Thalia, when did you start working at Bupa?
I’ve been at Rossendale Care Home for the past eight years, working in cleaning, laundry and sometimes helping in the kitchen.
How does it feel being BVAC NZ’s first female maintenance officer?
I think it’s awesome! I’m proud that I succeeded in getting the role and I hold myself with pride. I applied for the position last year when our maintenance officer left. I wasn’t going to, but my supervisor, Tania Brown and our Care Home Manager, Melissa Briones encouraged me and had faith in my abilities.
What are the challenges you’ve faced in a male-dominated area of work?
I was worried I wasn’t right for the job being a woman, that I couldn’t do things like fixing doors putting up televisions, and mounting fans on walls.
But then I met Lisiate Tonga, our Regional Property Manager, who was very encouraging. He helped me reach out to other sites for guidance from their maintenance staff which I did, and I’m so thankful to Ward and Steve at Eventhorpe, Gary at Foxbridge and Ian at St Kilda.
They helped me with my paperwork, dealing with contractors, and lending me equipment until I could purchase my own. They were the best, so I have to thank them for helping me take that first step.
What’s been your best at experience so far?
I’m proud that I can now put a television up on the wall in 10 –15minutes. When I first started, it took me two days! The residents and staff are also very appreciative of me getting all their jobs done.
Any advice for women wanting to try a new career?
There’s no harm in trying, so just give it a go! Bupa is a great place to work so I want to thank you all for believing in me.
