Climbing to new heights: Tyler’s exciting career move!
Ever thought about working a job where every day feels like an adventure? Tyler never did – not until she swapped her chef’s apron for a harness to become a WEL Networks Trainee Line Mechanic.
“Being up in the heights is something I love; it’s such an adrenaline rush! No two days are the same, and time just flies when you’re busy learning and doing something you enjoy. For the first time, I look forward to going to work every day.”
If you’re not afraid of heights and love the idea of a job where you’re constantly moving, growing, and doing something meaningful, this might be your perfect fit.
You don’t need to know it all—you just need to show you’re keen to learn and give it your all.
Who says you can’t climb to new heights? Tyler’s proof that you can. Let’s find out more!
Tyler Hart
Trainee Line Mechanic
Top Career Tip
“Be sure that you know what you want and encourage yourself to keep pushing towards that career. Most of all just to enjoy yourself and find something that interests you.”
A Chat with Tyler about her role
Tyler Hart
Trainee Line Mechanic
Former Fraser High School student
How did you get this role?
Before I came to WEL Networks, my friend worked at another electrical company and got me a role doing civil work. On days there was not much civil work going on we would help out the line mechanics and cable jointer. So that’s what interested me in going down this pathway with my career.
Did you have any prior exposure to this industry?
I didn’t know anything about this industry originally, and this role sort of just came about. I used to be a chef but always loved the outdoors and wanted to do something more labour intensive and hands on.
What do you do?
We install new poles and lines, maintain the network, complete any upgrades and safety monitoring. WEL networks owns the Waikato network, so I do a bit of travel for work, as far as Maramarua, and out before Te Awamutu.
What do you love about your job?
Being up in the heights is something I love, it is an adrenaline rush, and every day is different. Work doesn’t get boring because it is always busy and the day flies by.
What have you learnt on the job?
Communication is a big one in this line of work, asking questions and working in a team. There is a bit of risk in this job, so you all have to be on the same page to ensure safety.
When I started I barely knew how to use tools, but now I am able to use anything. I have also learnt electrical skills as well, the process of testing, and ohms law in relation to voltage, resistance and current.
What do you like most about working at WEL?
They are very supportive and always encourage you to progress in your career. Everyone is so supportive, if I ask them a question, they are willing to answer it and go in to detail with me. The team at WEL is also highly diverse and everyone tries to work together.
Where do you want to take your career?
Initially I would like to progress into gloving, which is working on high voltage live lines. It is just a next level of qualification that you can do it without switching off the lines. Just a lot more safety and learning goes into this, and would add a few more years onto your training.
Tips & Advice
What subjects do you think are important?
I didn’t do any subjects that correlate to this job, I actually didn’t do well at school. Being in this industry they have taught me a lot about the sector and guided me through the learning process as I have gone.
What sort of person suits this work?
Someone that is not afraid of heights, not afraid to just get in and do the work. It is key to show interest and be keen to learn, once you show interest you will start to love the work. This is probably the first job I have liked coming to work every day.
What is your advice for getting into this industry?
Just get out there and get started. You can get into the industry by doing workplace experience in high school, to get a feel for what you do and don’t want.
What advice would you give to the new guy?
Just be yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions, you have to try learn as much as you can in this fast paced environment. Make the effort to get along with the people you are working with is another big tip.
What are some challenges you have had to overcome?
I started here fresh knowing absolutely nothing, I felt like I worked a bit slow at the beginning and was afraid to ask questions as it felt like I was annoying people. That’s just one thing you have to overcome and build your courage to break out of that mindset.
What are your tips to maintain balance?
Outside of work I do CrossFit, so I like going down there to decompress, I always end up feeling better afterwards. Otherwise just being outdoors, going for a walk, hikes, sauna, all those physical wellbeing things. Blocking out anything about work that is on your mind and find something else to occupy you.
Is there any advice that has stuck with you?
Don’t be afraid is something that has always stuck with me, just get out there and do it. Sometimes I get scared to do things out in the field, but everyone around is very encouraging.
About WEL Networks
WEL Networks is a New Zealand-based energy company, primarily serving the Waikato region. Along with operating and maintaining the electricity network, delivering power to homes and businesses across the area, WEL is also focused on advancing sustainability initiatives. These include the integration of renewable energy and smart grid technology.
The company is a key player in the local energy sector and plays an important role in the region’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
For more info: wel.co.nz
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