Meet Rowena
Rowena: ‘I love installing and setting up transformer substations for our customers!’
Who can best tell what it's like to work at Alfen? Our own colleagues, of course. This time, we asked Rowena Kok, an outdoor technician, to share details about herself and her job at Alfen. An apprentice technician when she started with Alfen in 2020, Rowena has experienced both personal and professional growth during her time with the company.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a technician at Alfen?
"I always knew I preferred working with my hands rather than at a computer. After my fashion training, I worked in hospitality and travelled a lot. I gained experience as a carpenter and deckhand, kind of a 'jack-of-all-trades' on private yachts. When I found myself unemployed due to the pandemic, I started applying for technician positions. Despite my lack of experience, I got the chance to enroll in a BBL course at Alfen. With the help of my friend, I prepared for the job interview, and Alfen took a chance on me. Now, I'm determined to learn and grow as a technician at Alfen."
Tell us about your experience with the BBL program at the Alfen Academy and your work?
"In the first year of my BBL course at Alfen, I worked in our Energy Storage Systems business. It was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. After a brief stint with EV charging stations, I joined the business line that manufactures transformer stations. During the assembly of transformer stations, I thought I had found my passion until an on-site internship revealed my true calling: the freedom and challenges outdoors fascinate me. In early 2024, I joined the field service team, and I'm enjoying my work, embracing all the challenges it brings."
What is an outdoor technician? And what does a typical day look like?
“As an outdoor technician, I am responsible for the installation, assembly, and mounting of installations, while overseeing the project and serving as a point of contact. I start my day in my van and drive to an assigned location, where I meet my colleagues. Sometimes, we assist in installing a transformer station, while other times we set up an entire station. From running cables to making final connections to replacing switches and transformers, every day is different. In the office, we prepare for jobs or assist with a retrofit project. I'm incredibly happy with my job and want to shout it from the rooftops!"
How is the gender ratio in your field? What does it look at Alfen?
"I estimate the ratio of technicians in the field to be 95% male and 5% female. It's no different at Alfen, although we'd love to see a change. However, I notice more women showing interest in becoming electrical technicians at Alfen, so the ratio will hopefully balance out more in the future. Personally, I enjoy working with men, but I do think it's essential for the ratio to be balanced. Being open to each other's ideas and perspectives is crucial. Women often bring a different insight and can offer more precision and quality, leading to better solutions."
How do you deal with obstacles or prejudices?
"Of course, everyone faces obstacles and prejudices. As a woman in a male-dominated profession, you might encounter them, just like people who don't speak the language well or come from less developed countries. It's important to learn to handle these situations well. Personally, I don't let them hold me back. Maybe it's because I grew up with two brothers, and my mother is also a very strong person."
Are there specific projects or achievements that you're particularly proud of from your time at Alfen?
"I'm the first woman in the field at Alfen, and I'm extremely proud of that!"
What message would you like to convey to other women interested in a career in the technical sector or as technician?
"Just go for it! Men actually look forward to having a woman on the team. In my experience, they find it enjoyable and are willing to share their knowledge."