Leaving School issue 18

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 JULY 2020 | ISSUE # 18

HENA MALHOTRA COMPUTER SCIENCE SEE PAGE 6

ISAAC ALGAR & JORDYN CROUCH CONTRACT MILKERS SEE PAGE 9

SOPHIE JOHNSON REGISTERED NURSE SEE PAGE 12

NZCareers Expo 2020

14-page Careers Expo Guide inside

See pages 49–62 www.careersexpo.org.nz TIM JUDD BUSINESS BANKER SEE PAGE 25

OPAL VICKERY ELECTRICIAN SEE PAGE 18

NATE PERRY AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING SEE PAGE 30

ASHLEIGH DICK ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEE PAGE 38

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

MATTHEW KONTZE BUILDER SEE PAGE 40

GODAIRY.CO.NZ Improve lives, nurture animals, enhance the environment and design the future in a dairy career.

Choose a career and lifestyle with many opportunities.

Be a trusted advisor to farmers.

Ask why and provide solutions through science.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Discover where you can make a different in the dairy sector.

godairy.co.nz

/quiz

LEAVING SCHOOL issue # 1 8 / July 2020

30 AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING | NATE PERRY

06 COMPUTER SCIENCE | HENA MALHOTRA

31 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | PATRICIA MORRISON

08 DAIRY FARMER | JAMES BEATTIE

32 NOTICEBOARD

09 CONTRACT MILKERS | JORDYN CROUCH & ISAAC ALGAR

34 BUTCHER | CHERISE REDDEN

10 COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN | FRASER PATTIE

35 CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE | QUAID LEECH

11 FISHERMAN | BAILEY PUATA

36 INTERVIEW PREPARATION

12 REGISTERED NURSE | SOPHIE JOHNSON

37 FINANCE | KIWISAVER

14 STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY

38 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER | ASHLEIGH DICK

17 STUDYLINK

40 BUILDER | MATTHEW KONTZE

18 ELECTRICIAN | OPAL VICKERY

41 PLUMBER | SAM HUTTERD

20 SHEPHERD | GEORGE BLYTH

42 AQUACULTURE/MARINE CONSERVATION | CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

22 DIGITAL MEDIA | HANNAH TEIPO

44 HAIR STYLIST | SIAN PAYNE

23 FASHION DESIGNER | BENJAMIN ALEXANDER

45 DEER FARMING | TIM TURNER

24 LAWYER | OLIVER TROON

46 ADVENTURE TOURISM | MASON CARR

25 BUSINESS BANKER | TIM JUDD

47 BEEKEEPING | ASH DAVENPORT

26 FACTORY MANAGER | SARAH BRADLEY

48 CURRICULUM VITAE

28 DEEP SEA FISHERMAN | BEN HARWOOD

49–62 NEW ZEALAND CAREERS EXPO 2020

Computer science leads to a varied and interesting career.

MANAGING EDITOR

SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Maria Hoyle, Jacqui Maguire, Janet Tuck, Marita Vandenberg, Peter White PHOTOGRAPHY Bev Bell, Rachael Brown, Charly Harvey, Geoff Horrell, iStock, Glenn Jeffrey, Vivienne Laursen, Patrick Lee, Kate MacPherson, Carissa Marsh, Marty Melville, Steve Selwood, Alan Stevens, Go With Tourism, Logan West PAGINATION HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER Ovato, Auckland PUBLISHER

Outdoors, working with animals and being practical.

A keen eye on future farm ownership.

Fully funded apprenticeship is a winner.

Working with the ocean as your office.

Rising to the challenge of nursing during COVID-19.

What university looks like in this new world.

Considering further study? Hints, advice and key dates to know.

Top apprentice reaping rewards of her hard yards.

Surrounded by dogs and endless greenery while working the land.

Music graduate advocates for tuning into your own interests.

Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 T: +64-9-486 6966 E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz W: LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ ISSN 2463-3380 (Print) ISSN 2463-3399 (Online) COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

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05 FOREWORD | JACQUI MAGUIRE

Your high-school experience is unprecedented.

Oliver Lee

CONTENTS

High-achieving creator is committed to ethical design.

This lawyer says every case he works on is interesting.

Business was always an area of focus for this connection-savvy worker.

Factory manager started work in a temporary role.

A rewarding career on the high seas.

29 TRUCK DRIVER | TONI TAWHARA

Have you considered a career in truck driving?

Trainee automotive engineer has a passion that can’t be beat.

A career that actively combines design, sustainability and creativity.

Key dates, websites and information you need to know.

Top apprentice butcher takes on a global challenge.

Workers on the front lines of civil developments are in demand.

Add skills to your bow and optimise your CV. Take a look at the benefits on offer with KiwiSaver.

Environmental engineer is making a difference.

No shortage of work for top building apprentices.

Plumbing apprentice is nearing the end of his training.

The threats to our marine environments are real.

Newly qualified hair stylist is aiming for the top.

If you are keen on working outdoors, consider deer farming.

Jump Master is keen to espouse the benefits of the tourism industry.

Apiculture industry is producing high-end, top-value products.

Enhancing your CV and practical tips for gaining future opportunities.

Your complete guide to the upcoming careers expos.

STUDY WHAT YOU LOVE AT NEW ZEALAND’S CAPITAL CITY UNIVERSITY IN 2021

Key dates for 2020 1 August—Applications open for our halls of residence 21 August—Come along to our Open Day in Wellington 1 September—School-leaver scholarship applications are due 1 October—Halls of residence applications are due 1 October—Online enrolment applications open for 2021 study

Visit www.wgtn.ac.nz for more information

MAKE MINDFUL DECISIONS GUIDING YOUR AMBITION

FOREWORD

by JACQUI MAGUIRE

If you stopped and compared the global backdrop of our senior high school experiences, you would find they were vastly different.

My school leaver year was guided by tunnel vision and a dream to enter medical school. I studied, I danced, I pored over university guidebooks and I studied some more.

The Afghanistan war and London train bombings dominated the headlines that year, but I have to stop and really concentrate to bring those memories alive. Global events passively took a backseat to my young ambitions.

Compare that to now. You have been navigating high school and determining the direction of your future in the midst of New Zealand’s most fatal terror attacks, climate change and a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Events that have commanded attention across every facet of life.

I take my hat off to you all. You’ve had no choice but to map out your path forward in parallel with the world stage. I think this will bring both benefits and challenges. You’ll enter the adult world more worldly than my peers at that age, hold conscious empathy for others’ struggles, have developed critical thinking skills and probably have a better idea of your values.

YOU HAVE BEEN NAVIGATING HIGH SCHOOL AND DETERMINING THE DIRECTION OF YOUR FUTURE IN THE MIDST OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST fatal TERROR ATTACKS,, CLIMATE CHANGE AND A ATTACKS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME PANDEMIC LIFETIME PANDEMIC..

JACQUI MAGUIRE

The challenge, though, is not missing out on the period of your life that should be more carefree than adulthood. The time where you can live easily in the moment, dream widely about your future, believe the best in people, hold grand optimism, travel and experientially discover your values. Global context is important but so too is your individual life; they don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

On reflection, I set too narrow a focus for my future from a young age. In my final year I studied English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Calculus because they’d help me ‘become a doctor’ and not because I was passionate about them. I wish I had studied History and Classics. Perhaps if I had been more attune to my inner passions, I would have taken myself off to journalism school rather than study health science. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Fast-forward to the present day, and I love my career. I became a clinical psychologist, and spend my time translating scientific evidence into practical theory and strategies to help New Zealanders thrive. I’ve managed to wind the science of helping others and communication together.

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My advice is to take time to make mindful decisions about your future, there is no rush. Have fun alongside the study, make the most of young adult life and your friends. And if you’re searching for some direction, you might find reflecting on the following questions helpful: 1. What do you do that sparks joy?

2. When do you feel most satisfied?

3. What are you good at?

4. What do you believe is important for the world?

5. How can you wind those together to make a living?

Best of luck.

Jacqui Maguire Jacqui Maguire is a registered clinical psychologist focussed on organisational wellbeing. Since 2017 she has been the resident psychologist on TVNZ 1’s Breakfast. She has also appeared on 1 NEWS and Seven Sharp and writes regularly for the NZ Herald and Stuff.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

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COMPUTER SCIENCE

COMPUTER SCIENCE OPENS DOORS

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CAREER DEVELOPER writer SARA CARBERY // photographer MARTY MELVILLE HENA MALHOTRA is keen to dispel a prevailing myth about computer science.

It’s definitely not about “sitting in a dark room staring at a computer all day”. In fact, the range of jobs in this field is amazingly vast and varied.

“Computer science can be using 3D printers to print new hearts for patients, designing websites for clients, using artificial intelligence to make people’s lives easier, or cybersecurity to make the web a safer place for customers,” says the 23-year-old University of Otago graduate.

One uni friend is working at Xero as a product designer and another has just finished an internship at Rocket Lab in Auckland, building and launching rockets into space.

Hena started taking Digital Technologies (DT) in Year 10 at Wellington East Girls’ College and in Year 13 helped organise a school trip to the United States, where she visited tech companies like Google, Facebook, DreamWorks, Microsoft, Adobe and the Boeing factory.

“My DT teachers used to tell us of the importance of IT in a rapidly changing world,” she says. “Their passion definitely inspired me to consider it as a career path.”

computer science can BE USING 3D PRINTERS TO PRINT NEW HEARTS FOR PATIENTS, DESIGNING WEBSITES FOR CLIENTS, USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MAKE PEOPLE’S lives EASIER, OR CYBERSECURITY TO MAKE THE WEB A SAFER PLACE FOR CUSTOMERS.

Hena also studied History, Physics, Statistics and English. She says that English has turned out to be useful as “it is important to be able to convey message whether it’s in written form, such as emails, or verbal form, such as presenting to a room full of people”.

After a gap year spent working at a boarding school in the United Kingdom, Hena enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at the University of Otago, majoring in Computer Science, with a minor in Marketing.

Some of her favourite papers included web development, which taught her how to build

HENA MALHOTRA

websites from scratch; computer architecture and operating systems, which focused on the concepts computers need to work; and database theory and applications, which explored database design and management systems.

“The Department of Computer Science offers a number of interesting papers that include game development, robotics and virtual reality,” she said.

In her spare time, Hena belonged to the Comp Girls Otago Club, a university support network for females in STEM fields, and volunteered for TEDx Dunedin and Startup Weekend.

For the past 18 months, she has been working as an advisor at KPMG, a global company providing audit, tax and advisory services to businesses.

“Although I’m not working the ‘typical’ job of someone with a computer science degree, there are a lot of transferable skills, such as problem solving, effective communication and learning how to use new software.”

If you’re considering a career in computer science, Hena says, “Do it! It will definitely pay off and lead you into a great career after university.”

Also, because there is a shortage of people with IT skills, tech jobs tend to pay well. “And the perks are awesome too!”

KEY FACTS ■ HENA MALHOTRA HAS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MAJORING IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ SHE WORKS AS AN ADVISOR AT KPMG, A GLOBAL COMPANY PROVIDING AUDIT, TAX AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO BUSINESSES. ■ HENA STUDIED HISTORY, PHYSICS, STATISTICS, ENGLISH AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN YEAR 13 AT WELLINGTON EAST GIRLS’ COLLEGE.

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For more information on studying computer science through the University of Otago, visit www.otago.ac.nz/computer-science

Get the degree you deserve.

Get ahead at one of the top universities in the world.

TO GET THERE, START HERE

otago.ac.nz

DAIRY FARMER

OUTDOORS AND ON THE FARM

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NOT A JOB BUT A LIFESTYLE

writer SARA CARBERY photographer STEVE SELWOOD

“Dairy farming is so much more than waking up early and milking cows,” says 23-year-old JAMES BEATTIE. “Not only is it about feeding cows and growing grass, it’s also about stewardship of our land and producing sustainable milk that literally feeds the world.”

Growing up a city kid in Christchurch, James had no idea what a career in agriculture would look like, but he knew he wanted to study something that had lots of variety and good job prospects.

“I sat down with a teacher I trusted, and we talked through various tertiary options and the Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln seemed most suited to me.”

The variety of courses covered by the degree includes soil science, plant science, marketing, farm management, animal science, law, crop science, economics, soil management, environmental studies, and an on-farm practical work-placement.

After graduating from Lincoln, James worked for Fonterra. This was “an awesome opportunity” to learn and develop professionally, he says, but being desk-bound was not for him.

“I quickly realised that I wanted to be working with my hands, outdoors and with animals. Dairy farming ticks all those boxes.”

Eager to learn, James quickly worked his way up from farm assistant to herd manager, before taking on the second-in-charge role at Lincoln University’s dairy farm.

He loves the variety of his job, which includes pasture management, feed budgeting, irrigation, milking, animal health, fencing, tractor operating, rearing calves, record keeping, general maintenance and more. “Every day is different and there is always a new challenge to tackle.”

In his final year at St Thomas of Canterbury College in Christchurch, James studied Level 3 English, Statistics, Physical Education, Geography and – most usefully – Economics.

“Understanding the global dairy market and how global dairy supply impacts demand – and vice-versa – and how that impacts the on-farm milk price that farmers receive in New Zealand is important.”

I QUICKLY REALISED THAT I WANTED TO BE WORKING WITH MY HANDS, OUTDOORS AND WITH ANIMALS. dairy farming ticks all those boxes.

JAMES BEATTIE

James’s goal is to one day own his own farm, but for now he is happy to be learning as much as he can.

“It is really cool being able to work in this industry and know that there is plenty of opportunity to make a career for yourself, earn good money and create wealth, making farm ownership a realistic goal.”

If you are interested in a career in dairy farming but did not grow up on a farm – do not be put off, says James.

“You can learn on-the-job and employers are always keen to teach you what they know.

“There is also a growing need for technology on-farm, making it a great career for young, technically savvy people,” he adds.

“Dairy farming is hard work but it’s incredibly rewarding and I feel proud to be working in this industry.

“It’s more than a job; it’s a lifestyle.”

