Change the prejudice about a male-dominated occupation
In response to an inquiry from the communications department (COMM), Pham Thi Minh Phuong, currently working in the Technical Department, said that her career in technical maintenance came out of nowhere because, during her college years, she had never planned on doing equipment maintenance and calibration, especially in aircraft maintenance.
She recalled first getting the job that few women had taken at that time. The large number of machines and equipment across the center confused her and made her a bit nervous at the beginning. However, those very first overwhelming moments soon passed. Thanks to her enthusiasm and receptiveness, along with the attention and encouragement from the center’s board of management, as well as the strong support from her coworkers, she gradually became confident and delivered exceptional work performance.
Currently, Phuong’s daily tasks are to check, screen, and send equipment, which is due for calibration, and to send equipment maintenance information to relevant departments to plan and perform maintenance as per standards; When equipment breaks down, she must check, assess, and have equipment repaired. To her, the job leverages her strengths, which are meticulousness and carefulness; thus, the more she does it, the more she finds the job to be a great fit for her. She has now committed herself to VAECO for nearly 13 years.
She excitedly shared with COMM that during her working years, what satisfies her the most is that aircraft maintenance equipment has always been up to standards to meet the needs of technical staff and ensure proper aircraft maintenance as scheduled. In the transportation field – especially aviation transportation in which safety is considered a vital and core factor – she feels proud to contribute her efforts to the chain of operations and supply to ensure the best service quality is delivered to customers.
What makes female technicians special
What really impressed us during our meeting and interview with Phuong was her enthusiasm when she took us to visit the equipment maintenance area. We are strongly inspired by her passion and confidence for work, ever-present on her face.
According to Phuong, the nature of her job requires direct contact with equipment and machines, which – practically speaking – takes a lot of time to learn and understand. Thus, her knowledge in the field has been accumulated not from school but mainly from on-the-job observation and practice. Although not mentioned, we understand that in order to achieve such professionalism and expertise, she has made great effort to sharpen her occupational skills – driven by her serious and receptive attitude towards the job.
What makes her even more happy and proud is that her contributions and efforts are recognized by her managers. Phuong excitedly shared with us photos showing her as one of the very few female employees attending the Three-Region Base Maintenance Conference 2019.
While the whole world and our country, in particular, are facing the Covid-19 epidemic, and with the occasion of International Women’s Day – the 8th March, Phuong would like to wish all staff members in the center and the Group good health, solidarity, and determination to overcome this tough time.
Tran Thu Ha-COMM
