International Women’s Day was yesterday, Wednesday 8 March, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. Instead of celebrating for just one day, we’ve decided to celebrate each day this week with a profile of a Wintec | Te Pūkenga kaimahi or ākonga.
Bayley Wilkie is a fourth-year apprentice studying plumbing, drain laying and gas fitting at Wintec. Read on to learn why she loves the male dominated industry she has picked.
What do you enjoy doing outside work/study?
I enjoy social sport, as well as skating, snowboarding, and travelling.
What makes you passionate about your area of work/study and would you encourage other women to get into your line of work/study?
I love the variety the job offers, meeting new people, and the different challenges it brings. No two days are ever the same. I also enjoy working along with others in a team and the opportunities that plumbing has opened for me.
Yes, I would encourage anyone and everyone to get out there and try a trade. If you’re keen to learn and ready to jump into something new and exciting, with a good diversity of work, with plenty of opportunities and options, then give plumbing a go.
Do you have a favourite quote that inspires you?
Do the mahi get the treats.
If you were a crayon, what colour would you be and why?
Blue. Why? Because I love the colour blue.
What are you most proud of?
Winning employee of the year out of Laser NZ in 2021 that my boss John Wilson nominated me for.
Coming runner up for apprentice of the year 2022 and getting a Plumbing World scholarship.
Getting an outward-bound scholarship with the help of Masterlink and my manger Russell Walsh.
I’m also proud of myself for doing a plumbing apprenticeship in a male dominated industry and sticking it through the five-year training course.
Any interesting/fun facts about yourself that you’d like to add?
No interesting facts but, I would just like to add I’m very thankful for the support of my family, friends, Masterlink team and work mates who helped train and mentor me. Also, my Wintec teachers and M5 block course class who have made the past four years easy and enjoyable.
