WEL Network’s role is to design and maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical distribution assets and infrastructure throughout the Waikato region.
At WEL Networks about 300 team members work to keep the power flowing between the power generators and your place. The crew works behind the scenes maintaining the network of power lines, poles, underground cables and technology – keeping the lights of the Waikato shining bright!
The business has been serving Waikato for 100 years, distributing power from the national grid and connecting 94,897 residential properties, small businesses and 875 commercial/industrial sites to a power supply within the WEL network area.
FutureForce® caught up with WEL Networks Surveyor and 2IC Capture Team member Jamie Walton to find out what’s involved in keeping the lights on in Waikato.
Jamie Walton
WEL Networks Surveyor, 2IC Data Capture Team
Top Career Tip
“If someone’s taking the time to teach you something you should really take the time to listen. Soak everything up because you never know when the information might come in useful.”
A Chat with Jamie about her Role
Jamie Walton
Surveyor and 2IC Data Capture Team
Ngāti Awa and Tūwharetoa
Former Kawerau College student
How did you get into this job?
I originally did an Electrical Fitter apprenticeship and my role ended up involving some data capture, so that’s how I ended up here!
What does your job involve?
As part of the data capture team, my role is essentially to capture the GPS locations of all WEL assets and load them onto our maps. These assets include transformers, substations, ducting, pillars, ring mains and more. We cover most of the region, so there’s a lot of travelling, and I could walk 10 to 15kms every day!
What does a day at work look like for you?
I work an eight hour day, from 7.30am to 4pm. Usually we spend the morning in the office, drawing up the things we have captured the day before. Then at about 11am we will be out in the field. We could be visiting contractors who are laying cabling and capturing everything they’ve been doing.
What qualifications are you studying at the moment?
I am currently studying towards a New Zealand Certificate in Surveying Level 4.
What do you love about your work?
I get to travel and see loads of different places. Every day I am doing something different.
What school subjects do you find useful?
Physics has been really useful, and so is maths. You need at least NCEA Level 2 Maths and, if you don’t, you can do a bridging course at somewhere like Wintec to get it sorted. Don’t let it put you off! Geography, trigonometry and English are also useful.
What's your advice to young people thinking about their career?
If someone’s taking the time to teach you something you should really take the time to listen. Soak everything up because you never know when the information might come in useful.
What sort of skills and knowledge are important for a surveyor?
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- Knowledge of survey methods
- Maths, particularly trigonometry
- Computer skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Knowledge of survey methods
- General knowledge of earth sciences, environmental issues, and civil engineering
- Understanding of relevant legislation, such as the Resource Management Act
More About WEL NEtworks
Based in Hamilton, WEL Networks plays an essential role in the region’s economic and social development by identifying and investing in new technologies that will modernise our network and future-proof our region.
Team members work across departments including…
Technology, Asset Management, Finance, Works, Commercial Engagement, Business Investment and Strategy, Civil Utilities, Vegetation, Maintenance, Engineering, Customer Service, Overhead Lines and Faults, People and Performance and Procurement.
Traineeships at the business offer excellent earn-while-you-learn opportunities.
Interested in a career here?
> Careers at WEL Networks
Meet more of the WEL Networks Team here »
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