“Come in as yourself. Be confident. Show them what you can do, what you can bring to the table and have fun,” says Tyler Hart.

With a love for the great outdoors, becoming a Trainee Line Mechanic was a no-brainer for the 26-year-old who commenced her apprenticeship with WEL Networks in January this year. While it’s been a full-on five months, Tyler hasn’t looked back.

“I started off in Civil. I was always interested in becoming either a Line Mechanic or a Cable Jointer. So, when the opportunity to join WEL came up as a Trainee Line Mechanic, it was an immediate yes,” she says.

As part of her two-year Line Mechanic apprenticeship, Tyler will also spend an additional year completing her switching ticket. Tyler has almost completed her New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply Level 2 (Introductory), which has furthered her industry knowledge.

“It’s definitely a challenge but it’s a good one. I’m really enjoying it. When I started my apprenticeship, I was nervous because I didn’t know anything about the industry. It was overwhelming but everyone has been supportive from the get-go. They’ve never treated me any differently. I felt comfortable from day one and I definitely feel like I am one of the team,” she says.

Tyler has also began working across different areas within WEL Networks’ Field Services division including new connections and the test bay.

“I’ve learned how to properly test out gear, and how important it is to take care of it. I’ve definitely learned a lot, I feel more confident, and I feel like my knowledgebase has increased,” she says.

WEL recently hosted a Girls with Hi-Vis event in conjunction with Connexis. Tyler assisted with the EWP activity and showed students how to test and apply high voltage (HV) earths. This activity was simulated on a training line.

“It was fun. I got to be in the bucket lots. It was great to talk to the students about the career opportunities in our industry and about what they were interested in. It’s great having more females interested in a career within our industry and great exposure for WEL,” she says.

Originally from Taranaki, Tyler has lived in Hamilton for the last nine years and was previously a chef and baker, before she joined WEL Networks.

Outside of WEL, Tyler has a keen interest in photography, hiking, assisting with Church youth groups and spending time with her family.