At Jobs for Mums, we love sharing stories of women who’ve taken bold steps to reshape their futures – especially when it means breaking into industries they may not have seen themselves in before.
Anna Anderson is one of those women.
A solo mum navigating shared care, proud Māori wāhine, and now an apprentice fitter at Fonterra’sDarfield site, Anna’s journey into the trades is proof that it’s never too late to start again – and that with the right support, passion, and mindset, anything is possible.
Whether you’re considering a new path or simply need a reminder that your next chapter is still yours to write – Anna’s story is for you.
Rebuilding Her Career, One Step at a Time
A few years ago, Anna found herself navigating solo parenting and trying to make ends meet on an admin job that just wasn’t cutting it.
“I’d become a co-parent, managing a household on my own. I realised I needed something more stable – something that would actually support my family long-term,” she shares.
That reflection led Anna to revisit old passions from her school days. “Welding was something I loved as a teenager,” she says. “So I thought, why not give it a go?”
She enrolled in a pre-trade course at ARA and quickly discovered that what she really loved was understanding how things worked – and keeping them running. That passion led her to pursue a career in maintenance engineering.
“It’s hands-on, in-demand, and secure – everything I needed as a mum building a new future for my whānau.”
Navigating Work as a Neurodivergent Apprentice
Anna is self-diagnosed with AuDHD (ADHD with autistic traits) and hopes to pursue a clinical diagnosis in the future. Discovering this aspect of herself has helped her better understand how her brain works – especially in the workplace. But like many neurodivergent people, adapting to a traditional work environment hasn’t been without its challenges.
Luckily, she hasn’t had to navigate it alone.
“I’m really grateful for my team lead,” she says. “At first, we didn’t quite click – but instead of giving up, we both put in the work. He went away and learned how to communicate with me, and I did the same. Now, we’ve got this great working relationship.”
Together, they’ve adapted her study routine to suit her brain’s rhythm.
“Now I start every morning with an hour of study – it helps me stay focused and sets me up for the day. Having a leader who’s willing to meet me halfway has made all the difference. I feel genuinely supported here.”
Proudly Māori, Fully Herself
Anna is also proud of her identity as a Māori wāhine – and she’s found a workplace where she can bring her whole self.
“It’s the little things that make me feel seen,” she says. “Starting the day with a ‘Mōrena’ or ‘Āta mārie’ – and hearing it echoed back – it’s meaningful.”
She’s currently learning more about her iwi and cultural roots and hopes to keep bringing that knowledge into her mahi.
“It’s a journey – and I love that I can share that journey with my team.”
“Why Not You?” — A Message to Mums
Anna knows how intimidating it can feel to start over, especially after raising children or stepping away from work. But she also knows what’s possible when you say yes to your own growth.
“To any mum thinking about a career in trades – if it interests you, follow it. The people in those roles you admire? They didn’t know what they were doing when they started either. Someone taught them. And someone will teach you too.”
She encourages other women to push past the self-doubt and focus on the passion.
“If you’re excited about it – that’s enough. You’ve got nothing to lose. Don’t count yourself out just because you’re starting again.”
At Fonterra, we believe there’s no ‘right time’ to build the future you want — just the courage to start.
With hands-on learning, real-world support, and a team that grows with you, a career in trades could be exactly the fresh start you’ve been looking for.
Imagine your tomorrow with us.
Check out Fonterra’s career opportunities here: https://careers.jobsformums.co.nz/company/fonterra
To explore other opportunities please click here: www.fonterra.com/careers
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