Leaving School Issue 6

M ay 2016 / Issue #6

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

T U A E V I L Y A D EN

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2016

CONTENTS & CREDITS

LEAVING SCHOOL Issue #6 / may 2016 05 FOREWORD

Patrick Walsh, Principal of St John Paul College, Rotorua.

07 DAIRY CONSULTANCY

From hands-on farming to consulting in the dairy industry.

08 FOOD TECHNOLOGIST

MasterChef contestant uses science to add value to food.

40 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Beef + Lamb NZ Scholarship solidifies passion for agriculture.

41 APPRENTICE CHEF

2015 ServiceIQ’s Apprentice Chef of the Year.

11 DOCTOR

42 EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

12 TAX CONSULTANT

44 FORESTRY SCIENCE

15 SOCIAL WORKER

45 PLUMBER

16 COPING STRATEGIES

46 KIWISAVER GUIDE

19 ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

47 COVER COMPETITION WINNER

20 FILMMAKER

48 LATTITUDE GAP YEAR

25 LAW AND ARTS STUDENT

49 WORKERS’ RIGHTS

Returning to study and following the dream.

Inspired by family into the world of medicine.

Law and Commerce graduate working at corporate giant.

Protecting our most vulnerable at Child, Youth and Family.

Registered Psychologist Jennifer Beckett with some key advice.

Getting to know why things have been built a certain way.

Top film student to award-winning filmmaker and SKY TV producer.

Determined to advance indigenous and human rights.

26 MARINE CONSERVATION STUDENT

Fish farming and management in the Marlborough Sounds.

27 REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Headhunted by Plumbing World and advancing up the ladder.

Self-employed and qualified in three trades.

Make your money work for you with KiwiSaver.

The $1000 winner and designer of this edition’s cover.

Volunteering, learning Spanish and travelling in South America.

50 FLORIST

An idea as a teenager burns away and turns into a blossoming career.

31 MARKETING SPECIALIST

53 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

32 NOTICEBOARD

54 VISUAL ARTIST

34 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER

56 BAKER

36 COSTUMIER

57 BUILDER

Hobby becomes job with the New Zealand Film Commission.

Key dates, websites and information you need to know.

12

Find out what your rights are and how unions can be your advocate.

52 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Ideas for how to earn beyond the minimum wage.

11

Having the great outdoors as your office.

28 PART-TIME WORK

Once a student at SIT and now an IT specialist employee.

25

Being determined and finding a path into the pharmacy industry.

Making the dream happen and creating big brand content.

Fully qualified craft baker through a Competenz apprenticeship.

Old-boy turns teacher and sporting mentor.

Moving from Germany to New Zealand for hands-on costume construction work.

38 INTERVIEW TIPS

3

All you need to know about impressing your future employers.

Starting off as a hammer hand and progressing through the ranks.

59 JOBS IN DEMAND

Defence Force and civil service jobs are profiled, as are jobs with the highest satisfaction levels.

41

Throughout this magazine, each case study has been colour coded to its Vocational Pathway. In some instances, multiple colours are used to show that the skills you learn can be applied across multiple careers and pathways, throughout your lifetime. Visit www.youthguarantee.net.nz/vocational-pathways to learn more about Vocational Pathways.

PUBLISHER

Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand 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)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Beckett, Campbell Burnes, Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Sam Gribben, Val Hayes, Kim Taylor, Patrick Walsh, Peter White.

SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell COVER DESIGN Bradley Young

PRINTER PMP Limited, Auckland PHOTOGRAPHY Stephen A’Court, Monique and Cara Photography, Natasha Cox, Carmila Guarnizo, Dylan Jefferis, James Jubb, Peter McDermott, Chris Mason, Marty Melville, George Novak, Charlie Park, Alick Saunders, Alan Stevens, Jessica Weston.

MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee, Oliver Lee Publications Ltd

COPYRIGHT Reproduction in whole or part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LEAVING SCHOOL / issue #4 the publisher. Although material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed 2015 by the publisher for any loss|duewww.leavingschool.co.nz to use of material in this magazine.