KEY FACTS ■ JAMES BEATTIE HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE (AGRICULTURE) FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. ■ HE IS CURRENTLY SECOND-IN-CHARGE AT LINCOLN’S OWN DAIRY FARM, WHERE HE PERFORMS TASKS SUCH AS IRRIGATION, MILKING, FENCING, TRACTOR OPERATING AND REARING CALVES. ■ IN YEAR 13, JAMES STUDIED ENGLISH, STATISTICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, GEOGRAPHY AND ECONOMICS.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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For more information on careers in the dairy sector and DairyNZ scholarships, visit www.godairy.co.nz www.dairynz.co.nz/people/dairy-careers and www.dairynz.co.nz/scholarships

AMBITIONS OF FARM OWNERSHIP writer SARA CARBERY // photography ALAN STEVENS If you think dairy farming means you must work 24/7, think again.

“Going farming does not mean that you’ll be working 24 hours a day and can’t have a life outside of work,” says 24-year-old dairy farmer Isaac Algar. “There are many flexible farm owners who are willing to accommodate young people entering the industry. It is a fantastic lifestyle, and work-life balance is normal.”

Graduates of Massey University’s Bachelor of AgriScience, Isaac and his partner Jordyn Crouch (25) contract milk 1100 cows near Kawerau in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. “I love the variety, the challenges that we work through each day and the people we get to work with,” says Isaac.

With the long-term goal of owning a farm before they turn 40, Isaac and Jordyn’s time at Massey set them up well for a successful career in farming.

“The important things for us were the connections we made throughout the country that exist today, with our fellow students, lecturers and rural professionals.”

Being exposed to a variety of farming operations in the Manawatu region was also an eye-opening experience for the couple. “We knew a little about dairy but over the course of our degree we got to look at sheep and beef operations, cropping and deer farms.”

While at Massey, Jordyn received a DairyNZ scholarship. This allowed her to complete university without a student loan, gather some great networks and connect with like-minded students.

“It also gave me a competitive advantage in the job application process.”

In her final year at Waikato Diocesan, Jordyn took English, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

Isaac took Level 3 English, Statistics, Physics, Biology and Physical Education at Hamilton Boys’ High School.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS AND FARMERS ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES and offer ADVICE. IT TRULY IS A FANTASTIC INDUSTRY. JORDYN CROUCH and ISAAC ALGAR

They agree that English, Biology, Chemistry and Statistics proved most useful for their university studies. “English is important as it teaches you how to write and structure paragraphs, allowing you to communicate information effectively. Biology and Chemistry were helpful as there is some degree of crossover between concepts learnt at school and what is taught at university.”

There is a mandatory statistics paper in the AgriScience degree so taking Year 13 Statistics was also helpful.

CONTRACT MILKERS

OPPORTUNITY-LADEN SECTOR

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In their day-to-day farm work, the couple says having a strong foundation in math is helpful and having an interest in science is also important as they rely on science to help them make decisions.

If you are thinking of a career in farming, their advice is to apply for any scholarship you think you will be eligible for and to talk to people in the industry.

“Rural professionals and farmers are always keen to share their experiences and offer advice. It truly is a fantastic industry with plenty of opportunities.”

KEY FACTS ■ ISAAC ALGAR AND JORDYN CROUCH ARE CONTRACT MILKERS ON AN 1100-COW FARM IN KAWERAU, EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY. ■ BOTH COMPLETED A BACHELOR OF AGRISCIENCE FROM MASSEY UNIVERSITY AND RECOMMEND STUDYING NCEA ENGLISH, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND STATISTICS. ■ JORDYN RECEIVED A DAIRYNZ SCHOLARSHIP DURING HER STUDIES.

For more information on careers in the dairy sector and DairyNZ scholarships, visit www.godairy.co.nz www.dairynz.co.nz/people/dairy-careers and www.dairynz.co.nz/scholarships

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

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COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN 10

FEE-FREE APPRENTICESHIPS ON OFFER

JUST MAKING IT PERFECT

writer PETER WHITE // photography VIVIENNE LAURSEN

I GET A BUZZ FROM MAKING SOMEONE ’ S car look perfect again. i like how YOU CAN WORK HARD ALL DAy and all week ON A CAR THAT CAN BE QUITE DIFFICULT AND WHEN YOU finish it you CAN ’ T TELL IT WAS EVER SMASHED. FRASER PATTIE Making it as good as new. FRASER PATTIE loves being able to transform a damaged car to its original, pristine condition.

The 20-year-old from Timaru is two years, or about halfway, through his New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repair) (Level 3 and 4). This qualification is completed through eLearning and on-the-job practical assessment.

He loves the many challenges involved with being a collision repair technician.

“I like going to work and being able to have something different every day to work on,” Fraser says.

“I get a buzz from making someone’s car look perfect again. I like how you can work hard all day and all week on a car that can be quite difficult and when you finish it you can’t tell it was ever in a crash.”

Fraser did not consider doing an apprenticeship until the end of high school when he thought he would be better off getting a trade than going to university.

His main subjects taken in Year 13 at Roncalli College in Timaru were Music, Religious Studies, Photography and History, which are not obvious pathways to a trade. But the key factor was doing one day a week’s work experience in Year 13 with Timaru panel and paint business Babbage & McCullough through MITO’s StartUp® programme.

StartUp offers Year 11 to 13 students the chance to earn micro-credentials in the automotive industry approved by NZQA, credits towards NCEA qualifications and a great introduction to their chosen industry.

Fraser says it was the deal maker. He got off to a flying start by gaining a 2018 MITO Kick Start scholarship that contributed $1000 towards the fees. With the government offering two years of free fees, it meant Fraser has had his first three years of study funded.

“StartUp really helped me out a lot. It gave me the chance to see what a trade was like and also added that little bit more detail you needed to get into a trade.”

Fraser loves the working relationship he has with his boss Jimmy Arps and the other staff at Babbage & McCullough. “There is a good bunch of people working there. They are easy to get along with. There is a lot of respect and Jimmy treats me and the other employees really well.”

Fraser encourages school leavers to think about a career in the trades.

“Trades are great if you are not really interested in going to university. You are also earning money while you are learning. You are more likely to get into owning your first house quicker than a uni graduate.

“You can travel anywhere and have a job with collision repair. Every country has cars, so they all need qualified technicians.”

This apprenticeship is now fully funded with no fees from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2022.

Not quite ready to leave school? Talk to your career’s advisor about MITO’s StartUp programme.

KEY FACTS ■ FRASER PATTIE IS HALFWAY THROUGH A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN COLLISION REPAIR (NON-STRUCTURAL REPAIR) (LEVEL 3 AND 4), AFTER WHICH HE WILL BE A QUALIFIED COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN. ■ IN YEAR 13, HE DID WEEKLY WORK EXPERIENCE THROUGH MITO’S STARTUP® PROGRAMME WITH TIMARU PANEL AND PAINT BUSINESS BABBAGE & McCULLOUGH. ■ THIS APPRENTICESHIP IS NOW FULLY FUNDED WITH NO FEES FROM 1 JULY 2020 TO 31 DECEMBER 2022.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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For more information about MITO’s StartUp® Programme, visit www.mito.org.nz

DEEP SEA FISHING LIFE

BAILEY PUATA

FISHERMAN

SKIPPER AMBITIONS

THE KEY THING IS TO HAVE the right attitude. YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE A WORK ETHIC THAT is DEFINITELY IMPORTANT, AND be FRIENDLY AND WORK TOGETHER WITHIN a TEAM.

writer SARA CARBERY photographer KATE MacPHERSON

What BAILEY PUATA loves most about being a Sealord fisherman is working hard as part of a team in all weathers at sea.

At 18, Bailey is one of the younger fishermen catching a range of species off the South Island coast.

He lives in Nelson and is on a six-weeks on, six-weeks off roster, which he likes as it gives him plenty of downtime to kick-back and chill out.

“This last break I went down to Christchurch for a couple of weeks and went snowboarding. I also like to go fishing or diving with my dad when I’m home,” says Bailey.

Life on the boats is hard work but there are plenty of rewards.

“We went out off the West Coast the last time we went out. My job is to shoot the gear (nets) over the back and that will be down for about six hours or so.

“We then go out again and haul it all up on board. It gets tipped down into the factory and we then go down there and help out with the packing, filleting [and] driving the machine.”

Fishing offshore in all weathers is a test for any fisherman but Bailey particularly enjoys the rare times when it is rough due to high swells.

“Yeah I like it when it is rough because it adds a bit of excitement to it. It makes you be a lot more aware and just adds another dimension to it.”

Bailey has ambitions to become a qualified Skipper and have his own boat, so gaining qualifications is an important aspect of this journey.

“Last trip off, I got my Deck Hand ticket and I just finished my Working at Height course. I have also got my forklift license and am going to get my crane license soon.

“Hopefully I will get to Bosun or 2nd Mate in the next few years but in the end I want to be a Skipper.”

Bailey went to Nelson College and left midway through Year 12 to join the fishing fleets.

His focus had been on his three core subjects of PE, Rugby Academy and Building.

The idea of going to sea for a career set in when he was 16, and he knew he “wanted to give it a crack”.

His advice to school leavers who want to get into deep sea fishing is to try and get into the highly regarded Westport Deep Sea Fishing School and then, after the course, get onto a boat.

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“But the key thing is to have the right attitude. You’ve got to have a good work ethic that is definitely important, and be friendly and work together within a team.”

Bailey says future job prospects look good for

school leavers as reliable, friendly crew members are always needed.

KEY FACTS ■ BAILEY PUATA WORKS AS A FISHERMAN WITH SEALORD GROUP LTD AT THEIR NELSON BASE. ■ HE WORKS A SIX-WEEKS ON, SIX-WEEKS OFF ROSTER CATCHING A RANGE OF SPECIES OFF THE SOUTH ISLAND COAST, WHICH HE PARTICULARLY ENJOYS.

For more information on a career in the fishing industry with Sealord, visit www.sealord.com/nz/careers

■ BAILEY HAS BEEN GAINING QUALIFICATIONS IN HIS ROLE AND HAS AN AMBITION TO QUALIFY AS A SKIPPER AND HAVE HIS OWN BOAT.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

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REGISTERED NURSE

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer CHARLY HARVEY

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RISING TO THE CHALLENGE NURSING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 “My greatest challenge would be working as a new graduate nurse on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says SOPHIE JOHNSON. The 26-year-old started working in the emergency department of Southland Hospital at the end of January, a couple of months before New Zealand went into lockdown.

Despite the challenge of COVID-19, Sophie describes her registered nurse role as her “dream job”.

“I love having the knowledge and skills to be able to provide care in a time of great critical need and be able to make a difference to the life of that person and their family.”

When she left high school, Sophie first tried out a number of jobs, including driving trucks in an underground gold mine in Australia. A recent graduate of Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Bachelor of Nursing, Sophie was inspired by her mum, who is also a nurse.

Sophie had been considering nursing for a while but wasn’t sure she would manage academically.

To revise what she had learnt at school and prepare herself for the three-year degree, Sophie enrolled in SIT’s six-month pre-entry to nursing programme.

“This was a huge factor in my success,” she says.

“It gave me time to find a method of studying that worked for me.”

The programme also gave Sophie a grounding in chemistry and biology, subjects she didn’t take at school, but would recommend if you’re considering a career in nursing.

“Nurses need to have a good knowledge about body systems and how they work.”

Maths is also important, she says, for calculating the correct dose of medication to administer to maintain patient safety. English is also helpful as “it helps when writing essays and research critiques and as a nurse we are always documenting.”

After completing Year 9 at Buller High School in Westport, Sophie did Years 10, 11 and 12 via correspondence, studying a variety of NCEA subjects including Maths and English.

E

AY D N

P TO

E

TH

S O M

I LOVE HAVING THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE CARE iN A TIME OF GREAT CRITICAL NEED AND BE ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIFE OF THAT PERSON AND THEIR FAMILY.

SOPHIE JOHNSON

KEY FACTS ■ SOPHIE JOHNSON HAS A BACHELOR OF NURSING FROM THE SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ SHE WORKS AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHLAND HOSPITAL. ■ SOPHIE RECOMMENDS HAVING A FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY, AS WELL AS HAVING STUDIED NCEA MATHS AND ENGLISH, FOR THOSE CONSIDERING NURSING STUDIES.

KICK-START YOUR CAREER

STUDY @ SIT

Campuses in Invercargill, Gore, Queenstown & Christchurch SIT Zero Fees Scheme The Sir Mayor Tim Shadbolt Accommodation Bursaries for Invercargill SIT2LRN Distance Learning FREE TRADES TRAINING Take advantage of this government offer that will allow you to study sub-degree trades courses at no cost.

www.sit.ac.nz 0800 4 0 FEES

For more information on studying Nursing through Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz

REGISTERED NURSE

Initially drawn to SIT by the Zero Fees Scheme, Sophie is full of praise for their nursing programme.

“SIT gives students more clinical practicum hours than most tertiary schools and graduates tend to have amongst the highest pass rates for the state final examination, which is the national exam you need to pass to become a nurse.”

Sophie says SIT is always seeking ways to improve student learning and incorporate different learning styles to suit students.

“For instance, they have virtual reality goggles to see chambers of the heart, clinical simulations to prepare for clinical situations, and masked education where tutors wear highly realistic silicone masks to simulate the patient-nurse relationship.”

Nursing ticks all the boxes Sophie was looking for – “I wanted a challenging career where I could continue to learn and develop my skills”. Plus, it offers “endless possibilities, stability and flexibility”.

13

LIFE AT UNIVERSITY

LOOKING TO LIFE AHEAD AT UNIVERSITY

FINDING YOUR NEW NORMAL writer TE HERENGA WAKA—VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON We’re all working to create a new normal after lockdown, but what does that look like for universities in Aotearoa New Zealand?

A home away from home Living in halls of residence and university flats or apartments is a great way to get the full university experience while you study. You live close to campus, get the chance to meet new people and make lifelong friends, and in Wellington you have everything the coolest little capital has to offer on your doorstep.

During lockdown, universities put in place stringent health measures to continue providing safe and secure accommodation options that support students. Now, in the new normal we are living in, university accommodation is still one of the best ways to experience student life.

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“It is a big decision, and there are many factors to consider, but the supportive environment made me feel looked after and part of something bigger.”

— B RONNY HALLETT Capital Hall, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington

On campus and online University campuses are open for in-person lectures and activities, with most courses including online components or able to be taken entirely online.

“I definitely felt more engaged, simply because I lived on campus. If I was ever bored or needed help with my study, I could just walk down the hallway and my friends would be right there.”

