Trainees launch new careers with TLC

22 May 2018

Four King Country locals have beaten 63 others to win a place on a training programme that could set them up for life.

Derek Hardisty, Hamish Reynolds, Jesse Bidois and Sarah Nepia are the latest recruits for The Lines Company (TLC), earning places on the company’s coveted line mechanic trainee programme. It’s the second set of recruits since the programme was set up in 2015. Previous recruits are now qualified and working full-time at TLC as line mechanics based out of Te Kuiti and Taumarunui.

Today was the first day on the job for the four new TLC recruits. After two to three years of intense training, they will emerge with a New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply Line Mechanic Distribution. The certificate equates to an NZCEA Level 4 qualification and is highly sought after within the electricity networks industry.

All four were chosen after a tough selection process which saw applicants whittled down to 20 and then 16 before the final four emerged. At 28, Hamish is the youngest recruit. But all come from different backgrounds. Hamish was a truck driver, Jesse a mechanic, Derek a butchery manager and Sarah a teacher aide.

TLC’s human resources manager Sue Lomas said the company looked for people who were committed to the community, had great attitudes and a level of maturity needed for a demanding role. There were some outstanding candidates she said. “These recruits have all the attributes we were looking for and we’re thrilled to have them because we have an enormous work programme coming up over the next decade,” Lomas said.

“They’re going to be working with some of the best line mechanics in New Zealand on some really challenging work so they’ve made smart decisions to join us.