Madison Harvey went from beauty therapy to keeping the power on.
For Madison Harvey, a career as a line mechanic has opened doors to experiences she never imagined when she entered the electrical distribution industry eight years ago – having started out her career as a beauty therapist.
Now a leading hand with The Lines Company’s Ohakune crew, Harvey is passionate about the work – and also encouraging more young people, particularly women, to explore careers in the trades.
Madison Harvey went from beauty therapy to keeping the power on.
She recently put that into action by participating in a Girls with Hi-Vis – GWHV – event, hosted by The Lines Company in Taumarunui. Connexis, training provider to the electricity supply industry and other infrastructure trades in civil construction, telecommunications and water, started GWHV to give female secondary school students the chance to visit employers, learn what it’s like to work in trades they may not be aware of, and get hands-on experience at some of the skills required.
Harvey, who has been with The Lines Company for four months after moving from Horowhenua, believes events like GWHV play an important role in helping young women discover career opportunities they may never have considered.
“Girls With Hi-Vis is important because it shows young women the different career options available to them. It gives them the chance to see what jobs like mine are really like and ask questions.”
At this year’s GWHV event, she shared her career journey, explained what life as a line mechanic involved and answered students’ questions.
Neveah Coughlan was one of 20 Te Kuiti High School students at the Taumarunui event. She was pictured with Brayden Crown from The Lines Company.
Her message was simple: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
“I hope the students leave with a better understanding of the different career opportunities out there and feel confident to give something a go, even if it’s outside their comfort zone.”
She also hopes the public gains a better understanding of the work line mechanics do behind the scenes.
“I find most people only really notice us when the power goes out, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to keep everything running safely and reliably.”
She says regular maintenance, inspections and upgrades are essential to keeping communities connected.
“We’re always maintaining and upgrading the network, and a lot of work goes into making sure the power stays on.
She believes young women in particular need opportunities to see tradespeople who look like them and hear first-hand about the possibilities available.
TaumarunuiHS student Harmony Houpapa-Paul
“I think it’s important that young women see the opportunities available in trades and know that these careers are for anyone who’s willing to give them a go.”
“No two days are the same. We cover a wide area and work in a variety of locations and conditions. I also get to enjoy working in some incredible parts of New Zealand that I would never have been if I wasn’t in this line of work.”
While Harvey was initially focused on learning her trade and gaining qualifications, her priorities have evolved.
“Now that I’ve been in the industry for a while, I really enjoy helping the trainees develop their skills and confidence and sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career.”
Supporting the next generation has become one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
Madison Harvey went from beauty therapy to keeping the power on.