— T .J. VA’A Te Puni Village, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington

Keeping it clean Additional cleaning schedules have become as ubiquitous as hand sanitiser on campuses, so keep washing those hands, and rest assured hygiene is a priority.

Student services All services have returned to campuses, but online resources and remote delivery options are also being offered.

Be kind and carry on Stay home if you’re sick, support those who are struggling and look after yourself.

Top tips for online study l l l l l l l l

Treat it like an in-person class.

Have a dedicated study space and remove distractions.

Start a virtual study group.

Use the resources your teachers provide and take notes.

Watch out for creeping deadlines and don’t procrastinate.

Avoid overscheduling.

Check your emails regularly.

Don’t hesitate to use university support services if you’re struggling with the workload or your wellbeing.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information, visit www.wgtn.ac.nz

REALME REALEASY SUPERHELPFUL contributor MARITA VANDENBERG

You used to have to visit a photo store to get a photo to get RealMe® verified.

Now you don’t even need to leave your chair (or couch…or bed…)

Most people can now complete their full application online. That’s thanks to the new ‘Web Photo Capture’ technology. All you need is a NZ Passport or Citizenship Certificate, and a device that has a camera and compatible web browser.

HOW?

1. Take a selfie.

2. Do a liveness check to prove you’re a real person – like shake, blink and nod.

3. Then a quick upload and it’s done!

WHY?

Getting a RealMe® verified ID is the quick way to cut out that pain-in-the-butt paperwork involved in applying for your StudyLink student loan funding.

But wait, there’s more! You can also use RealMe® Verified to enrol in a growing number

of tertiary institutions, open a new bank account – and even enrol to vote in this year’s elections.

SO, WHAT IS REALME®…

AND REALME® VERIFIED? RealMe enables you to login safely and securely to a growing range of services, such as renewing your passport or updating your electoral roll information – think of it as a key.

RealMe® Verified is your high-level online ID. It enables you to prove to others that you really are who you say you are. For example, when banks, government agencies etc ask for a high-level form of ID. It’s as good as a passport and better than a driver’s licence to prove your identity.

allowing people to use their social media accounts to quickly login – they’re asking for a secure, trusted, high-level proof of identity.

AND ANOTHER INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT THING

REALME® VERIFIED IDENTITY

AS EASY AS… SHAKE, BLINK AND NOD!

The information about yourself that you give to set up RealMe® and RealMe® Verified is not shared with anyone. You own that information.

You can trust that it is held at the highest level of security. It only gets used with your consent, to provide high-level ID for something as important as…StudyLink!

BUT I CAN USE MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT TO LOG INTO LOTS OF SITES…

For more information on RealMe® and RealMe® Verified, visit realme.govt.nz

Yeah, that’s right – for routine stuff where there is less worry about fraud or identity theft. But many services are now stepping away from

Getting RealMe® verified is now even easier

Apply for your RealMe® verified identity using your NZ passport or citizenship certificate and

take your own photo online.

No need to visit a photo store!

What are you waiting for?

Get verified now!

realme.govt.nz

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THINKING ABOUT FUTURE STUDY?

THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW

2) Check if you can get fees-free study Whether you’re thinking about doing a degree or an apprenticeship, if you’re studying or training for the first time you may be able to get fees-free study.

To check, go to feesfree.govt.nz 3) Help with costs If you can get fees-free you may not need a Student Loan for your course fees, but you may still need to apply for a loan if you need help with course-related costs or living costs. You may also be able to get a Student Allowance to help with your living expenses.

Student Allowance This is a weekly payment to help with living expenses – you don’t have to pay it back.

How much you get depends on: • your income • your living situation • your parents’ income (if you’re under 24).

Student Loan The Student Loan can help with study costs.

You’ll have to pay this back once you’re earning over a certain amount. If you’re a fulltime student, you may be able to get a loan for: • compulsory course fees (check if you can get fees-free first) • course-related costs • living costs.

STUDYLINK

Making big decisions like whether you’ll study, get a job or learn a trade is always tough.

While this year may have you feeling a bit scrambled, if you’re planning to carry on studying after you finish school, now’s the time to start getting organised.

The best way to stay connected while you’re figuring everything out is to visit and follow StudyLink’s ‘Get Ready for Study’ page on Facebook. This way you can keep up-to-date with all the latest information.

Follow StudyLink at www.facebook.com/getreadystudylink For now, let’s get you up to speed on the ways StudyLink can help with Student Allowances and Student Loans.

1) Find out about the cost of study If you’re going to study, you’ll need to work out how much it’s going to cost and how you’ll pay for it. The StudyLink website has tools and calculators to help you out.

Visit studylink.govt.nz

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Use StudyLink’s eligibility test to work out what kind of help you could get while you’re studying, visit studylink.govt.nz 4) Apply by 16 December at studylink.govt.nz You don’t need to wait ‘til you get your NCEA results in January to apply! It’s best to apply by 16 December to make sure you’re sorted when your study starts.

Don’t worry if things change.

You can update your application details, like your education provider or course, or even withdraw your application at any time.

It’s more important to get your application in on time, even if you haven’t decided all the details yet.

NOT SURE WHAT’S NEXT? If you’re not sure whether further study is right for you, here are some other places to go for ideas:

LEARN A TRADE/DO AN APPRENTICESHIP, visit www.careers.govt.nz GET A FRESH START WITH THE LIMITED SERVICE VOLUNTEER (LSV) COURSE, visit www.workandincome.govt.nz/LSV GET PAID WHILE YOU TRAIN TO DO A JOB YOU LOVE WITH MANA IN MAHI, visit www.workandincome.govt.nz/manainmahijobs

KEY FACTS ■ FOLLOW STUDYLINK FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION. ■ TAKE STUDYLINK’S ELIGIBILITY TEST TO SEE WHAT HELP YOU CAN GET. ■ C HECK IF YOU CAN GET FEES-FREE ■ APPLY TO STUDYLINK BY 16 DECEMBER — DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR NCEA RESULTS.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

MED BOOK BOLD ELECTRICIAN

HARD WORK GAINS REWARDS

18

TOP APPRENTICE SHINES

writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST OPAL VICKERY is a shining light to inspire young women to get into the trades.

The 21-year-old made national headlines late last year when she headed off 700 other apprentices to win the coveted Etco (Electrical Training Company) Apprentice of the Year title.

Etco employs apprentices nationwide and places them with electrical host companies and contractors through their group apprenticeship scheme.

“Honestly it was a bit mind-blowing to win it because I don’t see myself as an exceptional electrician,” Opal says. “It came down to just all the hard work I put into my apprenticeship over three-and-a-half years and it was amazing that someone saw that.

“You just do what you have to do but it was quite awesome to see all that hard work I put in getting recognised.

“I thought that was really cool. It is a great statement that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you are doing, anyone can be great if you work hard enough.”

Opal is the only female electrician working in the team at AB Electrical in Browns Bay, Auckland.

She says every day brings new challenges.

“I will be visiting maybe three houses a day doing lots of stuff – from fixing range hoods and extractor fans [to] crawling in ceilings [and] under houses, so I get a really broad range of experiences every day.

“Most of the clients are super excited to see me as a female working in the industry. Other women see it as a bigger step forward because if I can do it, they can do it.

“The thing I love the most about my job and what I am passionate about is just the communication with people. You get to see and meet so many people, get to hear their stories and their way of life. I really enjoy that.”

Opal believes any school leaver can succeed in the industry if they have the drive and passion to learn.

Opal started her apprenticeship after finishing Year 12 at Lynfield College in Auckland, where she enjoyed studying Calculus, Physics, English, Electronics and Programming.

“The primary driving force to leave school was I didn’t want to go to uni. I had a chat with my dad who suggested getting an apprenticeship in the electrical industry and I thought, ‘Sweet, I’ll do that’. ”

“You can go to uni and come away with a degree and a debt but with an apprenticeship you are earning right the way through until you qualify. By the time you come out you could have enough money for a deposit on a house if you save right.

“You will have a qualification and job experience behind you and really set yourself up for a great future.”

KEY FACTS ■ OPAL VICKERY IS AN ELECTRICIAN WITH AB ELECTRICAL IN BROWNS BAY, AUCKLAND. ■ SHE WAS LAST YEAR’S Etco APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR. ■ OPAL COMPLETED HER THREE-AND-A-HALF YEAR APPRENTICESHIP WITH Etco, WHO EMPLOY APPRENTICES NATIONWIDE AND PLACE THEM WITH ELECTRICAL HOST COMPANIES AND CONTRACTORS.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on training and apprenticeships through Etco, visit www.etco.co.nz

BUILDING A SOLID FUTURE SHEPHERD

PROGRESSION AND PROSPECTS ON OFFER

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writer PETER WHITE // photographer GEOFF HORRELL GEORGE BLYTH grew up in Canterbury on lifestyle blocks and always wanted to get into farming work.

His love of the outdoors and animals, particularly dogs, made that a sure thing. A key factor in his decision was the successful SWITCH programme, run through Primary ITO, which gave him two days a week working on a local farm.

“It just confirmed for me that was what I wanted to do. It was a really good experience and probably helped me get my first job.”

After finishing Year 13 at Rangiora High School in 2017, George went shepherding in Southland for a year. In 2018, he won a scholarship from Silver Fern Farms worth $5000.

“For the scholarship we had to come up with a big idea for the red-meat industry. My idea was for the traditional breeding cow to be able to regularly raise twins rather than just singles. I figured it is desirable for sheep to have twins, why shouldn’t cattle be able to produce twins as well? They have four teats for a reason.”

I definitely THINK THERE IS A GOOD FUTURE IN FARMING. THE INDUSTRY HAS JUST PROVEN HOW ESSENTIAL IT IS THROUGH THE COVID- 19 CRISIS AND JOB PROSPECTS ARE GOOD WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLIMB THE LADDER AT A young Age. GEORGE BLYTH

With the prize money, George enrolled at Telford to further his theoretical understanding and has completed a Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5). Telford’s campus near Balclutha covers 850 hectares and was the ideal place for him to continue to build his farming career.

George, 20, is now shepherding on Carterhope Estate in Balclutha, a 16,000 stock unit sheep and beef farm.

“I have a really good boss and am happy as can be. I love being in the outdoors and getting the variation that farming offers.

“Each day you are doing something different and it keeps things interesting.

“I have a team of seven dogs and I am really passionate about them. It is really satisfying to train them and work with them every day.”

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC AND AUDIO NOW FOUNDATION SKILLS / NZ CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATION SKILLS / NZ CERTIFICATE IN STUDY AND CAREER PREPARATION

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MAINZ.AC.NZ CHRISTCHURCH 0800 264 426 A U C K L A N D 0800 265 526

George would like to further develop his skills and progress into a stock manager role. In the long term, he hopes to eventually own his own farming business.

He recommends a career in farming to school leavers.

“Bright kids often get turned away from a farming career as they are told they must go and get a degree to be successful. In the farming game you have to be constantly making decisions, so being a thinker is a real asset.

“I definitely think there is a good future in farming.

The industry has just proven how essential it is through the COVID-19 crisis and job prospects are good with the opportunity to climb the ladder at a young age.

You can also save a decent amount of money as most packages include a house, power and Wi-Fi.” KEY FACTS ■ GEORGE BLYTH HAS A DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE (LEVEL 5) THROUGH TELFORD. ■ HE WORKS AS A SHEPHERD ON CARTERHOPE ESTATE IN BALCLUTHA, A 16,000 STOCK UNIT SHEEP AND BEEF FARM. ■ GEORGE DID A WORK PLACEMENT ON A FARM TWO DAYS A WEEK THROUGH THE SWITCH PROGRAMME, RUN THROUGH PRIMARY ITO, ALONGSIDE HIS YEAR 13 STUDIES.

For more information on studying toward a career in the agriculture industry through the Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz /telford

TELFORD - A UNIQUE RURAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE & CONFERENCE / EVENTS FACILITY Certificate, Diploma & Degree programmes: • Farming systems • Rural Animal Technician • Agriculture • Equine / Sporthorse • Agribusiness* • Plus blended learning, continuous learning and community courses * Subject to site approval

ENROL NOW

0800 835 367

telford@sit.ac.nz

For more info visit www.telford.ac.nz

SHEPHERD

In his final year of school, George studied Physical Education, Agricultural Science, Construction and Mechanical Technology, and did his work placement on a farm two days a week.

21

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

WALK TO YOUR OWN BEAT

TUNE IN TO A BACHELOR OF MUSIC

writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST

22

HANNAH TEIPO took a few years after leaving Rotorua Girls’ High School to know exactly what direction she wanted to go in.

She loved the idea of going to university with her friends in “the big smoke” in Auckland, so she enrolled in a law degree.

But into her second year, the 26-year-old of mixed Cook Islands and Nagamese (India) descent realised she had gone down the law path for the wrong reasons.

“I very much just followed the crowd. I didn’t actually think through what I really wanted to do.

I was really good at English and really bad at maths so I thought I will go with law – that was literally my thought process at school.

“Two years into law school I had this epiphany on the bus and thought, ‘I don’t want to do this’. I decided to go with MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) through SIT (Southern Institute of Technology) at their Auckland CBD campus.”

Hannah enrolled in a Bachelor of Music degree, which she completed in 2018.

“Admittedly it was quite a scary decision because throughout school, music was never encouraged in terms of a long-term career. It took a lot of convincing myself to do something I really wanted to do.

“Once I got into it I realised there is so much more than just composing music. I enjoyed the event management side of things and that is where I have landed in my role now.

“It broadened my mind to what working in the music industry can be and the different options there are.

“You don’t just have to be the Ed Sheeran type.

There are so many jobs you can work in within the industry.”

While studying for her music degree, Hannah co-founded digital media company No Six with friends on the course.

“There is demand for hearing youth voice told through a multi-media lens, so we kind of just ran with it.”

She loves her role as the facility co-ordinator at Te Oro Arts Centre based in Glen Innes, Auckland.

“It is a music and arts centre for youth. It is very much intertwined between what I do with art and music. It is pretty awesome and also quite exciting because the centre is only about five years old and was made specifically for youth and the arts.”

Hannah studied English, Business, Music, History and Classics in Year 13 at Rotorua Girls’.

