“One of the only ways that you get ahead as a trainee is you have to be willing to ask for help.”
For Courtney Inglis, a trainee line mechanic with Omexom in Auckland, making the most of the support around her, and “being open to constructive criticism or different ways of doing things,” has been key to her own success.
Courtney, 29, who is in the final stages of her programme before qualifying, wanted to be a line mechanic when she was fresh out of high school, but, on the advice of her dad who also worked in the industry, she tried her hand at a few other things first.
“He just thought I needed to grow a little bit more and try out different things. I actually started my degree in early childcare but realized that it wasn’t really for me. Then, later in my 20s, my dad was the one that said that there was a training intake happening at Omexom and suggested I give it a go.
“By then I wasn’t sure it was for more because I had changed a lot, but I honestly fell in love with it.”
Courtney says that coming to her career as a line mechanic after trying other things has given her the confidence to stand her ground in what is still a male-dominated industry.
“I do think having a few life lessons helps. You need a thicker skin at times,” she says. “The part I’ve found most challenging is when people underestimate what I can do. I know what I’m capable of and I don’t shy away from something that might seem too hard or too heavy. I think, as a female in this industry you just have to give everything a go.”
When trainees are allowed to prove what they can do, it also makes it easier for them to ask for help when they need it, she adds.
For Courtney, another two women have been key in her success so far. The first is Azra Wenlick, who came up through the ranks as a trainee at Omexom and is now a team leader.
“She’s been the biggest role model for me, just in how she leads and supports her whole team as well as the female trainees. She really wishes the best for the females in the industry.”
Courtney was also teamed with Azra in the 2025 Omexom Annual Connection line mechanic crew, in which she was the trainee, and Azra the team manager. The team won two individual events, the pole top rescue and the crane, and was placed second overall.
“I had the time of my life. Being part of the Annual Connection team is the best opportunity for a trainee. It’s really stressful but I had the best support from the team and it was just the most fun I’ve had. Just being selected on the crew is a real confidence boost. You know you must be doing something right!”
The other woman who’s had a role in Courtney’s success is her Connexis Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM), Kim Stuart, who’s “been amazing”, Courtney says. “Anytime I’ve needed anything she’s happy to help and she comes in for regular checks to make sure we’re on track with everything.”
With her qualification exams looming, Courtney is feeling confident and excited about what the future holds. “I feel like the rest of my career will be forever changing. You never get to a point where you know everything and there’s always ways to improve, so I’ll always be learning, which is great. Plus the views from some of the places you work are amazing!”