Victoria University of Wellington

INFORMATION EVENINGS Join us in a town near you For dates, time and locations, as well as what to expect, go to:

www.victoria.ac.nz/information-evenings

victoria.ac.nz

written by PATRICK WALSH

photograph by ALICK SAUNDERS

BECOME A CONFIDENT AND WELL-ROUNDED APPLICANT

FOREWORD

MEASURING UP EMPLOYERS’ EXPECTATIONS

5

PATRICK WALSH (LEFT) PRINCIPAL OF JOHN PAUL COLLEGE IN ROTORUA ALONGSIDE ROBBIE WONG-TOI (HEAD BOY) AND JESSICA MacDONALD (HEAD GIRL).

THE END POINT OF SCHOOL AND TERTIARY EDUCATION IS ULTIMATELY TO SECURE A JOB THAT WILL BE REWARDING ON A PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL LEVEL. HOPEFULLY IT WILL GIVE YOU A SENSE OF PURPOSE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER LEARNING AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT. You have no doubt been correctly advised that a key ingredient to securing your dream job is academic success and gaining credentials, such as NCEA Level 2.

As the former President of the Secondary Schools’ Association of New Zealand for three years, I had the opportunity to meet many employers throughout the country, including those involved in professions, business and trades.

It is important to note that while employers highly value academic achievement they rank the following in equal measure: Leadership Contribution to the community Participation in sport, music or cultural endeavours Evidence of personal attributes, such as a strong work ethic, integrity,

initiative and resilience Good interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to a wide cross-section

of people On your journey to securing the career of your choice ensure that when you present your CV, all these other aspects important to employers can be presented with confidence.

Employers naturally want the whole package, namely a young person with an impressive academic record, leadership ability, who is well rounded

with personal qualities that will enable them to be a trusted and valued member of the team.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS GETS YOU TO THE START LINE WITH EMPLOYERS, BUT IT IS THE REST THAT WILL GET YOU OVER THE FINISH LINE. Continue to work hard on your school goals but also devote yourself to those things that often give you the edge and are the point of difference.

Academic success gets you to the start line with employers, but it is the rest that will get you over the finish line.

Patrick Walsh Principal, John Paul College, Rotorua LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

ENROL NOW FOR JULY 2016

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GAINING A FOOTHOLD IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by ALICK SAUNDERS

A MAN OF THE LAND, JULIAN RETI-KAUKAU’S ULTIMATE JOB WOULD BE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE BUT HE ADMITS IT TOOK HIM A COUPLE OF YEARS TO FIND HIS CALLING. After leaving Rotorua Boys’ High School with NCEA Level 2, Julian headed to the big smoke to study civil and roading construction. But after completing two years of a three-year diploma, he was in need of a change. “I wasn’t doing too much with myself and being based in Auckland, I decided I needed some fresh air and a new challenge.”

Two weeks shy of his twentieth birthday, Julian made the move to farming, starting off as a farm assistant, and within two months he knew he’d found his vocation. “I loved the hands-on side of the job – driving tractors, riding motorbikes and working with animals, working outdoors and learning from hard-working farmers.”

After two years milking cows and learning the ropes, Julian was promoted to herd manager, and, after a further four years, he progressed to managing a large dairy support unit near Kaitaia.

He spent two years in Northland before spending a year on a dairy farm near Rotorua. The breadth of farming experience he gained over that seven-year period, set Julian up well for his role as an agriculture tutor with PGG Wrightson.

Now, Julian (29) is a consulting officer with DairyNZ and provides technical expertise to dairy

farmers in the eastern Bay of Plenty. “I support change, build capability, create opportunities and mitigate risk for dairy farmers, through facilitating discussion groups and field days, and occasionally being there one-on-one for farmers.

“I really enjoy working alongside farmers, networking and meeting new people, discussing issues farmers have and helping them to come up with solutions.”

Julian has continued to study since leaving school, gaining NCEA Level 3 and more than 10 agriculturerelated qualifications through Primary ITO. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of AgriScience extramurally through Massey University.

“My previous experience in the industry definitely helped me get the job with DairyNZ, but also the qualifications I gained over the years, the qualification I am currently doing, my reputation in the industry, my passion for the industry and the confidence I have in myself to provide value to those I am here to serve.”

In his final year at school, Julian took English, statistics, PE, classical studies and a forestry class.

“Forestry was a great class as it taught me some life skills around using machinery and being aware

“I really enjoy working alongside farmers, networking and meeting new people, discussing issues farmers have and helping them to come up with solutions.”