Her advice to today’s school leavers is to take your time to decide what to do.

“My mum always encouraged me to take a gap year but I never did it. I am now an advocate for doing that so you get some space away from high school and your friends and other influences to actually make an informed decision on your own.”

KEY FACTS ■ HANNAH TEIPO HAS A BACHELOR OF MUSIC FROM THE SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ SHE IS A FACILITY CO-ORDINATOR AT TE ORO ARTS CENTRE, A MUSIC AND ARTS CENTRE FOR YOUTH, AND CO-FOUNDED NO SIX, A DIGITAL MEDIA COMPANY. ■ HANNAH STUDIED ENGLISH, BUSINESS, MUSIC, HISTORY AND CLASSICS IN YEAR 13 AT ROTORUA GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL, AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDS STUDENTS TAKE A GAP YEAR. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on studying music through Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz

BORN FOR FASHION

FASHION DESIGNER

ETHICAL AND LUXURIOUS writer SARA CARBERY

If you watched Project Runway New Zealand, you would recognise the name BENJAMIN ALEXANDER. Since winning the inaugural competition two years ago, Benjamin has presented his first solo show at New Zealand Fashion Week, launched his own label and is working on his soon-to-be-released second collection.

Proudly crafted in New Zealand, sustainability is at the heart of the Benjamin Alexander label.

“We are aware of the huge impact that unsustainable and unethical clothing has on the planet and the people that live on it,” says Benjamin. “We strive to commit to create clothing that doesn’ t compromise the ability of the environment or people to be valued within themselves and their community.”

It was while he was developing his final collection for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Whitecliffe that Benjamin had a lightbulb moment and realised he could make luxurious clothes and accessories that didn’t compromise his ethics.

He went on to do a two-year Master of Fine Arts in Fashion and Sustainability at Whitecliffe, researching and developing a sustainable luxury collection with a transparent ethical and sustainable value chain.

Growing up in Massey, west Auckland, the 25-year-old can’t remember a time when he wasn’t in love with clothes. “I wouldn’t say I chose fashion design; it chose me. It’s innate.”

In his final year of school – Year 12 at Avondale College – Benjamin took English, Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Fashion Technology. “I always knew who I was and what I wanted to do.”

He chose Whitecliffe in part because the college had smaller intakes for courses than most universities.

“I wanted more of a relationship-type of learning.”

He is full of praise for Belinda Watt, head of the Fashion Design Department, who he considers his “second mother”.

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“Her dedication and passion is amazing.”

Under Belinda’s tutelage, Benjamin participated in the NZ Vietnam Design Collaboration, was a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, travelled to India for a craft immersion experience and was selected to take part in the Copenhagen Youth Fashion Summit.

While reluctant to pigeonhole his style – “I make whatever I want to make” – Benjamin strives to create clothes that provoke feelings and emotions.

“I want a woman to see a dress and fall in love with it,” he says. “I want it to make her feel something.”

Described as being honest and real by the media, Benjamin doesn’t sugar-coat how difficult it is to succeed in the fashion industry. “It’s an extremely hard game,” he says. “You have to be extremely headstrong and devoted; it has to be all you ever want to do.

“You need to have the head and the heart to give it everything you have because it will take everything you have.”

KEY FACTS ■ BENJAMIN ALEXANDER HAS A BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN FASHION DESIGN AND A MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN FASHION AND SUSTAINABILITY FROM WHITECLIFFE. ■ HE HAS HIS OWN LABEL, WON THE INAUGURAL SEASON OF PROJECT RUNWAY NEW ZEALAND AND HAS PRESENTED HIS FIRST SOLO SHOW AT NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK. ■ BENJAMIN IS COMMITTED TO CREATING SUSTAINABLE, ETHICAL AND VALUE-SOUND CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on studying fashion design through Whitecliffe, visit www.whitecliffe.ac.nz and to view the Benjamin Alexander label, visit www.benjaminalexander.co

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

AN INTERESTING CAREER

LAWYER

DEFENDING THE LAW

24

writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST

“No two cases are ever the same and every case you deal with is always interesting,” says OLIVER TROON, a lawyer in the Public Defence Service based in Manukau, South Auckland.

“It was a change for a small town, provincial boy “You are dealing with people and hearing their story, from Queenstown to move from Dunedin up to a trying to help them as best you can. Everyone is big city like Auckland and then to immerse myself entitled to have access to justice and I enjoy being GETTING THROUGH ANY DE in the busy Manukau District Court on a daily basis. able to help people participate in that process [and] GREE, making sure that court proceedings operate in as including law, JUST REQU “It was an eye-opening experience and has kept IRES fair and just way as possible for all parties.” me busy for nearly the last three years.”

A BIT OF FOCUS AND APPLI CATION. The 28-year-old Wakatipu High School old boy Oliver liked English, History and Economics in Year IT IS THE SAME FOR PRACTI was probably destined to be a lawyer – both his CING 13 at Wakatipu High School – “the English-heavy parents are lawyers.

LAw. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO I social science subjects are what suited me”.

S Oliver went to the University of Otago, graduating BE ABLE TO WORK HARD He says if you are interested in studying law then with a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of give it a go.

AND APPLY YOURself.

Laws. He says he loved the balance of the lifestyle “There is no harm in studying law. The skills that a in Dunedin.

OLIVER TROON law degree teaches you are applicable to whatever “You are surrounded by like-minded students who you want to do. It really teaches you how to be all have an interest in an academic focus, and you analytical, to dissect and construct arguments. I have all become well-rounded individuals by the end of found these skills are applicable in everyday life.” your degree.

“Getting through any degree, including law, just requires a bit of focus and application. It is the same for practicing law. All you have to do is be able to work hard and apply yourself.

“If you can find an interest in any particular area, that makes your ability to work hard a lot easier.”

Oliver joined Dunedin-based Webb Farry Lawyers in 2016 after graduating, where he worked in a variety of areas, including criminal and civil litigation, relationship property, employment and resource management.

“It was a really good foundation. I was always interested in litigation, court work and dispute resolution. Starting off with a wide base and breadth of practice definitely equipped me with a variety of skills.

“I have since then narrowed my interest into the criminal jurisdiction. A background of wider practice has served me well.”

Since 2017, Oliver has been with the Public Defence Service based in Manukau.

KEY FACTS ■ OLIVER TROON HAS A BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF LAWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ HE WORKS AS A LAWYER IN THE PUBLIC DEFENCE SERVICE IN MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND. ■ OLIVER HAS FOUND THE SKILLS THAT A LAW DEGREE TEACHES YOU TO BE APPLICABLE IN EVERYDAY LIFE, AS WELL AS CRUCIAL FOR HIS CHOSEN CAREER PATH IN CRIMINAL LAW. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on studying Law through the University of Otago, visit www.otago.ac.nz

SEEK CONNECTIONS IN BUSINESS

writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST

Helping businesses achieve their potential is what motivates TIM JUDD. The 26-year-old Aucklander manages a portfolio of business clients at the BNZ worth $5–$50 million in turnover.

“I recognised from about Year 10 that a career “We are usually working with people who have built in business was what I wanted to be involved in. the business from the ground up or their family The Business School was well established and had members have,” Tim says. “So, you really are making a lot of community involvement as well, which was ONE OF THE key THINGS I D a difference in how that business can succeed ID and a big driver for me. through providing bank funding, debt facilities probably should have D ONE more “The teachers and business leaders involved sparked and things like that, or sometimes by making new my interest in seeing the real-world application of is re aching out to business o connections for them or adding value in other ways. wners business from an early age through that.”

OWNERS and people in FINA “You really do have quite a cool input on the journey NCE... After leaving high school, Tim completed a Bachelor of some of these businesses, which excites me most AND JUST getting as muc of Business from Auckland University of Technology h about the role.”

(AUT), majoring in Finance and Economics.

ADVICE from THESE EXPE RIENCED Tim is proud to have attended Onehunga High “A business degree opens a lot of doors both PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. School. He studied Business, Accounting, Physical domestically and internationally for sure. There are Education, English and Statistics in Year 13.

TIM JUDD a lot of options with the different majors you can take but the practical side of the degree really forces Onehunga’s Business School is the first of its you to get out of your comfort zone early on. kind in New Zealand and played a key role in Tim’s development.

“I think that is really important when you move in to your first proper job. Having that experience helps a lot and makes the transition that much easier.”

The benefits gained from the practical side of the degree really impressed Tim. “The last paper, Co-operative Education, is mandatory to take and you have to get real-world experience in a business environment. That appealed to me to force myself to get that sort of experience and make connections.”

Tim’s advice for school leavers interested in a corporate business career is to not be afraid to ask for help because learning from others can save you valuable time.

“One of the key things I did and probably should have done more is reaching out to business owners and people in finance. Reaching out whether you have connections with them already or not, having a chat with them, having a coffee and just getting as much advice from these experienced people as you can.

“As Kiwis, most people are willing to sit down and chat with you for half an hour and are happy to share their experiences.”

BUSINESS BANKER

FOCUSSED ON BANKING

25

KEY FACTS ■ TIM JUDD HAS A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS FROM AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MAJORING IN FINANCE AND ECONOMICS. ■ HE WORKS AT BNZ, MANAGING A PORTFOLIO OF BUSINESS CLIENTS WORTH $5–$50 MILLION IN TURNOVER.

For more information on studying Business through Auckland University of Technology, visit www.aut.ac.nz

■ TIM ATTENDED ONEHUNGA HIGH SCHOOL WHERE HE STUDIED BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ENGLISH AND STATISTICS IN YEAR 13.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FACTORY MANAGER

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer RACHAEL BROWN

26

FROM TEMP TO MANAGER

TRUE CAREER PROGRESSION ON OFFER Growing up in Tasman Bay with a love of fishing and the outdoors, it seems fitting that SARAH BRADLEY has recently been appointed manager of Talley’s fish factory in Motueka.

Over a span of nine years, the 29-year-old has worked her way up from a temporary job shelling green-lipped mussels, to her current role overseeing 116 day-shift and 95 night-shift staff.

On the logistics side of things, Sarah keeps in touch with the boats and truck drivers to ensure the factory has enough fish to keep production lines operating and product moving through.

As Sarah’s journey illustrates, Talley’s prides itself on providing training and career opportunities to help young people progress through the company; their motto is ‘Start here and grow with us’. The list of qualifications Sarah has gained while working is impressive, ranging from first aid and seafood processing through to effective communication and health and safety management.

From there, she applied for a job as line supervisor, enjoying the challenge that came with overseeing up to 30 staff and learning to manage a factory processing line.

This role sparked an interest in machines that saw Sarah leave the company to work at a local engineering workshop.

“Six months later, I was asked by Talley’s to join a management cadet position, learning the intricate and in-depth business qualities required to be a factory manager,” she says. “This completed my ambition that began with my admin role years prior.”

I WAS ASKED

By TALLEY ’ S TO JOIN a MANAGEMENT CADET positioN, learning the intricate AND IN-DEPTH BUSINESS QUALITIES required TO BE A FACTORY MANAGER. SARAH BRADLEY

Like many teenagers, Sarah was unsure what she wanted to do when she left Motueka High School.

“My favourite subjects included Outdoor Education, Art, Home Economics, Graphics and Design.”

She found work in a café, then a restaurant hotel, and studied hospitality before returning to Motueka and finding seasonal work at Talley’s through a WINZ jobseeker programme.

If you’re unsure what career path to follow, Sarah’s advice is to try out different industries and jobs to discover what you want to do.

“Set realistic goals, engage in any training offered and remember that respect is earned through hard work and a great attitude.”

As one of the largest privately owned companies in the South Island, Talley’s has a wide variety of roles available in different locations. As well as jobs at sea on one of their fishing vessels, the company needs people for all sorts of jobs on land, including unloading boats, various food processing roles, driving trucks and forklifts, administration, machinery maintenance and more.

FACTORY MANAGER

After a few years on the factory floor, where she learnt to pack, trim and process fish, Sarah transferred to an administration role, working as personal assistant to the factory manager.

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KEY FACTS ■ SARAH BRADLEY HAS WORKED AT TALLEY’S FOR NINE YEARS, SHE WAS REQUESTED TO JOIN A MANAGEMENT CADET POSITION AND IS NOW MANAGER OF THE MOTUEKA FISH FACTORY. ■ SHE HAS GAINED VARIED, MULTIPLE QUALIFICATIONS DURING HER TIME WITH TALLEY’S, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT. ■ SARAH ADVISES SCHOOL LEAVERS THAT “RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH HARD WORK AND A GREAT ATTITUDE”.

For more information on career opportunities with Talley’s, and to apply online, please visit www.talleys.co.nz/careers

DEEP SEA FISHING

DEEP SEA CAREER PROVES FRUITFUL

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HOOKED ON SUCCESS writer PETER WHITE // photographer RACHAEL BROWN Working hard and sticking to his goals has provided real benefits for BEN HARWOOD. The 20-year-old deep sea fisherman already owns two houses in Christchurch, achieved by working two jobs and saving the money he earns.

Ben says he was motivated to get ahead in life from a young age.

“I didn’t want to get trapped in the rent bubble and be struggling week to week, so I set myself that goal. There were a lot of people who didn’t get it and said, ‘You won’t be able to buy a house before you’re 20’ but that just gave me even more motivation to prove them wrong.”

Ben works for Talley’s on a deep-sea fishing boat based out of Nelson. He goes to sea for 10 weeks at a time before returning to Christchurch for five weeks. Rather than put his feet up during that time and spend the money he has earned, he works at New World.

So why deep sea fishing?

In Year 13 at St Bede’s College, Ben attended a careers expo. Rather than queue up for certain stands, he went over to a fishing company site.

The transition from high school to working fulltime on a deep-sea trawler took some getting used to.

“I didn’t really have an idea on what I wanted to do, and after attending that expo I felt like Talley’s had so much to offer and it gave me a job idea I had never previously considered.

“I came straight from school and had no tickets or experience on a boat. You learn that along the way.

Attitude is a big thing. The main thing is to have a positive attitude and always be keen to learn and try new things.

“Jobs such as fishing can allow someone young to save so much as the expenses are minimal while at sea. The money is really good and you get to meet some really amazing people.”

“It’s okay not to know what industry you want to go into in your last year of school. I didn’t and now I own two houses and have a great job.”

