Alpha Load Testing

from Latest Lifting Africa Jul-Aug 2020

Beam Industrial

Women in the Industry

Jennifer Harper – Alpha Load Testing

How long have you been involved in the lifting industry for?

I was initially skilled up in finance but when the business was formed, I was exposed to a number of additional functions and more importantly, the industry. I have been working in the industry for over decade and it has been a fascinating journey where I have gained vast experience and industry related knowledge.

Do you find being a woman in the lifting industry challenging?

No, I find it absolutely exhilarating. I have the opportunity to deal with both amazing men and women. However, any industry will hold its own challenges. It is not the challenge that counts but how you choose to approach the challenge that matters.

Would you recommend the lifting industry to other women as a positive career choice?

Yes, definitely. I don’t think a woman should be intimidated by an industry but should rather follow a career that she is drawn to and where her aptitude lies.

Why is being in the lifting industry important for you?

I am passionate about safety and service. Working in our industry isn’t necessarily about the equipment alone but rather about ensuring that the people who use the equipment are kept safe. The lifting industry is a demanding one. There is no ‘off’ switch. I field calls during and after office hours so finding time to relax can be difficult. Yet when I do get time to relax, I thoroughly enjoy cooking, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

What does Woman’s month mean to you and do you believe it makes a positive difference?

Woman’s Month highlights the challenges faced by woman as well as the opportunities that are now available to us. Yes, I do believe it makes a difference. It makes us realise how far woman have come, the obstacles that we have had to overcome and the potential that lies ahead of us.

Has lockdown had a negative impact on you and your business?

No, it has created challenges but I do believe that we can shift a challenge into a positive. It has allowed me to realise that a balance between home and work is essential. I do believe that we have had stumbling blocks but it is how we face and overcome them that will determine the outcome.

Do you think the Load Testing Industry is an evolving one?

As the equipment that we test is further developed I am sure our methods will evolve. As technology advances so will the load testing industry. Our primary function is to ensure equipment is safe to use and if new and innovative methods and ways are discovered and become available, I am sure the industry will embrace them.

How has “Lockdown” changed the way you work? Do you think there has been any positives to how you have adapted to “Lockdown” in the work place?

Working remotely or from home has become ‘the new normal’ and is very effective during these unprecedented times. Zoom meetings have become a norm which I was initially sceptical about but now embrace and enjoy. We have also ensured that our office staff can work from home if need be which has happened on occasions. Working remotely has allowed more time to focus on work as there isn’t a travel time component to my day. This provides us with a better work / life balance yet interestingly, productivity has increased.