— Julian Reti-Kaukau

JULIAN RETI-KAUKAU (L) WITH JOEL LEEFE, OPERATIONS MANAGER, OVERSEEING TWO FARMS WITH 1400 COWS IN HOROHORO, ROTORUA. JOEL ALSO OVERSEES TWO DAIRY SUPPORT FARMS.

of health and safety risks. However in hindsight, subjects such as chemistry and economics would have been very useful. Other vital skills include essay writing and public speaking.” His advice to others considering a career in the dairy industry?

“Work hard but also work smart. Believe in yourself and give it a shot.”

KEY FACTS

■ JULIAN RETI-KAUKAU IS A CONSULTING OFFICER WITH DAIRYNZ. ■ HE WORKED IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY FOR SEVEN YEARS IN A VARIETY OF ROLES, INCLUDING HANDS-ON FARMING WORK, BEFORE GAINING HIS CURRENT POSITION. ■ JULIAN IS CURRENTLY STUDYING EXTRAMURALLY FOR A BACHELOR OF AGRISCIENCE THROUGH MASSEY UNIVERSITY.

For more information on working in the Dairy Industry, visit www.dairynz.co.nz

DAIRY CONSULTANCY

HANDS-ON PROBLEM SOLVING

7

FOOD TECHNOLOGIST 8

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by CHRIS MASON

ADDING VALUE TO FOOD

FROM MASTERCHEF TO MELBOURNE

IF YOU’RE A MASTERCHEF FAN, YOU’LL PROBABLY RECOGNISE GEMMA WYNNE-LEWIS FROM LAST YEAR’S SERIES. IT WAS “A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE” SHE’LL NEVER FORGET.

“I wouldn’t do it again in a hurry but at the same time, I am glad I did it.

“It pushed me to new limits and I now know that when the pressure comes on, I can handle it, as it won’t be as extreme as the MasterChef kitchen!”

It’s little wonder that cooking in a high-pressure environment pushed Gemma out of her comfort zone; after all, she’s a food technologist, not a chef, and despite what everyone seems to think, food technologists aren’t taught how to cook. “That’s a common misconception.”

So what do they do? According to Massey University’s website, “Food Technology is all about using science to add value to commodity foods, such as dairy products, meat, fruit, vegetables and grains”.

Massey’s expertise spans all sectors of the food industry, with particular emphasis on post-harvest technology, engineering processes, product development, as well as sensory and food safety. Food technologists from Massey are in high demand around the globe.

Food Technology wasn’t a career Gemma had considered – or even heard about – until she ended up at their expo at Massey University’s open day “purely because they were giving away free ice-creams!”

With a diverse range of interests, Gemma was struggling to decide what she wanted to do when she left school, and was considering everything from engineering through to fine arts.

Massey’s Food Technology presentation caught her eye because it promised career prospects with huge variety and plenty of job opportunities.

“Food Technology was said to www.leavingschool.co.nz

KEY FACTS

■ GEMMA WYNNE-LEWIS IS WORKING IN MELBOURNE AS A SENIOR FOOD TECHNOLOGIST FOR SIMPLOT AUSTRALIA. ■ SHE STUDIED FOOD TECHNOLOGY THROUGH MASSEY UNIVERSITY, AFTER SEEING A PRESENTATION AT THEIR OPEN DAY. ■ PREREQUISITE SUBJECTS ARE CALCULUS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY.

“NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME. THE ROLE OF A FOOD TECHNOLOGIST IS HUGELY VARIED AND be a career that utilised both creative and scientific skills – exactly what I wanted! It is one of very few careers that combines creativity and science/technical – a great career for all-rounders.”

As luck would have it, Gemma was already taking the correct prerequisite subjects – calculus, physics and chemistry – along with English and design in her final year boarding at Iona College.

Now 26, Gemma is working in Melbourne as a senior food technologist for Simplot Australia.

She has recently joined the Cooked Meal Components Team which supplies pre-cooked meats, such as slow-cooked ribs and marinated and sliced chicken, to restaurants

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

IS THEREFORE CONSTANTLY EXCITING. IT IS A FAST-PACED ROLE THAT CAN BE HIGHLY SATISFYING.” – Gemma Wynne-Lewis and supermarkets. “My role is to develop these products. I basically work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to make a benchtop recipe commercially feasible.