And what are Ben’s future property goals?

Ben studied Statistics, Outdoor Pursuits, Physical Education, Chemistry and English in his final year at St Bede’s.

“I plan to purchase several more houses and get them paid off as soon as possible, which will give me less stress and more security for my future.

He says for a career in fishing, success mostly comes down to your attitude and not the specific subjects you took at high school.

“A little hard work and sacrifice now will pay dividends and allow me to retire and do what I want at a younger age than most.”

KEY FACTS ■ BEN HARWOOD WORKS FOR TALLEY’S ON A DEEP-SEA FISHING BOAT BASED OUT OF NELSON. HE IS ROSTERED TO GO TO SEA FOR 10 WEEKS THEN RETURNS TO LAND FOR FIVE WEEKS. ■ HE BEGAN THE JOB STRAIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL WITH NO DEEP SEA EXPERIENCE OR QUALIFICATIONS AND HAS LEARNT ALL HE NEEDS TO KNOW ON-THE-JOB. ■ BEN BELIEVES HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, A DESIRE TO LEARN AND TRYING NEW THINGS ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS TO SUCCESS IN HIS CHOSEN CAREER. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on career opportunities with Talley’s, and to apply online, please visit www.talleysdeepseacareer.co.nz

NEW TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED writer SARA CARBERY // photographer RACHAEL BROWN From beauty therapy to truck driving, there aren’t many people who have followed the same career path as TONI TAWHARA. Toni found her way into a beauty therapy course after leaving Motueka High School with NCEA Level 1 and for a number of years worked part-time in a salon and in an administration role at a service station.

Coming to the realisation that beauty therapy and office work were not for her, and knowing she liked driving, Toni focused on getting her Class 2 truck licence. Three years on, you’ll find her behind the wheel of a Scania B Train driving for Talley’s in Nelson.

Based in Motueka, the 26-year-old carts seafood and vegetables six days a week, mainly around the top of the South Island.

“I love driving and seeing New Zealand,” she says. “I love the variety and the people at Talley’s – they really look after me.”

Even though there are more women on the road than there used to be (eight per cent of drivers are female), Toni admits she was worried others in the industry might not take a young woman seriously.

“But people were super kind, they went out of their way to help,” she says.

Toni was determined to succeed and went “above and beyond” to be good at her job. Her efforts have clearly paid off – last year, she was runner-up in the Road Transport Forum’s EROAD Young Driver of the Year.

If you’re interested in a career driving trucks, Toni’s advice is “go for it”.

“It’s a skill you’ll have for life and a good way to earn money.” (In three years, she has saved enough to buy her own home.)

There is also a nationwide shortage of drivers, says Nick Leggett, CEO of the Road Transport Forum, so employment wise, it’s an industry full of opportunities.

TRUCK DRIVER

GET BEHIND THE WHEEL

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“Road transport operators regard workforce shortages as the number one issue facing their business.”

To help solve this problem, the road transport industry is launching a new Road to Success traineeship in the next few months.

“The industry is opening the door and saying, ‘Come on in’, ” explains Nick.

“It’s an opportunity to provide qualifications, licensing, mentorship and jobs with a guaranteed number of working hours to anyone interested in a career in road transport.”

While the bulk of jobs are behind the wheel, there are opportunities to work in other areas of the industry as well, such as dispatch and administration.

Nick says the industry is actively looking to diversify its workforce and is keen to see more women on the road. “Employers see the benefits of having a diverse workforce that brings different skillsets and adds value.”

In the future, Toni says she would like to try something else (maybe go to university), but for now she’s happy on the road. “I love driving trucks!”

KEY FACTS ■ TONI TAWHARA IS A TRUCK DRIVER FOR TALLEY’S IN NELSON. SHE WORKS SIX DAYS A WEEK DRIVING A SCANIA B TRAIN. ■ SHE WAS RUNNER-UP IN THE ROAD TRANSPORT FORUM’S EROAD YOUNG DRIVER OF THE YEAR IN 2019.

■ THERE IS A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF TRUCK DRIVERS AND THE INDUSTRY IS ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR NEW WORKERS.

For more information or to register your interest in the Road to Success traineeship, email forum@rtf.nz or text ‘Road to Success’ to 021 248 2175

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING 30

DETERMINED HARD-WORKER

SUCCESS BRED OUT OF AUTOMOTIVE PASSION

writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST Fixing cars is much more than just a job for NATE PERRY. It is his fulltime, 24/7 passion that has seen him step-up to running his own business this year while finishing off his automotive degree at Unitec.

“I love the satisfaction of building a big project and knowing that you have done it with your own hands.

I just get a kick out of building awesome cars.”

“I decided from an early age to get into something I was passionate about – which is the automotive industry – so that’s how I ended up at Unitec. I love getting to know how to fix cars. It is a feeling of accomplishment seeing your finished work.”

Nate went to Mt Roskill Grammar where his favourite subjects were Maths, English, Physical Education, Metalwork and Woodwork.

“I left school when I was young because school just wasn’t my thing. Also, I was living with my mum who was a solo parent, so I made the decision to work to help her with the bills. That is where my story started. At first, I was working in warehousing and distribution, but realised I wanted a different career, so I investigated study options. Unitec was the obvious choice for me.”

Nate completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) and is in his second year of the three-year Bachelor of Applied Technology.

“I went to Unitec because I wanted to learn automotive.

I already knew a little bit but I wanted to turn it into a fulltime career.”

Nate says the staff at Unitec have all been hugely helpful. “It is super supportive. They have always told me there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Some people judge you if you do ask a dumb question but that does not happen there.

“If you ask something they are going to give you a genuine answer.”

At Unitec, Nate has also embraced his Māori culture.

“Being Māori I struggled to learn about my culture growing up because I was brought up in Auckland and there was not that much interest in who I was until I got a bit older and then found out for myself.

“By the time I ended up at Unitec I had already found out who my family was and a bit about my background so going to Unitec and that cultural space there was cool for me because I could walk around campus knowing I was Māori and it was all good.”

Nate encourages school leavers to follow their passion.

“For kids leaving school wanting to get into automotive or anything they want to do, the most important thing you are going to need is the passion for it.”

Nate’s dream has come true, as last year he set up a business working with a group of friends in an automotive workshop.

“Automotive is quite a stressful job so you need determination and focus plus a lot of patience. But anyone who is as passionate as I am will not have a problem. It really comes down to how much you want it.”

KEY FACTS ■ NATE PERRY HAS A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING (LEVEL 3) AND IS MIDWAY THROUGH A BACHELOR OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY THROUGH UNITEC. ■ HE HAS SET-UP HIS OWN BUSINESS WORKING WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS IN AN AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOP. ■ NATE SAYS THAT DETERMINATION, FOCUS, PATIENCE AND PASSION ARE THE KEY QUALITIES REQUIRED OF SOMEONE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on studying automotive engineering through Unitec, visit www.unitec.ac.nz

DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR SPACES writer SARA CARBERY

PATRICIA MORRISON wanted to study architecture, until she discovered landscape architecture. “I didn’t even know it existed!” she says.

“I wanted to do something where I could be creative and earn a good wage. Once I came across landscape architecture, I thought it was perfect as it was a combo of what I wanted and involved nature, which is something I love.

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“I also really wanted to do something that would be helpful for the planet, so it kind of ticked a lot of boxes.”

After leaving Rangitoto College halfway through Year 13, Patricia took a gap year to decide what she wanted to do. “There’s no need to rush,” she advises. “Take your time, follow your heart and the rest will fall into place.”

After considering her options, Patricia chose to study at Unitec. She first completed a Diploma in Landscape Design and then the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

“My course at Unitec really focussed on the creative side of landscape architecture and involved a lot of designing, which I loved.

“My lecturers were wonderful as they always pushed you to think outside of the box, which is something you need to do when you’re out in the real world designing for different clients. I also became really good friends with my lecturers and classmates, which made me want to go to Unitec every day.

We were like a little family.”

Studying art and design at high school helped Patricia think creatively and skilled her in hand-drawing and the use of creative software; skills she continues to use in her job today.

Patricia worked in Brisbane for three years after graduating before moving to Melbourne a year ago when she won first prize at the prestigious Melbourne International Flower Show for her

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

CREATIVITY REIGNS SUPREME

‘remembrance’ garden, a tribute to her mother who passed away in 2018.

“Many years ago, my mother asked me to create a garden space for her; a spiritual space where she could meditate in solitude and peace … [the show] gave me the chance to finally build my mother her garden.”

Now 28, Patricia works with Flow Design Studio, which is owned by Flemings Nurseries, the largest nursery in Australia. Her job involves producing documentation packages and designs for precincts such as parks, subdivisions, streetscapes and residential gardens.

“I love being able to be creative and design sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces for the planet, animals and people,” she says.

“You get to be part of so many cool projects, such as outdoor pool garden designs for apartments or residential clients, which is my favourite.”

Patricia’s goal is to start her own residential landscape design business. “It isn’t too far off,” she says. “I just have to take the plunge!”

“The people at Unitec were so down to earth. Without them, my passion and drive to really learn and succeed in my studies wouldn’t have been there.”

KEY FACTS ■ PATRICIA MORRISON HAS A DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND A BACHELOR OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FROM UNITEC. ■ SHE WORKS IN MELBOURNE FOR FLOW DESIGN STUDIO, PRODUCING PACKAGES AND DESIGNS FOR PRECINCTS SUCH AS PARKS AND RESIDENTIAL GARDENS.

For more information on studying landscape architecture through Unitec, visit www.unitec.ac.nz/architecture

■ PATRICIA WON FIRST PRIZE AT THE PRESTIGIOUS MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW FOR HER ‘REMEMBRANCE’ GARDEN, CREATED IN TRIBUTE TO HER LATE MOTHER.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

IMPORTANT NOTICES 32

NOTICE BOARD

KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

JOB HUNTING

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

These websites will help you find a job!

Allied Work Force – www.awf.co.nz Trade Me Jobs – www.trademe.co.nz/jobs MyJobSpace – www.myjobspace.co.nz Student Job Search – www.sjs.co.nz Do Good Jobs – www.dogoodjobs.co.nz Work and Income – www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz

Robert F. Kennedy

CAREERS UNIVERSITY/POLYTECHNIC OPEN DAYS 2020 and Polytechnic open days are a fantastic way of getting to know more NEW ZEALAND University about your proposed courses of study, the provider itself, meet fellow students

A fantastic resource providing expert advice and confidential, free information on all things education and employment – including choosing school subjects, enrolling in study or training and applying for jobs.

Call their free advice line on 0800 222 733, free text CAREER to 434 or chat online by visiting their website at www.careers.govt.nz

Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.

Les Brown

and become familiar with the campus. Coming open days are: Tertiary provider

Date

Website

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

Mon 10 Aug

www.otago.ac.nz

OTAGO POLYTECHNIC

Mon 10 Aug

www.op.ac.nz

Thu 13 & Fri 14 Aug

www.waikato.ac.nz

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Fri 21 Aug

www.victoria.ac.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Wellington Campus

Fri 21 Aug

www.massey.ac.nz

UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO

UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY

Thu 27 Aug www.canterbury.ac.nz

SIT Invercargill

Fri 28 Aug

www.sit.ac.nz

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Sat 29 Aug

www.auckland.ac.nz

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Sat 29 Aug

www.aut.ac.nz

UNITEC

Sat 5 Sept

www.unitec.ac.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Manawatu Campus Fri 11 Sept

www.massey.ac.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Auckland Campus

www.massey.ac.nz

Sat 12 Sept

* Accurate at time of print. Please check providers’ websites for any changes.

SCHOLARSHIPS FEELING DOWN? There is a free-to-use comprehensive list of Year 13 scholarships available to 2020 school leavers at MoneyHub. Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year.

Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.moneyhub.co.nz/students LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

Leaving school is one of the most major transitions we undertake in our lives, and it’s a time when anxiety, worry and depression can surface. www.thelowdown.co.nz is full of ideas and people who can help you get unstuck and get to a better place.

Need to talk? Free text to 5626

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

There is no magic to achievement.

It’s really about hard work, choices and persistence.

Michelle Obama

Term 3 holiday: 26 Sept–11 Oct 2020 Term 4 holiday: (latest) 16 Dec 2020–1 Feb 2021 (earliest) Term 1 holiday: 17 Apr–2 May 2021 Term 2 holiday: 10 July–25 July 2021

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

We can’t

help everyone, but everyone can help someone.

It’s always important to make sure that you are on the electoral roll and ready to take part in national and local elections.

How else can you be sure that you are ready to have your say on the big issues affecting you and your family? www.elections.org.nz/voters

Ronald Reagan

Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind.

The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.

Henry James

VOLUNTEERING GET SET FOR can provide you with NZ CAREERS EXPO 2020 Volunteering opportunities to develop your skills

AUCKLAND ASB Showgrounds 6–8 AUG 2020 HAMILTON Claudelands Event Centre 23–24 AUG 2020 WELLINGTON TSB Arena, Queens Wharf 4–5 SEPT 2020 CHRISTCHURCH Horncastle Arena 10–12 SEPT 2020

Admission to the Expo is free for all visitors.

Visit their website www.careersexpo.org.nz

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IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING LIFELINE available 24/7 0800 543 354 www.lifeline.org.nz YOUTHLINE available 24/7 0800 376 633 or free text 234 www.youthline.co.nz WHAT’S UP Mon–Fri noon–11pm & Sat/Sun 3pm–11pm 0800 942 8787 www.whatsup.co.nz ALCOHOL DRUG HELPLINE 0800 787 797 available 24/7 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz

in new and interesting ways as well as providing valuable real-world experiences – all important attributes to your CV when applying for your first job! For more information, visit: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/ volunteers/finding-volunteer-roles/

These magazines and past issues can be read online at www.leavingschool.co.nz

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.

George Bernard Shaw

STUDENT ALLOWANCE EXAM DATES 2020 AND LOANS If you are about to leave school and you’re looking at tertiary study, there’s going to be a lot to think about. If it’s anything to do with financial support while you’re studying, StudyLink can help and you need to apply by 16 December 2020.

Sign up for info at www.studylink.govt.nz

NCEA Examinations Mon 16 November to Wed 9 December Cambridge Examinations November session held 1 October to 18 November

IMPORTANT NOTICES

SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2020 /2021

Visit www.keytolife.org.nz LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

WORLD BUTCHERS’ CHALLENGE LIES AHEAD

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

BUTCHER

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer LOGAN WEST

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It is no mean feat to win ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year.

