Friday Focus – Women In Manufacturing

A year ago Laura’s idea of ‘logging in’ may have looked a little different but since joining the Pallet Wood Mill team back in February, she’s really gone from strength to strength.

People like Laura are slowly breaking down the misconceptions about working in a sawmill and how we might picture a General Operative.

Thanks Laura for sharing your insights on what life is like at the Mill.

What is your day to day role, describe what you do?
My day to day role is working as part of the team to keep the mill running and preventing stoppages. I ensure the quality of the wood is up to the buyers standards. I also help maintain the machines to prevent breakage which would result in losing production time.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Learning how to fix the different machines and learning how to spot problems before they become bigger. I enjoy working as part of the team (and I also enjoy the craic at lunchtimes!)

What have you learned about yourself since starting as a GO?
I’ve learned I’m physically stronger than I thought I was. I’ve realised that I learn very quickly on the job. Not to get stressed out about things and that the worst thing to do is panic. The best thing to do is not panic and just take your time.

What is the best thing you’ve learned on the job?
I’ve learned skills working machinery that I never thought I would be able to do.

#WomenInManufacturing #ChangingAttitudes #Sawmills