Lines Co network was with 18,000 customers connected throughout the King Country, Ruapehu and the central North Island.
“I was quite surprised at the long distances we needed to travel to get to some of the out-of-the-way places we visited,” she said.
Logan, currently in Year 12 at Ōtorohanga College, said one of the work sites they went to was where workers were working on a remote cliff.
“People just flick a switch, and the lights come on – it’s quite complicated getting that to happen.
“There are so many different components to think about such as making sure the system is safe to work on or even something simple like digging the holes for the poles to the correct depth,” he said.
The Lines Company is also working with Girls in Hi Viz on another work experience opportunity to showcase the currently male-dominated sector to young women.
Hands on: from left, Logan Forteath, Lana Atutahi and Flaye Marshall try their hand at hydraulicly crimping a lug onto a conductor under the watchful eye of Tony Gannon, far left, team leader Line North. Photo: Supplied
