b'R AB E HT G N I S I A Rcommitment, and desire to learn and develop, that has got her to where she is today. In 2021, Kelly became the first woman to win SCNZs Young Achiever of the Year Award.Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has had its challenges. Winning the award was a huge confidence boost. Being acknowledged for trying reinforces that Ive been doing the right thing, she says. Over KELLY JEFFRIEStime, Ive proven myself. Now Im included; JIN-SEOK KIMKelly joined D&H fresh out of school in 2011.I have a seat at the table. Jin arrived in New Zealand from SouthStarting as a frontline administrator, sheIts up to Kelly where she wants to takeKorea with his family when he was 12 years showed a high level of nousit was clearher career, but D&H will support her on theold. After high school, he went on to gain his that she was capable of much more. Withjourney. Her parents, too, have always backedApplied Technology certificate from Unitec, a penchant for keeping busy, she startedKellys decisions, even if they havent agreedspecialising in welding and fabrication. He learning other peoples roles. I began bywith them.completed all of the 400-odd hours of practical teaching myself document control andKelly hopes she can inspire otherexperience at D&H. Upon graduation, D&H progressed from there. young women to consider a career in steeloffered Jin a welding apprenticeship, which In just two years she was promoted andconstruction. She says the industry ishe started in 2014. He took 18 months to finish became the go-to person in the productiondefinitely changing and becoming moreand became D&Hs first apprentice to graduate office. Kelly has always tried her best withinclusive. We now have women working aswith the welding certificate. everything shes done. She loves a challengefabricators and welders in the workshop. Nine years on, Jin has developed his own and if she sees a need, I try to fill it. welding specialitystud welding. They like Kelly is known in the business for beingme to do that. well organised and applying her analyticalHe has also gained experience in all parts mind to solving problems. Its her attitude,of the workshop. When its busy, its all hands 119'