“No two days are the same. The role of a food technologist is hugely varied and is therefore constantly exciting.

It is a fast-paced role that can be highly satisfying.”

If you’re interested in Food Technology, Gemma encourages you to do research.

Contact people working in the industry, and ask them lots of

questions to help you understand what the job involves.

“And keep your options open by taking the required prerequisite subjects, even if you aren’t a fan of them!”

For more information on studying Food Technology through Massey University, visit massey.ac.nz/foodtechnology

YOUR REAL-LIFE

ADVENTURE

STARTS HERE...

EARN AS YOU LEARN,

QUALIFY, TRAVEL

DOING WHAT

YOU LOVE

Discover exciting career opportunities in one of our vibrant sectors: travel; tourism; aviation; accommodation; quick-service restaurants; museums; retail; wholesale; cafĂŠs, bars & restaurants; clubs; catering.

The great news for you is that many businesses offer ServiceIQ on-job training programmes, so you can earn as you learn, get a nationally recognised qualification, and a solid career to set you up for more adventure.

ServiceIQ is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the service industry. We develop on-job training programmes for businesses keen to provide their staff with relevant skills, training and qualifications, knowing that it’s great people who make a great business.

CHECK US OUT AT:

www.ServiceIQ.org.nz

ENROL NOW FOR JULY 2016

Express yourself!

Foundation | Fashion Design Graphic Design | Fine Arts Contemporary Photography Makeup Design | Interior Design danda@intueri.co.nz Text DESIGN to 2878 for more info designandarts.ac.nz *Standard text costs apply

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by MONIQUE AND CARA PHOTOGRAPHY

HARD WORK AND PATIENCE WILL GET YOU THERE

RACHAEL WINDSOR HASN’T GOT USED TO BEING CALLED DOCTOR. “I STILL FIND MYSELF LOOKING AROUND WHEN A NURSE IS ASKING FOR A DOCTOR AND GET THE GIGGLES WHEN A PATIENT CALLS ME ‘DOC’!”

DOCTOR

FROM STUDENT TO DOCTOR

11

“It is hard work, but the knowledge you gain is so interesting, the friends you make are life-long, and the end result of being a doctor is the biggest privilege you can imagine.”

— Rachael Windsor

The 24-year-old is working as a house surgeon at Whangarei Hospital, working three-month rotations in different specialties “hoping I might have an epiphany about what specialty I want to pursue because I am still clueless.”

Growing up in the Auckland suburb of Mount Albert, where she was home-schooled until Year 9, Rachael was obsessed with how the body works. “I would watch the episode of the Magic School Bus where someone swallows the bus and they journey through the digestive tract, over and over again.”

Inspired by her two grandfathers, who devoted their surgical careers to working in India and the Congo, Rachael knew she wanted to be a doctor by the time she was 15. In her final year at Marist College, she achieved NCEA Level 3 in English, classics, biology, chemistry, statistics and religious education. “I think every subject has value in the sense that it broadens your understanding of the world, but obviously chemistry and biology had some practical value in preparing me for first year Biomed at Auckland Uni.” Level 3 physics would also have been useful, she adds.

School leavers can’t directly apply for medicine.

You need to come to it via the first year of either Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. Rachael admits she found

her first year of university, working hard to gain entry into medicine, challenging.

“Some people managed to continue their extracurricular activities and have great social lives, but I pretty much hibernated that whole year in the library!”

But Rachael’s hard work paid off and she went straight from first year Biomedical Science into med school, where she completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. “I loved Auckland medical school – the companionship, the learning, the social events, the shared ambition, the awesome campus and the supportive staff.”

KEY FACTS

Rachael’s ultimate job would be to work as a part-time obstetrician/ gynaecologist in a small New Zealand town nine months of the year, and for the other three months, work overseas with women recently freed from the human trafficking industry.

To others considering medicine as a career, Rachael says, “Go for it! You don’t have to be super smart, just prepared to work hard. It looks like a long and daunting journey, but if you focus on enjoying each stage and not just on how far away the destination is, it makes for an awesome ride. It is hard work, but the knowledge you gain is so interesting, the friends you make are life-long, and the end result of being a doctor is the biggest privilege you can imagine.”

