TLC recruiting for locals
12 March 2024
The Lines Company (TLC) is on the hunt for three young locals keen to take on what some people say is the best job in the business.
TLC wants to recruit three trainee line mechanics to join its lines crew in Te Kūiti. But the company’s general manager – service delivery Jared Murrell said trainees should expect to be “all over the place, all of the time”.
As part of TLC’s on-the-ground crew which keeps homes and businesses connected, no two days will be the same, Jared said. He’s been with TLC for 24 years, and was one of those who started out in the field. TLC now has line crews based in Te Kūiti and Taumarunui.
“Being a line mechanic can be a very challenging, but it’s a very cool job. You get put through a rigorous training programme and will come out of it with really valuable national qualifications,” Jared said.
“You earn while you learn, there’s heaps of variety and you get to work with really, really good people who are absolutely the best in New Zealand at what they do.”
TLC wants local people committed to their wider community, with a positive can-do attitude who are keen to get stuck in and be part of a team. Sarah Nepia, who started with TLC as a trainee in 2018 and is now a qualified line mechanic said people who were interested, should “go for it”.
“I am proud of being a line mechanic, from fixing faults and restoring power to customers, which is very rewarding.
“I’m so fortunate that TLC has given me options to grow my career as a line mechanic and having opportunities to be a health and safety rep and a technical coordinator.
“I am grateful for the support and acceptance I get from my fellow workmates and pride myself on being a woman line mechanic. ‘I’m doing it!’’
Shaun Edgerton joined TLC as a trainee in February 2022 and last year was named one of three finalists in the Trainee of the Year competition at the national line mechanic championships. At that competition, TLC’s crew was judged best in New Zealand, returning home laden with awards.
“After being in the role for a week I knew it was the job for me,” Shaun said. “And it was all to do with what we were doing and who I was working with – they aren’t just work mates – they’re whānau.”
“No two days are the same and that’s what I love about the job. I love traveling throughout the network area and working on a range of tasks. You are always learning and you are never pushed into a situation where you don’t feel uncomfortable. Everyone looks out for each other.”
Applications for the three line mechanic trainee positions are open now. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed and asked to undertake some practical tests with TLC’s lines crew. Applications will remain open until the three positions are filled.
For more information and to apply visit www.thelinescompany.co.nz/trainee-programme