AWARD-WINNING APPRENTICE EFFORT REAPS REWARDS

BAILEY JACKSON is the first to admit that he did not have a great time at school. He left St John’s College in Hamilton as soon as he turned 16 and went straight into building work with his dad.

The 26-year-old, who has dyslexia, has continued to work hard and tried to improve himself by doing extra study.

Bailey has been with Hamilton Panel Works since 2017 and last year the Collision Repair Association awarded him CRA Golden Hammer National Apprentice of the Year.

It was a momentous occasion for Bailey, who is the oldest of 14 in his family. But there was absolutely no way he knew the title of Apprentice of the Year was coming to him.

“To be honest, it was a massive shock. I was a bit nervous as my boss Jeff called me into the office and there were five guys in there. I thought I had done something wrong. They then all shook my hand and told me I had won the Golden Hammer award. I went pale white and will never forget that,” says Bailey.

“I could not have won it without the help from the staff and my bosses, Jeff and Brett. It is a great place to work at and I am so privileged to work in the paint and panel industry as they are all nice people.”

Bailey has completed MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair (Non Structural) (Levels 3 and 4). He is currently working towards gaining Level 5 and then is looking to accomplish Level 6.

“MITO have been so helpful. The first year I struggled with the paperwork as I had not done an apprenticeship before in the automotive industry. I am really grateful to everyone who helped me because without them I would not be in the position I am now.

“I just want to show my younger brothers that if I can do it then they can do it too. You just have to have the mindset and the patience. You can’t beat yourself up over not being able to do as well at school.”

There is no doubt Bailey is highly motivated to keep improving himself.

writer PETER WHITE photographer ALAN STEVENS

After leaving school without qualifications, he studied at Fairfield College during the school holidays and achieved NCEA Level 1 in English. It was a major achievement for him and gave him the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship with Hamilton Panel Works.

He would like to encourage others who may be struggling at school to not give up hope. He has proven there is a way through to a career in the trades if you work hard at it.

“I think for any young person who struggles with paperwork there will always be trade jobs out there if you want to work and have the dedication.

“If you put that 110 per cent in, then you will succeed. That is what I have done and I am feeling confident about the future.”

Careers New Zealand

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

FEELING DOWN?

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

UNIVERSITY/POLYTECHNIC OPEN DAYS 2023

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Scholarships

There is a free-to-use comprehensive Year 13 scholarships available to 2023 school leavers at MoneyHub. Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year.

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 2023.

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

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