■ RACHAEL WINDSOR WORKS AS A HOUSE SURGEON AT WHANGAREI HOSPITAL. ■ HER NCEA LEVEL 3 SUBJECTS WERE ENGLISH, CLASSICS, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, STATISTICS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. SHE SAYS PHYSICS WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL TO TAKE, ALSO. ■ RACHAEL HAS A BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND, BY WAY OF THE FIRST YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE.

For more information on studying Medicine through the University of Auckland, visit www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

TAX CONSULTANT 12

CONJOINT LAW AND COMMERCE FROM A CLERKSHIP TO FULLTIME EMPLOYMENT

written by CAMPBELL BURNES photograph by ALAN STEVENS

JARROD GRIFFIN DIDN’T TAKE ACCOUNTING AS A SCHOOL SUBJECT, BUT NOW HE KNOWS NEARLY EVERYTHING ABOUT TAX AND IS PUTTING THAT KNOWLEDGE TO GOOD USE WORKING FOR GLOBAL GIANT DELOITTE AS A TAX CONSULTANT. He picked their brains and Deloitte offered him a summer clerkship before employing him fulltime last year.

“It’s about getting your name out there and getting on the front foot. They might be looking at 3000 applicants for 150 positions. If they have met you at a function or for a coffee, it can make all the difference putting a face to a name.”

He is enjoying his current work, which is not often weighed down by long hours – except at March 31-madness time.

In 2015, the 24-year-old finished his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree, majoring in Accounting and Finance, at the University of Auckland.

Alongside other subjects, Jarrod took history, maths and English in Year 13 at Sacred Heart College, before getting stuck into his degree.

He says some of the essay-based subjects were helpful in doing his law degree along with developing his analytical thinking skills, and of course, helping to write with clarity.

“Dealing with people is the part I love,” he adds.

But once you get into in your degree, he says the key to success is networking and practical experience.

He got the latter in a small accounting practice, which also beefed up his CV.

“IT’S ABOUT GETTING YOUR

His business school studies provided a sound base for general business knowledge, while his law school studies covered all legal aspects.

GETTING ON THE FRONT

It’s a well-rounded education that serves him well in his move to the workforce, working for Deloitte.

“It was more about using networking opportunities at uni that made me fall into the business side.

“I got to meet some of the partners at the big accounting firms. As a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed student that was a chance to meet some of the guys at the top of the industry,” says Jarrod.

NAME OUT THERE AND FOOT. THEY MIGHT BE LOOKING AT 3000 APPLICANTS FOR 150 POSITIONS. IF THEY HAVE MET YOU AT A FUNCTION OR FOR A COFFEE, IT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE PUTTING A FACE TO A NAME.” – Jarrod Griffin

He is not bogged down with tax returns, but is dealing directly with overseas clients, solving tax issues or queries, on the phone to IRD, and setting up meetings. “It’s varied, and challenging but rewarding at the end of it.”

Jarrod says that there is a strong team dynamic at Deloitte’s Queen Street office.

“They push for a work-life balance that is achievable. We might have a team dinner at the end of the month if we meet our goals. And you are getting some of the best training in the world from some of the leading practitioners.”

He will be admitted to the bar this year and aims to be a fully chartered accountant in the near future. Deloitte’s global reach means he has plenty of future career options available to him in the industry should he decide to spread his wings.

KEY FACTS

For more information on studying Business through the University of Auckland, visit www.business.auckland.ac.nz

www.leavingschool.co.nz

■ JARROD GRIFFIN HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE AND BACHELOR OF LAWS CONJOINT DEGREE, MAJORING IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ HE WORKS AS A TAX CONSULTANT FOR DELOITTE. ■ JARROD BELIEVES THAT NETWORKING AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE ARE VITAL TASKS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO UNDERTAKE.

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

Well our advice is to look at what really interests you first and take it from there.

So, have you thought about a career in the Plumbing trades?

There’s going to be a lot of tradesmen retiring soon and the reality is New Zealand will need more tradespeople on the ground to get the work done. Did you know that Plumbing is one of the most lucrative trades out there – once you’re qualified there’s nothing stopping you from starting your own business and really going for it. Sound interesting? Well Plumbing World have the industry contacts to get the ball rolling on an apprenticeship right away! So if the Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying or associated trades floats your boat come and see ‘your team in black’ and who knows… you could have the career of your dreams kick off before you know it!

