We're celebrating International Women's Day at RiverRidge and some of the fantastic ladies we have working as part of our team! Next up is our machine operative, Joanna Klepacka.
What is your job role at RiverRidge?
Machine Operative
How long have you held this position?
I’ve held this position for almost four years, but I have been with RiverRidge for 10 years.
What does a normal day entail?
My day mainly consists of driving the 360 Digger Sennebogen to feed material to the Doppstadt Inventhor shredder, and also if help is required, I drive the JCB 550 and Volvo L120.
Your role may primarily be seen as a traditionally male orientated role. Have you faced any adversity when you tell people what you do? If so, how do you overcome this?
No, I haven’t experienced any situations like that. Whilst people may be under the impression that because I am a female I wouldn’t undertake a role like that, my colleagues know that I am fully capable of doing my job to the highest of standards.
What encouraged you to take up this role with RiverRidge?
I like driving heavy machines, and once the position came up, I applied and thankfully was successful in securing the role.
How has RiverRidge helped you progress in your role?
RiverRidge has given me the training, development and experience that I need to successfully complete the role, and also took me through the process of securing my licence. In addition, nobody within the company has any issues with the fact that I’m a woman, which gives me the freedom to progress in my role.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Embrace Equity.’ In your experience, how has the company ensured that you are treated fairly and impartially in your role?
When I first started working with RiverRidge, I took up a recycling operative position, but then the position for a machine operator came up and I knew that was the direction I wanted my career to go. I felt confident in my ability, and applied for the role alongside some of my male counterparts, and thanks to the company embracing equity, I was successful in this role that’s typically seen as male dominated.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering taking up a role that may be seen as ‘typically male’ orientated?
If you are a woman who likes jobs typically for males, do not give up. You can work like a man and do it even better!