When Cherise Redden from Countdown Meat & Seafood in Auckland won the title last year, she and the other finalists were tasked with breaking down a chicken, a boneless beef rump, a full pork loin and a wild rabbit into a themed display of good looking, value-added products. They also had to complete a 30-question exam and impress the judges in an interview.

“Winning the award opens a lot of doors and offers me career opportunities,” says the 31-year-old.

She was meant to be heading to California in September to compete in the World Butchers’ Challenge but due to the coronavirus pandemic the competition has been postponed to next year.

Cherise completed her butchery apprenticeship at the beginning of April with the help of her Competenz trainer advisor. “He was really supportive,” she says.

“If we had any problems, or trouble with the bookwork, he was there to help.”

When Cherise first started working in a meat works after leaving school, she was more interested in earning money than establishing a career. But after being offered an apprenticeship and going on to win awards (she was runner-up apprentice in the 2018 competition), she has her sights set firmly on working her way up to a management role.

Cherise admits staying at school and gaining more credits might have given her a head-start in her career and advises students to stay at school as long as possible.

Of the subjects she took in her final year at Edgewater College in Pakuranga, Maths and Accounting have been the most useful. She also took English, Chemistry and Business Management.

Butchery requires customer service and presentation skills as well as strength and precision, so it is helpful to be a confident communicator and have good numeracy and literacy skills.

Good work habits, time-management skills, and a reasonable level of strength and fitness are also important.

The hands-on, physical aspect of the job is one of the things Cherise loves most about butchery.

She also enjoys the creative element of “having the freedom to create something visually enticing that looks good and tastes good. I also like boning, and the knife work.”

Being a butcher usually means early starts but the upside of clocking in at 5am is knocking off at 1.30pm “and getting a good chunk of the afternoon to myself” says Cherise. Not one to shy away from challenges, the only part of the job she doesn’t like is “the mess and getting blood on my face!”

Her advice to anyone considering a career in butchery is “just get in there and do it.

“People in the industry are very welcoming and always keen to teach new people.”

KEY FACTS ■ CHERISE REDDEN RECENTLY COMPLETED HER BUTCHERY APPRENTICESHIP WITH COMPETENZ AND WORKS AT COUNTDOWN MEAT & SEAFOOD IN AUCKLAND. ■ SHE WON ANZCO FOODS BUTCHER APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR IN 2019 AND WAS RUNNER-UP IN 2018.

■ CHERISE BELIEVES THAT BEING A CONFIDENT COMMUNICATOR AND HAVING GOOD NUMERACY AND LITERACY SKILLS IS HELPFUL IN BUTCHERY. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on an apprenticeship in butchery through Competenz, visit www.competenz.org.nz

CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST “It is pretty cool to be working on the largest-ever project in New Zealand,” says QUAID LEECH, a utilities foreman on the Auckland city rail network.

The 21-year-old is halfway through his apprenticeship, completing his New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 4), specialising in Earthworks. He expects to qualify at the end of this year.

Quaid is doing his apprenticeship programme through Connexis, the industry training organisation for infrastructure in New Zealand.

During Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown, Quaid showed his initiative and determination to get through his apprenticeship as quickly as possible.

He completed his New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3) and also got a head start into the units for his Level 4 qualification.

“My focus was to knuckle down and get it done.

My boss, Justin Dougal, is a real driven sort of guy. He promotes that attitude throughout our company so all of us are really driven and want to do a good job and build a really good team.

“The apprenticeship programme covers a broad range of civil infrastructure and everything you need to know, like all the services in the ground, regulations around excavating and different permits you need, [such as] working with overhead lines and underground services.

“There is a lot around safety as well. Basically, how to build roads, build infrastructure and everything around that.”

Quaid has made huge progress since joining Extreme Earthmoving Ltd, based in Auckland.

“At the moment I am working on the city rail link as a utilities foreman in charge of a team installing services. We are working within rail corridors and around rail assets. Normally to get to be a foreman takes a longer time, so for me to be doing that after

only two-and-a-half years is down to Justin, who makes me want to learn more and do better.”

Quaid is rightly proud to be involved with building major New Zealand infrastructure.

“Projects like building motorways, the Waterview Tunnel and what we are doing now are so massive that you are affecting the entire country.

“You are making [a] massive impact. I think it is really cool to be shaping the face of New Zealand.”

In Year 12, his final year at Auckland’s St Peter ’s College, Quaid took History, Geography, Maths, English, Religious Studies and Carpentry.

He says there is so much more to what he does than people realise.

“It is not just digging holes or playing in the mud.

You get to drive massive machines on massive projects but there is quite a technical side to it as well.

“If you have a good attitude, you want to work hard and muck around on big toys, then it is a cool career to get into.”

CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

MOVING NEW ZEALAND AHEAD

35

THE apprenticeship programme covers A BROAD RANGE OF CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, LIKE ALL THE SERVICES IN THE GROUND, REGULATIONS AROUND EXCAVATING AND DIFFERENT PERMITS YOU NEED. QUAID LEECH

KEY FACTS ■ QUAID LEECH WORKS ON THE CITY RAIL LINK AS A UTILITIES FOREMAN FOR EXTREME EARTHMOVING LTD IN AUCKLAND. ■ HE IS HALFWAY THROUGH HIS APPRENTICESHIP AND IS COMPLETING HIS NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS (LEVEL 4), SPECIALISING IN EARTHWORKS. ■ QUAID’S APPRENTICESHIP IS THROUGH CONNEXIS, NEW ZEALAND’S INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE.

Free Trades Training now available For more information on infrastructure training and apprenticeships through Connexis, visit www.connexis.org.nz, 0800 486 626, askus@connexis.org.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

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CV OPTIMISATION

ADD STRINGS TO YOUR BOW

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ENHANCE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES writer DIANA CLEMENT // image iSTOCK

The more you do in your life, the easier finding a job can be. That’s because employers choosing between two similar candidates will look at your wider skills and experiences that make you a better fit for the role.

Your CV will of course focus first on the industry “If you have no experience, look at temping as an Ask around and you’ll find many people who have or course of study you are intent on working in. option or finding the opportunity to volunteer.” transitioned to very different fields from when they Additional skills and experiences of various shapes Those extra skills could lead your career in a different first entered the workforce. are what make you stand out. If you’ve volunteered, direction later in life as well.

You’ll find many ways to add those strings to your for example, and learned practical or administrative bow. Volunteering is one way, as Keegan points out.

Perhaps you entered a large organisation on the basis of skills, you look better than someone who just has the same book-learning as you. Those are the extra your IT or agricultural degree, but were seconded by The more volunteer roles you can do with different organisations the better. the human resources department or health and safety. strings to your bow.

You can also study “Strive to be T-shaped,” says part-time or even do Antonia Horton of Vodafone LOOK AT YOUR CORE STRENGTHS online short courses.

New Zealand. “Look at your Sometimes they’re free.

AS YOUR VERTICAL AXIS AND ADD OTHER SKILLS AND core strengths as your If you’re working vertical axis and add other INTERESTS TO YOUR HORIZONTAL AXIS. YOUR vertical axis part-time while skills and interests to your at university, see if is YOUR FOCUS. HORIZONTAL IS WHAT MAKES YOU A horizontal axis. Your vertical you could find someone axis is your focus. Horizontal more ROUNDED CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB. in that organisation to is what makes you a more mentor you or ask for rounded candidate for the job.”

ANTONIA HORTON some work experience in another department.

So, if you’ve studied media but have knowledge of statistics or an interest in fashion, the latter two are your horizontal axes.

This might make you more likely to land a job in fashion media or an organisation that can use statistical knowledge. “Many employers such as Vodafone New Zealand are looking for a wide range of skills and attributes when recruiting,” says Horton.

Those attributes are often resilience, comfort with ambiguity and change, strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate.

When you write your CV and cover letters, think about your extra skills and experiences and compare them to what employers want. If, for example, the advert calls specifically for organisation and communication skills, flexibility, motivation and passion (which are all common requirements), figure out what you’ve done that fits these and specifically include them.

Team sports, debating or experience presenting can help candidates hone or build on a lot of these attributes, says Horton. “Other useful knowledge-based skills can include financial and business acumen, awareness of digital technology and strong PowerPoint and Excel skills.”

Recruiter Brien Keegan of Sprout says early stage job-seekers who have completed work experience, worked as interns or done volunteer work experience will stand out.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

NEVER TOO POOR FOR KIWISAVER You’re never too poor for KiwiSaver. Even students working part-time will benefit from saving tiny sums of money in KiwiSaver.

A few dollars a week drip-fed into KiwiSaver now will add up to many thousands of dollars far quicker than you think, thanks to investment growth and free top-ups from employers and the Government.

The thing about KiwiSaver is you only have to put away a minimum of 3 per cent of what you’re earning. So, if you earn $100 per week that amounts to only $3, which is less than one single energy drink or coffee. You won’t even notice that if it’s transferred to KiwiSaver automatically before you receive your pay in the bank.

You probably don’t give too much regard to your situation

in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time. If you start saving that small percentage from your very first pay packet, you’ll thank yourself big time in a decade when – believe it or not – you might start to think about buying a house. It happens.

By then you’ll have a good chunk of a deposit saved without much effort.

What makes KiwiSaver a good deal is the free money that comes with it. From the age of 18 your employer has to double your contribution. But do

be careful that some employers don’t always play by the rules. If you’re on minimum wage, in particular, they must pay their 3 per cent over and above your wage.

KIWISAVER

writer DIANA CLEMENT // image iSTOCK

The other reason to start early is that you get into a good habit. If you learn to put money aside BEFORE spending, you will find saving easy.

37

If you can, try to put at least $20.03 into KiwiSaver every week by upping your contribution percentage if you work part-time, or by making voluntary contributions direct to your KiwiSaver provider, says Gillian Boyes from the Financial Markets Authority. That weekly sum adds up to $1024 each year, which means you receive the maximum government top-up of $521.

When it comes time to buying yourself a house, there’s more free money to be had. After five years saving in KiwiSaver you can withdraw your savings, your employer’s contribution and investment growth to buy your first home.

If you’ve been putting in at least 3 per cent for that time, you’ll most likely also qualify for a $5000 HomeStart grant for a first home (or $10,000 for a brand-new home). Couples can put their grants together to double their money up to $20,000, which is a lot of free money.

The very best advice is to look for excuses to invest that tiny 3 per cent into KiwiSaver each week.

And in the not-too-distant future, your future self will be grateful. Just the free $521 government contribution alone will add up to $50,000 over 40 years.

Every 1–2 per cent extra of your wages or salary you save equals more to spend on your first home or tens of thousands of dollars later in retirement, says Boyes.

For more information on KiwiSaver and how it works, visit www.sorted.org.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 38

DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING writer SARA CARBERY // photographer ALAN STEVENS

If you want to do positive work that helps the planet and communities, definitely consider environmental engineering, says 22-year-old ASHLEIGH DICK. Ashleigh chose environmental engineering because she loved the idea of working with structures and cities but wanted to do it in a way that helped to protect and regenerate the natural environment.

“Definitely issues like climate change, excessive waste, limited natural resources and poverty contributed to this and got my attention.”

Growing up in Warkworth, Ashleigh took Physics, Calculus, Statistics, Business Studies and Geography in Year 13 at Mahurangi College.

Physics and Calculus (the subjects she describes as “the ‘language’ of engineering”) have been particularly useful, but she has also used skills gained in studying Geography and Statistics.

After a gap year, which helped her figure out what she really wanted to do, Ashleigh went on to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Environmental Engineering at the University of Waikato – an experience she loved.

“Because the university is on its own within the city, it’s like a separate community of young people all focussed on furthering their knowledge but having fun while doing it.”

She liked that the degree was “very practical” and encouraged on-the-job learning and field trips “to make it more interesting and engaging”.

Now qualified, Ashleigh is working part-time for two companies – a mechanical engineering firm and an environmental engineering consultancy, which specialises “in a whole bunch of stuff”, including coastal and marine work, ecology, land development and sustainability.

“Both jobs have taught me so much already.”

Outside of work, Ashleigh is a Wonder Project Ambassador with Engineering New Zealand, which sees her sharing her work experiences with school students and teaching them “Newton’s Laws of Physics and helping them to build a rocket!”

She was also recently honoured in YWCA’s Y25 initiative, which celebrates 25 young women who are going above and beyond to improve their communities.

“The most important thing to me is that I can make a positive contribution to the planet/community through my work,” says Ashleigh.

Her goals for the future include working with Engineers Without Borders to help create sustainable lifestyles that will help reduce poverty in impoverished areas.

She encourages anyone interested in making a difference in the world to take a look at environmental engineering. “You will be taught all the skills you need to problem solve, build and create, and how to do it in a way that promotes sustainable lifestyles and practices.

“With environmental engineering you could work anywhere and help come up with more sustainable ways of working.”

And don’t be put off studying engineering if you haven’t done quite the right subjects at school or didn’t do so well in them, says Ashleigh. (She failed Year 13 Calculus.) “There are many ways to catch up on those while doing the degree.”

KEY FACTS ■ ASHLEIGH DICK HAS A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS) IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO. ■ SHE WAS RECENTLY HONOURED IN YWCA’S Y25 INITIATIVE. ■ ASHLEIGH TOOK PHYSICS, CALCULUS, STATISTICS, BUSINESS STUDIES AND GEOGRAPHY IN YEAR 13 AT MAHURANGI COLLEGE.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on a career in engineering, visit www.wonderproject.nz and www.engineeringnz.org For more information on studying environmental engineering through the University of Waikato, visit www.waikato.ac.nz

MASSEY HALLS JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Why Choose Massey Halls?

Location 24/7 support Better grades Student community Activities & events Safe & secure No fuss payments Friendships Home away from home Student leadership opportunities

APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 AUGUST

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MASSEY.AC.NZ/ACCOMMODATION

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE NEEDED

BUILDING: A CAREER ON THE TOOLS

writer PETER WHITE photographer PATRICK LEE

BUILDER

MATTHEW KONTZE is living the dream being a builder.