Keep in the know by joining our Club go to...

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Branches Nationwide. Freephone 0800 800 686 plumbingworld.co.nz Kieran Read, Plumbing World Brand Ambassador

As the biggest export industry in New Zealand, agriculture provides exciting career opportunities for you.

Do something that really matters – scientist, farm manager, vet, environmental engineer, farm consultant, banker, journalist, food technologist, marketer, accountant and fertiliser rep – with variety, challenge, financial rewards and opportunities to grow and make your mark!

Be part of our growing industry!

Simon James Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) Lincoln University 2012-2015 Herd Manager on a Canterbury dairy farm DairyNZ Scholarship recipient 4 years

“

“

My role as Herd Manager involves working with the Farm Manager to achieve production targets and maximise profitability. I want to learn as much as I can on-farm to complement what I learned at Lincoln University over four years. Being a city boy with no background in dairying, the last five years have been a steep learning curve for me. I am enjoying the challenges and stimulation that dairy farming gives me. The DairyNZ Scholarship programme provided me with many networking opportunities and invaluable industry contacts that I am using now that I am working. I want to progress through the industry to achieve my ultimate goal of farm ownership.

“

Brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Bideford I always had a passion for agriculture, and Rathkeale College allowed me to learn more about the industry. The Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship supported my study at Massey - three years I will never forget, full of opportunities and amazing experiences, which grew my knowledge and passion for the industry.

A week after my last exam I stepped into my first job as a Livestock agent for John Griffith & Co, a well-known Livestock Agent company in the Wairarapa.

Support for your agriculturalrelated study: DairyNZ scholarships – covers your tuition fees up to $6,325 per year for up to four years, plus support and mentoring during agricultural-related uni study at either Lincoln, Massey or Waikato. To find out more, check out dairynz.co.nz/scholarships.

Beef + Lamb NZ undergrad scholarships – support for up to four years covering tuition fees up to $5,000 per year for study towards a bachelors degree and an honours year at Lincoln or Massey Universities.

Beef + Lamb NZ Agribusiness and diploma scholarships – to study for a level 4 or higher certificate or diploma in agriculture at Lincoln Uni, Telford Rural Polytec or Taratahi Ag Training Centre. Contributes towards tuition fees up to $4,000. Visit beeflambnz. com/people/scholarships.

For more information, visit:

Jock Cameron Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Farm Management, Massey University 2012 – 2014 Livestock agent, John Griffith & Co, Wairarapa

growingnz.org.nz

“

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by GEORGE NOVAK

A DESIRE TO HELP

SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS

SHANNON JULIAN REMEMBERS HER SCHOOL REPORTS WELL. “I WAS OFTEN TOLD, ‘SHANNON COULD DO BETTER IF SHE STOPPED TALKING ’. ” BUT IRONICALLY, IT WAS THIS PASSION FOR TALKING THAT STEERED SHANNON TOWARDS A CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK. “FROM A YOUNG AGE I ENJOYED TALKING TO EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHO THEY WERE, EVEN IF THEY DIDN’T WANT TO TALK TO ME.” “During my final year of high school I became a support worker for someone with Down syndrome, which definitely made me think that working in a helping profession was what I wanted to do.”

But it wasn’t until completing an Outward Bound course that Shannon felt she was capable of taking on a social work degree. “I used the word ‘can’t’ a lot and wasn’t very confident in myself.

“In my final year of school, I did a three-week mind, body and soul course at Outward Bound.

This changed my life and gave me a chance to build on my self-confidence and believe in my abilities.”

Shannon went on to achieve NCEA Level 3 with university entrance at Mount Maunganui College, taking subjects she enjoyed – dance, drama, sports science, English and science.

“I think the most important subject I took was English. Writing, speaking and analysis are important skills in social work and taking this subject at school was essential in at least starting to develop these skills.”

KEY FACTS

■ SHANNON JULIAN HAS A BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO, AND WORKS AS A CARE AND PROTECTION SOCIAL WORKER AT CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY. ■ AT NCEA LEVEL 3, SHE STUDIED DANCE, DRAMA, SPORTS SCIENCE, ENGLISH AND SCIENCE. ■ SHE FOUND AN OUTWARD BOUND COURSE HELPED HER WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE AND RECOGNISING HER OWN ABILITIES.

