Laisa Pickering, hailing from Naduru Village in Fiji’s Macuata Province, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in New Zealand by becoming the country’s first female instructor in high-voltage live line work, a sector predominantly occupied by men. Currently affiliated with MITA Consulting Limited, Pickering specializes in teaching the installation, maintenance, and repair of live power lines that operate at up to 11,000 volts. This role is recognized as one of the most hazardous and technical within the electricity sector, demanding specialized skills and immense bravery.
In an interview with 531pi’s Pacific Days, Pickering shared insights about her work, stating, “Sometimes we do work while the lines are still live. That’s a skill you train for.” Her dedication to this demanding field is commendable, especially considering that many women tend to transition into office-based roles rather than continue in hands-on positions long enough to become instructors.
Pickering’s journey into the world of electrical line work began with her experiences in Fiji’s forestry sector, where she often found herself as the only woman among her peers. After moving to New Zealand at 21, she explored various roles in saw-milling and civil construction before discovering her passion for electrical line work.
Despite facing gender-based discrimination early in her career, she proved her mettle by successfully operating heavy machinery. Reflecting on these experiences, she recounted, “They’d say, ‘What’s a woman doing here?’ But once I jumped in the truck or machine, they’d say, ‘Watch out for that Fijian girl.’”
Pickering is not only focused on her own career achievements but is also committed to advocating for women in trades, particularly in the electricity sector. In 2022, she led an all-female line mechanic team that earned second place at the Annual Connection Line Mechanic Competition, a significant accomplishment that challenges traditional notions of physical strength in the industry.
Her assertion that “today, tools and machines do the heavy lifting” highlights a shift in focus from brute strength to skill and teamwork, which is essential in the modern workforce. As she mentors the next generation, Pickering’s narrative symbolizes a broader movement toward diversity and gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her story, alongside those of other women like Vilimaina Tulia Rakai, an electrical engineering apprentice who is making waves in her field, showcases the evolving landscape of opportunities for women in trades. These narratives illustrate that with resilience, skill, and support, women can indeed break through barriers and redefine industry standards. As more women step into such roles, it fosters a hopeful future where gender diversity becomes the norm, empowering future generations to pursue careers in sectors previously restricted by gender bias.
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