0 40

The positive attitude in the work environment and the camaraderie with his co-workers makes going to work every day, a real pleasure.

“I just love working hard really,” he says.

Growing up in Tauranga, he had a fair idea he would end up in the building trade. His older brother was a builder and Matthew enjoyed hands-on project works.

The 25-year-old says a school trip to Fiji to build a house for the mayor of a village was a key factor in the path he has taken.

“The builder who was over there with us offered me an apprenticeship.

After I finished my Year 13 at Aquinas College I gave him a call and he took me on.”

Matthew did housing work in Tauranga for a year and then moved down to Wellington with his partner and joined up with L.T. McGuinness Ltd. He did his apprenticeship through BCITO. Last year, he made the finals of the apprentice awards for the Wairarapa/Wellington region.

“I was in the Top 10 for the region.

We had to do a practical part and build a bird feeder and then from there it was interviews with MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) and Master Builders.

“The practical side of my apprenticeship was mostly framing, concrete work and heavy structure stuff for L.T. McGuinness.”

Matthew says BCITO was a good organisation to work with during his four years as an apprentice.

“It is up to you to push yourself forward. Your training advisor does help push you, but it is up to you to do the work in your own time. It is all verbally assessed through knowledge, so it is not necessarily lots of paperwork you have to do. You just have to retain the knowledge, which I found easier than going to a class and having to write in books.”

Matthew is fully qualified and is a foreman on commercial jobs.

He spends most of his time on the tools but with extra paperwork to do.

“We are doing internal finishes for offices and that sort of thing at the moment. I have worked on quite a few projects in Wellington and one in Auckland. I have done Scots College out in Miramar.”

In Year 13, Matthew took Statistics, English, Sports Science, Food Technology and Physics.

He encourages school leavers to consider building as a career.

KEY FACTS ■ MATTHEW KONTZE HAS COMPLETED HIS APPRENTICESHIP IN CARPENTRY THROUGH BCITO. LAST YEAR, HE MADE THE FINALS OF THE APPRENTICE AWARDS FOR THE WAIRARAPA/WELLINGTON REGION. ■ HE TOOK STATISTICS, ENGLISH, SPORTS SCIENCE, FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICS IN YEAR 13 AT AQUINAS COLLEGE. ■ MATTHEW IS FULLY QUALIFIED AND WORKS AS A FOREMAN FOR L.T. McGUINNESS LIMITED IN WELLINGTON. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

“Construction is always going to be a big thing in New Zealand.

Trades people are always needed.

You just need a good attitude, [to] listen well and have a willingness to learn.

“Plus, Kiwi builders are sought after overseas, so there is the chance to enjoy an OE and get paid doing it.”

For more information on apprenticeships in carpentry through BCITO, visit www.bcito.org.nz/apprentices For more information on job opportunities with L.T. McGuinness, visit www.ltmcguinness.co.nz/ profile/job_opportunities

SUPPORT, MENTORING AND GREAT MATES writer PETER WHITE photographer GLENN JEFFREY

Owning his first home at a young age was a major goal for Taranaki’s SAM HUTTERD. That dream became a reality earlier this year for Sam, who is in the final year of his four-year plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship.

Getting into a trade, working hard and saving hard has paid off for the 21-year-old.

“Completing my apprenticeship and passing my trade exams is my big goal at the moment and after that, completing my exams to be a certified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer,” he says.

Sam is grateful to have worked under the Masterlink banner since 2016. This mentored apprenticeship programme is owned by Master Plumbers and places apprentices with host companies. Sam’s host is Savvygas, who own Penniall Jordan, based in Stratford.

“Masterlink takes the pressure off the host company and the apprentice. They do a lot of organising for block courses we take and they do a lot of organisation of training.

“It makes it more attractive for a company to take on an apprentice rather than having to handle everything on their own.”

The support Masterlink provides also enables Sam to focus on learning, and his regular meetings with his mentor Bob McCoy keep his studies on track to qualify.

Sam organised his Year 13 studies at New Plymouth’s Francis Douglas Memorial College with a career in the trades in mind. Rather than doing conventional subjects, he went through the school’s Career Pathway and Gateway programmes.

The nationally ranked motocross rider says the variety of work experience was great. “I did three days a week work experience and two days doing more life-skills-based paperwork at school like trades paperwork, rather than mainstream school.

APPRENTICE PLUMBER

KEEN ON AN APPRENTICESHIP?

41

“Earlier in Year 12, I started doing Gateway one day a week working for an engineer. In Year 13, I did electrical, plumbing and building work, plus worked with a stock agent as well.”

Sam admits it was a close choice between electrical and plumbing for his apprenticeship.

“Through work experience I got to know the guys and the boss in Stratford and I really liked the variety of plumbing.

“We do all sorts here in Taranaki from installing pipes in new houses, new heating units, water heaters, repairing old pipe work, fixing taps and shower units, through to servicing out in the back country. That appealed to me.”

Being part of a team of like-minded characters is what makes Sam look forward to going to work every day.

“It is great having workmates you can bounce ideas off and discuss jobs with, especially here travelling around the countryside, which is probably my favourite part.”

The future looks bright for school leavers moving into the industry.

“Another reason I chose plumbing is because there is a massive shortage of plumbers. You will always be able to get a job pretty much. The main thing is to be a good listener and being open to learn from different people.”

KEY FACTS ■ SAM HUTTERD IS IN HIS FOURTH YEAR OF HIS PLUMBING, GASFITTING AND DRAINLAYING APPRENTICESHIP. ■ HE DID THE CAREER PATHWAY AND GATEWAY PROGRAMMES AT HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH HELPED HIM DECIDE ON WHICH TRADE TO ENTER. ■ SAM IS GRATEFUL TO WORK UNDER THE MASTERLINK BANNER AND SAYS THE SUPPORT AND MENTORING REALLY RELIEVES A LOT OF PRESSURE.

For more information on plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeships through Masterlink, visit www.masterlink.co.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

AQUACULTURE AND MARINE CONSERVATION 42

AQUACULTURE AND MARINE CONSERVATION

STUDY IN THE CENTRE OF IT ALL writer SARA CARBERY // photographer RACHAEL BROWN Having grown up in Nelson fishing and diving with his diving-instructor dad, perhaps it’s no surprise CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN ended up studying a Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT).

This three-year course brings together marine conservation and aquaculture to start addressing the threats faced by many of the marine and freshwater environments on the planet, including overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change.

As well as being able to stay close to friends and family, and continue playing in the same sports teams, studying in his hometown meant Chris was learning in the region where the majority of New Zealand’s aquaculture produce is grown. (Nelson-Marlborough is the world’s leading producer of farmed greenshell mussels, king salmon and Pacific oysters.)

Aquaculture, developing sustainable solutions Working at the intersection of science, innovation, technology and food production, Aquaculture is an exciting industry that’s developing sustainable solutions for many of the world’s biggest environmental issues.

Partnered with commercial and research leaders in the industry NMIT gives you access to exciting field trips: snorkeling in marine reserves, visiting aquaculture farms and partnering with world leading labs throughout your study.

Scholarships available. > Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture > Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation > Sustainable Aquaculture

0800 422 733

nmit.ac.nz/aquaculture

FOLLOW SOMETHING YOU’RE passionate ABOUT.. passionate ABOUT AND IF YOU’RE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY,, MAKE OPPORTUNITY MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE MOST OF IT. MOST OF IT CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

environmental officers, marine rangers, fisheries inspectors or observers, or public aquarium curators.

Some go on to complete their Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture at NMIT. Having graduated last year, Chris is working with Chinook salmon in the Finfish Research Centre at Nelson’s Cawthron Aquaculture Park.

“I love being a part of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry,” he says.

In his final year at Nelson College, Chris took Maths, Geography, English, Physical Education and Biology.

“English has helped me with my literacy and report structure, while Maths and Biology have enabled me to have a better grasp on a higher level of learning when I went into higher study.”

NMIT recommends students achieve a minimum of 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in Statistics or Calculus and a minimum of 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in a science-based subject.

Chris plans to stay in the industry, perhaps travelling overseas to learn what other countries are doing in the field of sustainable seafood production and research.

His advice to high school students is to “follow something you’re passionate about. And if you’re given an opportunity, make sure you make the most of it.”

AQUACULTURE AND MARINE CONSERVATION

“NMIT is central to the aquaculture industry, so it was a great opportunity to visit a variety of places right on our doorstep,” says the 21-year-old.

“The classes are not packed full of students and the tutors are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach, it made class enjoyable throughout my three years.”

Chris also liked that the course is focussed on industry-based learning, something which appealed to him more than sitting in a lecture hall.

On average, students go on one field trip a week, take part in at least three different work placements and complete applied research projects. These off-site components provide students with practical experience and involve placement in an aquaculture industry work environment.

Graduates go on to work in aquaculture – in business management, production management or policy management – or become research and development technicians, local government

43

KEY FACTS ■ CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN HAS A BACHELOR OF AQUACULTURE AND MARINE CONSERVATION FROM NELSON MARLBOROUGH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HE WORKS AT THE FINFISH RESEARCH CENTRE AT NELSON’S CAWTHRON AQUACULTURE PARK. ■ CHRIS STUDIED MATHS, GEOGRAPHY, ENGLISH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND BIOLOGY IN HIS FINAL YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL.

For more information on studying Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, visit www.nmit.ac.nz/aquaculture

Fire Protection Association of New Zealand (FPANZ) is looking for school leavers.

S R E V A E L L O O H SC

Our members are currently recruiting to fill the following positions around New Zealand. We are seeking SCHOOL LEAVERS, CADETS, and TRAINEES in all of these roles and specific areas of Fire Protection.

FPANZ can help place candidates into our members companies all around NZ.

FIRE ALARM & SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Many of the jobs and careers listed opposite offer free training and NZQA recognised qualifications can be achieved while working and earning.

FPANZ can also provide information to help candidates decide where they would like to work and in what disciplines.

❱ System Testers & Surveyors ❱ System Installers & Maintenance Technicians ❱ Supervisors & Project Managers ❱ Product Support, Sales & Engineers ❱ IQP Building & Systems Inspectors ❱ System Designers & CAD Operators

PASSIVE FIRE SYSTEMS

❱ System Installers ❱ System Designers & CAD Operators ❱ Supervisors & Project Managers ❱ Product Support, Sales & Engineers

ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE

❱ Evacuation Consultants ❱ Systems Engineers – Mechanical & Electrical ❱ Fire Engineers ❱ System Designers & CAD Operators

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

❱ Product Support, Sales & Engineers ❱ Maintenance Technicians

For more information on career options and job placements in the Fire Industry please contact info@fpanz.org

HAIR STYLIST

HAIRDRESSER AIMS FOR THE TOP 44

GUNNING FOR AN INDUSTRY AWARD Starting on the bottom rung to become a hair stylist was never an issue for SIAN PAYNE. Even as a youngster tagging along to her mum’s hair appointments, she would pester the salon staff to let her sweep up.

“Being a hairdresser is the only thing I can remember wanting to do growing up. My mum had so many wild hairstyles,” laughs Sian, 20.

“At 13, I was super lucky to start working at a salon in Manly as an assistant. I did late nights, weekends and holidays, sweeping up, shampooing, doing teas and coffees.”

While a salon career was in Sian’s sights, there was the little matter of school to get through.

She didn’t need a qualification to be accepted for a hairdressing apprenticeship, but Sian completed NCEA Level 2 in Maths, Physical Education, Outdoor Education, Science, Food Technology and Health at Whangaparaoa College anyway, “just to have it under my belt”.

On leaving school she had two options: a fulltime hairdressing course that included some salon time, or an apprenticeship, working fulltime in a salon and studying one day a week at an academy.

“Most people I know have gone through an apprenticeship. You get to earn while you learn, why wouldn’t you?”

Sian signed up for a three-year Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO) apprenticeship, leading to a New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4).

She had classes once-a-week at the Premier Hairdressing Academy (now the Premier Institute of Education) on Auckland’s North Shore, while working and training Tuesday through to Saturday at The Avenue Hair Studio in Whangaparaoa.

“There were two semesters of off-job training each year. One was mostly paperwork [and] the other working with models, so you could do your practical exams.”

writer MARIA HOYLE photographer LOGAN WEST

IF SOMEONE IS HAVING A BAD day and they COME TO SEE YOU, THEY WALK OUT A DIFFERENT PERSON. IT ’ S TIRING BUT IT ’ S NOT hard to GET UP THE NEXT DAY AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN BECAUSE IT ’ S SO REWARDING. SIAN PAYNE

There were challenges, but Sian constantly reminded herself of a quote she loves, “Every flower blooms at a different time.”

“There’s no set time you have to get a particular haircut because someone in your class can do it.

It’s so personal to you. The support is massive also.”

The work can be physically demanding but, for Sian, this is outweighed by the rewards.

“You get to see so many people feeling beautiful.

If someone is having a bad day and they come to see you, they walk out a different person. It’s tiring but it’s not hard to get up the next day and do it all over again because it’s so rewarding.”

Sian has achieved her goal of being fully qualified by age 20, and one day she wants to own a salon. For now, she’s focussed on entering the Top Performing Stylist of the Year category at The Industry Awards, and – thanks to her boss at The Avenue putting her forward – she’s now a L’Oréal ambassador, helping educate clients about L’Oréal Kérastase products.

To anyone pondering an apprenticeship, Sian says: “Take any opportunity with open arms, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. I surprised myself with what I was capable of. And ask questions! At the course, in the salon, at training with your colour company. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

KEY FACTS ■ SIAN PAYNE IS A FULLY QUALIFIED HAIR STYLIST, HAVING COMPLETED A THREE-YEAR HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATION (HITO) APPRENTICESHIP, AND GAINING A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN HAIRDRESSING (PROFESSIONAL STYLIST) (LEVEL 4).

■ SHE WORKS AT THE AVENUE HAIR STUDIO IN WHANGAPARAOA, AUCKLAND. ■ SIAN IS A L’ORÉAL AMBASSADOR AND IS AIMING TO COMPETE IN THE TOP PERFORMING STYLIST OF THE YEAR CATEGORY AT THE INDUSTRY AWARDS. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on apprenticeships in hairdressing through HITO, visit www.hito.org.nz

EXCITING, MAGNIFICENT ANIMALS

writer PETER WHITE photographer BEV BELL

MY ROLE IS MANAGING THE TEAM, A LOT OF FEED BUDGETING AND STOCK MONITORING, ANIMAL HEALTH AND organising, and ANALYSIS OF WHERE WE HAVE BEEN AND WHERE WE ARE AT noW.

