Full Name: Laisa Pickering – Bryant

Job Title: Kaiako – Electrical Trainer

Years of Experience in Vocational Education: 3 years as a MITA Kaiako

Certifications & Qualifications:

• Level 5 NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Live Work Glove & Barrier up to 33kV)
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Live Work Stick up to 66kV)
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Distribution Line Mechanic)
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Project Management
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Business (First Line Management)
• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Apiculture (Commercial Beekeeping)
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• What courses or programs do you specialize in?

• • Line Mechanic Modules 1 to 5
  • Network Compliances (Vector WTC 1 to 8)
  • Live Line Work  Full and Refreshers – Glove & Barrier and Stick
  • EWRB Registration Renewals (Testing to Ensure Safety)
  • HV Switching 

What inspired you to become a trainer?

I’ve spent most of my working life in male-dominated industries, starting back in Fiji as an apprentice joiner, then in forestry, and later in civil construction and earthmoving here in New Zealand. Along the way, I’ve always appreciated the skilled people who took the time to show me how to do things properly and, just as importantly, how to keep myself safe. When I started helping to train and assess my peers as an in-house trainer, I realised it was something that came naturally to me. A big part of that comes from my grandfather, who has always been my greatest inspiration. Like him, I believe in doing the job right the first time rather than fixing mistakes later. That’s why I enjoy showing people the right way to use a tool, machine, or process — because it saves time, keeps people safe, and helps everyone take pride in their work.

What do you love most about training and teaching?

What I love most about training is seeing tauira progress — watching that moment when things click, and they not only know how to do something, but also understand why it matters. In our industry, where the work is high-risk and the consequences of mistakes can be serious or even fatal, that understanding is critical. Helping people build the knowledge and habits that keep them safe, and seeing their confidence grow along the way, is the part of training I find most rewarding.

Do you have a favourite quote or piece of advice that guides you? 

I’ve been lucky to learn from skilled and experienced people throughout my career, and I’ve always valued the time they invested in showing me the ropes. It reminds me of Isaac Newton’s words:

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

In many ways, that’s what training is all about — taking the knowledge passed down to us, adding to it through our own experience, and then passing it on again so others can go even further, and do so safely

When you’re not training, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

When I’m not training, I’m really active in my Pasifika community. I help organise events like Community Fiji Day celebrations, Melanesia Festival and Fiji Language Week, as well as other Pasifika language celebrations. I also volunteer  locally as a Rotarian, and one of my quieter hobbies is Beekeeping, managing a couple of beehives. I enjoy creative and cultural practices too, like flax weaving, masi or tapa cloth printing, and learning traditional art forms alongside Fijian and other indigenous knowledge holders. On top of that, I’m part of a Hula Hālau (traditional Hawaiian Hula School), where I’m both a student and the set designer for our annual productions — which keeps me busy but also really connected to culture and creativity. I also love sharing my experiences as a role model with children in terms of careers at Careers Days and other similar programmes organised by school careers advisors such as – Wonder Project & TEC’s Inspiring The Future Aotearoa as well as setting up similar careers’ expos for my Pasifika community such as Sunday school groups.

What’s the best piece of career advice you give to students? 

The best career advice I’d give to students is to always be willing to learn something from everyone you meet. Ask questions, listen to those with experience, and build good habits early — because those skills and attitudes will carry you through your whole career. Most importantly, back yourself. You don’t have to know everything on day one, but if you’re open, respectful, and determined to grow, you’ll go far.