Shannon completed a Bachelor of Social Work, studying at University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus, which enabled her to stay living at home. “This was great for me as I was able to keep working in the same job, and network within my

community, which was great when I was looking for potential jobs.”

Now 23, Shannon is a care and protection social worker at Child, Youth and Family, working with children, young people and their families to ensure children live in homes where they’re safe and their needs are met.

“The highlight of my job is building up the mana and the strength of families to make good choices and do the best they can do for their children.”

Shannon’s ultimate job would be to work with young people struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol.

So what’s her advice to school leavers? “If you want a rewarding career where you can use your social skills to make a difference in your community, study social work. You will see the world through a different lens and will continuously learn throughout your whole career. Learning the ins and outs of psychology, human development, sociology and social science to understand how people and communities function really is the best way to see the world.”

“If you want a rewarding career where you can use your social skills to make a difference in your community, study social work. You will see the world through a different lens.”

— Shannon Julian For more information on studying Social Work through the University of Waikato, visit www.waikato.ac.nz/study issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

SOCIAL WORK

15

COPING STRATEGIES

16

written by JENNIFER BECKETT

TAKE NOTICE OF THE SIGNS

VULNERABILITY TO ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION DID YOU KNOW THAT ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE IN NEW ZEALAND ARE AFFECTED BY SIGNIFICANT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION? AS THE AGE OF ONSET FOR THESE CONDITIONS IS OFTEN IN THE MID-TO-LATE TEENAGE YEARS, IT IS LIKELY THAT EITHER YOURSELF OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CIRCLE WILL BE AFFECTED. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE PREPARED AND TO NOTICE EARLY WARNING SIGNS TO PREVENT A DOWNWARD SPIRAL. WHY ARE SCHOOL LEAVERS VULNERABLE TO ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION?

?

STRESS

VULNERABILITY Diathesis • Genetic inheritance • Biological process • Early experiences

• Major changes • Loss stressors

ANXIETY DEPRESSION

(REF: ZUBIN & SPRING,1977)

Diatheses means “a tendency to suffer from a particular medical condition”.

According to the Diathesis Stress Model, a person must first have vulnerability towards low mood/anxiety. The genes we inherit from our parents can have an impact, so having a family history of anxiety or depression makes you more

vulnerable. Also included are biological processes, such as disordered biochemistry, and our early experiences and upbringing.

During times of significant stress these vulnerabilities can transform into depression or anxiety. Finishing school can be a stressful time.

WHAT’S NEXT? I WISH I KNEW. Leaving school and jumping into the unknown is tough. But if it’s getting to you really bad, it could be the sign of something more serious.

Whatever you’re feeling, The Lowdown is full of ideas and people who can help you get unstuck.

GET STRAIGHT UP ANSWERS WHEN LIFE SUCKS THELOWDOWN.CO.NZ

DEALING WITH UNHELPFUL THOUGHTS 5-PART FUSION MODEL

SITUATION Major changes, leaving school…

EMOTIONS Anxious Worried Low mood

THOUGHTS “There’s so much to do!”

“Should I study or work?”

“What if I can’t find a job?”

“What if I fail?”

PHYSICAL Racing heart Tight muscles Churning stomach Heavy feeling

ACTIONS Procrastinate Stay in bed Over-think Drinking

(REF: PADESKY,1995)

So what can you do? The first step is to know yourself. Know what your personal warning signs are. Often it is helpful to stop and really notice what you are thinking when you are feeling stressed. Notice and catch your thoughts. In the diagram above, you might recognise some familiar thoughts.

Our thoughts directly impact on how we feel, and if we don’t catch our thoughts we are just left feeling anxious or depressed.

Claim back control over your mood by checking in with yourself – what were you thinking just before feeling down or anxious? Check in with your body – where are you holding tension right now in your body? Anxious people might be familiar with a racing heart or churning stomach, whereas people suffering low mood might feel heavy and tired. Reflect on your actions to

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•

•

• •

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•

get to know your warning signs. It could be staying in bed, excessive drinking or over-thinking.