DEER FARM MANAGER

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FARMING

45

TIM TURNER

For TIM TURNER, working every day with deer is a unique opportunity to understand these magnificent creatures.

“They all sort of have their own wee personalities.

They are just a joy to be amongst and around. I just like the challenges that come with them. They are different animals to your typical sheep and beef,” he says.

Tim, 27, is a farm manager at Melior Venison, a large-scale deer breeding operation near Fairlie, South Canterbury, on the south bank of the Opuha River. Melior Venison is an 800-hectare property, with an effective grazing area of 650 hectares.

Tim’s role as a farm manager is busy, varied and challenging. “There are three of us fulltime and a part-time casual, so my role is managing the team, a lot of feed budgeting and stock monitoring, animal health and organising, and analysis of where we have been and where we are at now.”

Tim went to Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru where he took English, Maths, Agricultural Studies, Geography and Biology in Year 13.

After school, he completed a three-year Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University before starting work at Melior Venison as a shepherd, nearly seven years ago.

“Lincoln is a good university and it was a good course to take. There was a lot of theory backed with lots of practical, hands-on work that gave you an understanding of it all.

“The friends I made there and the people you meet there definitely helped me get to where I am now.

They are people you can talk to and bounce ideas off and that helps push you along a bit more.”

Over the years, Tim has employed younger workers making their first steps to a career in the deer industry. He is not worried about the skillset they have, as what is more important is their attitude to working.

“I have employed quite relatively young staff aged from 17 to 22 years. The biggest thing I am looking for is that willingness to learn, to have a go. Everyone makes mistakes but as long as you learn from those mistakes and move on,

be the best you can be and keep improving, that’s the most important thing for me.”

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) CEO Innes Moffat says working with deer offers school leavers an interesting and different career choice in agriculture.

“Most deer are being run on mixed livestock farms, so there are around 1400 to 1500 deer farms around the country. If someone has enthusiasm for deer then there are lots of opportunities throughout New Zealand,” he says.

“You don’t have to be a deer specialist in order to get a job working with deer. They are pretty exciting animals. They are unique in that we farm them here for venison and for velvet.

“There is a very enthusiastic bunch of farmers who look after their deer and look after their staff well.

They will take to people who are appropriately qualified and demonstrate a good aptitude with deer very well.

“People who want to be involved with it can look forward to an interesting career journey.”

KEY FACTS ■ TIM TURNER HAS A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. ■ HE WORKS AS FARM MANAGER AT MELIOR VENISON, A LARGE-SCALE DEER BREEDING OPERATION SET ON 800-HECTARES NEAR FAIRLIE. ■ WHEN EMPLOYING NEW WORKERS, TIM SAYS WHAT HE IS SEARCHING FOR IS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE, A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND DESIRE TO IMPROVE.

For more information on careers in deer farming, visit www.deernz.org For more information on studying Agriculture through Lincoln University, visit www.lincoln.ac.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

MED MASTER JUMP BOOK BOLD

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY BECKONS

46

TAKE THE PLUNGE

writer PETER WHITE // photographer GO WITH TOURISM

Not many people get paid to scare people every day. But MASON CARR does plenty of that in his role as an AJ Hackett jump master.

He gets to push people off the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with a bungy cord around their ankles.

Mason spends his working day suspended 40 metres above the Waitemata Harbour in a metal pod and loves every minute of it, even if he was afraid of heights as a teenager.

“My favourite part of the job is to get people to accomplish something they didn’t think they could do. That is the most rewarding and fun part of my job – to help people achieve their goals.”

Having the ability to convince nervous people to jump off the Sky Tower or Auckland Harbour Bridge requires a special skillset. Mason says it comes down to social intelligence and being able to read a person.

“You either have it or you don’t. You can be taught it but people from the hiring side at AJ Hackett kind of look at that in a person when they are interviewing.

“Being a people person is a huge part. You don’t really get the training for that. It is like a star

quality they are looking for in people to be a jump master.”

Being in good physical shape helps as well.

“Different sites require more or less physical activity. For my site it is in the middle really.

You do have to pull up cords, so as long as you are comfortable lifting 20–30 kilos then you would be happy.

“We have lots of girls working up here as well who can do it all.”

Mason grew up in Auckland. He went to Macleans College where he studied Sport and Leisure/Recreation, Tourism, English and Geography in Year 13.

After school he did a Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management at Queenstown Resort College.

He did an internship at SkyJump and SkyWalk in Auckland and started working for AJ Hackett at

the world-famous bungy jumping adventure site in Queenstown in December 2014.

It was always where he wanted to study tourism.

“It was mainly the experience. The idea of going down to Queenstown and doing two six-monthstints for the course was pretty exciting for me.

“Being able to go to the home of adventure tourism was definitely a huge pull and meeting people from all parts of the world.”

A career in the tourism sector is something Mason recommends to school leavers.

“There are lots of different aspects of the tourism industry if adventure tourism seems a bit scary to you. It is a great culture to get into with international opportunities. The key thing, honestly, to succeed is having a good attitude – that will take you so far.

“A lot of employers hire for attitude and train for the skills.”

MY favourite PART OF THE JOB IS get PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH something THEY DIDN ’ T THINK THEY COULD DO. THAT IS THE most rewarding and fun part of MY JOB. MASON CARR

KEY FACTS ■ MASON CARR IS AN AJ HACKETT JUMP MASTER, WORKING AT THEIR AUCKLAND BRIDGE BUNGY SITE. ■ HE HAS A DIPLOMA IN ADVENTURE TOURISM MANAGEMENT FROM QUEENSTOWN RESORT COLLEGE AND DID AN INTERNSHIP AT SKYJUMP AND SKYWALK IN AUCKLAND. ■ MASON RECOMMENDS A CAREER IN THE TOURISM SECTOR AS IT HAS A GREAT CULTURE AND MANY OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

For more information on career opportunities in the tourism industry, visit www.gowithtourism.co.nz and for more information on the Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management at Queenstown Resort College, visit www.qrc.ac.nz

A SWEET AND STABLE CAREER

writer PETER WHITE photographer CARISSA MARSH

ASH DAVENPORT just loves being a beekeeper based in Kaipara, Northland.

He looks after beehives in apiaries that produce honey, wax, pollen and other bee products.

Beekeeping in New Zealand has gone from being a home craft or lifestyle choice into a progressive industry with the value of the Mānuka honey industry heading towards $400 million.

New Zealand is now recognised as one of the world’s most advanced beekeeping countries. Honey bees are not only producing unique New Zealand honeys that are selling on the world stage, but also play a critical role in pollinating pastoral clover for nitrogen regeneration, specialised small seed crops, berry, stone fruit and pip fruit orchards.

Ash has previous experience working with bees but is now a year through his two-year apprenticeship run by Apiculture New Zealand (ApiNZ), the main industry body for apiculture in New Zealand.

ApiNZ offers the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Apiculture, which is made up of two programmes, one at Level 3 and one at Level 4, to be completed over two years.

Ash says the benefits he has gained so far includes upskilling on the science behind what he does, understanding the environment, understanding how the bees work, why they do things, and how they are able to communicate to each other.

“There is a lot more to bees than just getting stung.

How they collect honey, how they pollinate, how they do their thing is quite fascinating. As a beekeeper without much experience in how a bee behaves, doing this course gives you an understanding of why they do things and how the weather affects them and how disease impacts on the hives.

“The apiculture course has opened up my mind to how the bees behave and to move forward in the beekeeping industry.”

Ash works for one of New Zealand’s large healthcare companies, Mānuka Health.

Mānuka Health produces Mānuka honey and other bee products that sell all over the world.

He is proud to be back working on Te Roroa iwi land after spending his school years at Concord High School in Sydney, Australia.

“Mānuka Health has a great working relationship with Te Roroa iwi. That’s how I got into the role and I have been able to move up quickly to be a team leader.

“I came back home with my family to a rural community where there were not many jobs available. I had to change my way of thinking and adapt to our situation and change careers to do something more environmental.

“Apiculture has allowed me to work and live in the community. I am really passionate about my community. We live right next to our marae.

It allows me to have employment while being able to contribute to my community.

“We are all focused on whanaungatanga, family orientation across generations, and living off the land and trying to create something for our future generations.”

For school leavers thinking about a career in apiculture as a beekeeper, Ash says it is a rewarding career.

Looking after bees is similar to looking after other livestock, such as sheep and cows. It takes year-round dedication to ensuring your beehives are free from disease, strong, with enough food sources, to have them ready to go out and harvest or pollinate when the spring and summer come around.

BEEKEEPER

FILLING UP THE HONEY BOXES

47

You get to work in the outdoors, see the amazing landscapes of New Zealand, work with teams focussed on a shared goal and, of course, the incredibly smart bees.

It is hard work and requires dedication, but the reward when the honey boxes are full of honey – which you know consumers around the world enjoy and pay good money for – is very satisfying.

“I would say if you enjoy being outdoors, working in the environment then it would be a good career to get into. As COVID-19 is still lingering, it has been quite an eye-opener as to what jobs are classed as essential. Beekeeping was classed as essential work, so we worked through lockdown.”

KEY FACTS ■ ASH DAVENPORT WORKS AS A BEEKEEPER FOR MĀNUKA HEALTH AND IS HALFWAY THROUGH AN APICULTURE APPRENTICESHIP. ■ APICULTURE NEW ZEALAND OFFERS THE NEW ZEALAND APPRENTICESHIP IN APICULTURE, WHICH IS COMPLETED OVER TWO YEARS. ■ ASH SAYS BEEKEEPING IS A REWARDING CAREER, WHICH ALSO OFFERS STABILITY. BEEKEEPING IS CLASSED AS ESSENTIAL WORK.

For more information on a career in beekeeping, visit www.apinz.org.nz/training-andeducation-nz-apprenticeship-in-apiculture For more information on career opportunities with Mānuka Health, visit www.manukahealth.co.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

CV PREPARATION

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

48

PUTTING YOUR BEST CV FORWARD written by JANET TUCK // graphic iSTOCK

When you want to find any kind of job, you are going to need a curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is important because it gives an employer information to help them choose the best person for a job, and it helps you stand out from other applicants.

Your CV needs to include your contact details, a short summary of your skills, any work experience you’ve had and where you are up to with your education.

It is also helpful to include a short profile summary.

CV STRUCTURE AND CONTENT l Put your name and contact details clearly at the top, and include a residential address. l Add a short profile – two to three sentences in length – explaining a bit about yourself and what you are aiming for in terms of study or career aspirations. l List your skills as bullet points and explain where you have used each skill. Include things like team work, responsibility, time management, money handling, customer service, written and oral communication, and computer skills. These are what employers are looking for in younger employees. You can use experience from being in clubs and teams, as well as any paid or unpaid work you have done. Don’t forget to include the skills that are mentioned in the job advertisement. l List any previous jobs you have had, along with the name of who you worked for and what you did. l Include an Education section. Provide the year you are in and the subjects you are studying. l List your outside interests. l List the names and contact details of people who will be referees for you.

You need people who know you and have worked with you in some way.

A WORD ABOUT LAYOUT Use a computer to format your CV clearly, leaving plenty of white space so it doesn’t look cluttered. Choose a font that is easy to read. Use headings for each section and list your skills with bullet points. Make sure all headings line up and the line spacing is the same throughout.

When you have finished, ask someone else to proofread it for you before you send it off.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is it a good idea to get someone else to write my CV for me?

No. It is easy to tell when someone else has written a CV because the language is generally more formal and sometimes a bit too sophisticated.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #18

Sure you can get someone to help you if you are not sure how to say something, but putting your CV together yourself will mean that you know what is in it and you will answer interview questions using the same style and language.

Should I include a photo?

As a rule, I generally advise not to. We all like to think that our picture might get us a job, but I think it can introduce the possibility of bias, for whatever reason.

Should I use colour or make it look more attractive in some way?

The content of your CV is the most important thing. Using a lot of colour and design features can be distracting.

Janet Tuck is a Career Specialist and Director of Career Clinic.

For more information visit www.careerclinic.co.nz

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Are you heading straight to the workforce?

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Who else offers the course you wish to do?

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Have a talk to all the different providers and consider the information below: • What job opportunities are there with this qualification?

• How adaptable to other careers would this qualification be?

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STRAIGHT TO THE WORKFORCE! Make sure you are ‘work ready’ for the best start....

Do you have a CV? - go to Careers NZ website (CV Builder) to create one.

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WORDBANK IT HELPS TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT! Major - This is the main subject in your degree (eg. A History Major in a Bachelor of Arts) Minor - This is the second main subject in your degree (eg. A Major in History and a Minor in Classical Studies within a Bachelor of Arts) Reference - A written letter from someone who knows you personally or professionally which covers your skills and attributes.

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Make sure you have asked their permission first.

Cover Letter - This is the letter which goes with your CV explaining why you would be perfect for that specific job. Make sure you tailor this to each job you apply for.

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The reputation of the business, New Zealand’s Caterpillar dealer, alsoNew appealed The reputation reputation thebusiness, business, ofofthe New toThe Cameron.

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“I had a chat to one of my dads’ mates and he thought I’d get bored just working on away as he got more into mechanics and says Cameron.

“I had a chat to one of my dads’ mates and first interest was in sport, but this faded he thought I’d get bored just working on away as he got more into mechanics and cars all day so suggested looking into heavy focused on a career.

With the joy Cameron found in light he thought I’d get bored just working on away as he got more into mechanics and With joy found in light suggested looking into heavy focused on a career. mechanical work, suchCameron asfound fixing cars, diesel.

With the joytheCameron inuplight carscars all all dayday sososuggested looking into heavy focused on a career. diesel. mechanical work, such as fixing up cars, is more interesting and provides more Be like Cameron - Join our team! applying for an work, apprenticeship seemed mechanical such as fixing up cars, “This diesel. applying for an apprenticeship seemed “This is more interesting and provides more Be like Cameron - Join our team! the applying right option. variety.” for an apprenticeship seemed “This is more interesting and provides more Be like Cameron - Join our team! variety.” the right option. variety.” the right option.

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