BUILDING RESILIENCE — So you have noticed and caught your negative thoughts. You understand the link between those thoughts and your emotions, your physical tension and your behaviours. Now what?

The good news is that if you make a change from any one of the points in the diagram (left), it will impact all of them. This is how you can start to build resilience to anxiety and depression.

THOUGHTS — You can change your thinking process by identifying unhelpful thinking styles, and testing out the accuracy of your thoughts. There are many free phone apps for this, such as eCBT Calm, and you can get into the habit of noticing, and then challenging, negative thinking.

PHYSICAL — Notice where your body holds tension. Get regular exercise, practice tensing and relaxing your muscles, practice slow diaphragm breathing to coax your body into a relaxed state. Check out www.breathing.com or the free app Bellybio for further information on breathing techniques.

ACTIONS — Sometimes you might need to practice opposite action.

If you are low or anxious you will naturally want to stay in bed, isolated from others. Talk to a friend and have them go for a walk with you, get fresh air and sunshine. Do the things that used to bring you pleasure.

REACH OUT — If you are struggling with low mood or anxiety get help early. Let someone know. Reach out to friends, family, support services. If you are studying, most universities have a free counselling service. If you notice a friend struggling, help them to access support.

Jennifer Beckett is a registered psychologist who works for Massey University’s Health and Counselling Centre (Albany) and is the owner of Albany Psychology Clinic.

COPING STRATEGIES

It will involve changing routines, taking on adult responsibilities and other stresses – such as not seeing your friends at school, moving house, moving away from your social network, budgeting – can all add up.

17

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ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

HELLO TO HYDRO POWER

19

FINDING THE SPARK FOR ENGINEERING

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by DYLAN JEFFERIS

IN HER FINAL YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, KELSEY KEENAN WAS NO DIFFERENT TO A LOT OF TEENAGERS – SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO. “A LOT OF PEOPLE AROUND ME HAD REALLY CLEAR IDEAS OF WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO BUT I DIDN’T. I KNEW THAT I LIKED SCIENCE, THAT I DIDN’T WANT TO BE A DOCTOR, AND THAT I WAS GOOD AT MATHS.” It was her chemistry and physics teachers at Southland Girls’ High School who guided her towards engineering. “One of them said to me, ‘You don’t know what engineering is yet, but I know you, and I know you’ll enjoy it ’.”

Energy sold me on electrical engineering. Being able to see what all that theory looks like in real life is awesome and when you start to understand why things have been built a certain way, it’s a great feeling.”

“Being able to see what all that theory looks like in real life is awesome and when you start to understand why things have been built a certain way, it’s a great feeling.”

— Kelsey Keenan That turned out to be great advice. Following work experience at the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, which gave her a taste for engineering, Kelsey enrolled at the University of Canterbury and went on to complete a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

“A field trip to see some big power sites in my second year and a summer position with Meridian KEY FACTS

Kelsey (24) is putting her degree to good use as a graduate electrical engineer with Meridian Energy, working on the hydro power stations near Twizel.

Job prospects for engineers are excellent worldwide, says Kelsey, adding that her ultimate job would be investigating plant failures around the world and working to prevent future ones.

Whatever career you’re considering, Kelsey’s advice is to get some summer work experience to help

■ KELSEY KEENAN WORKS AS A GRADUATE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER FOR MERIDIAN ENERGY. ■ SHE HAS A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING WITH HONOURS IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY. ■ KELSEY TOOK NCEA LEVEL 3 CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, SPANISH, PHYSICS AND CALCULUS, ALONG WITH AN EXTERNAL COURSE, ADVANCING IN MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE, THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY.

you figure out what you like to do and what you want your job to look like.

“If you want to find out about a career, talk to some local companies and see if they have someone who would talk to you about their job and explain what they do each day. Don’t be afraid to take on the challenge just because you may not fit the typical mould.”

As far as subjects go, Kelsey says physics and calculus are the most relevant to her job now and certainly to her university studies.

“In my first year of engineering we started to use Year 13 calculus in physics to understand the relationships between distance, speed and acceleration better, and over time we started to apply these principles to electricity as well.”

Alongside physics and calculus, Kelsey took NCEA Level 3 chemistry, biology and Spanish, and an external course through University of Canterbury.

“AIMS (Advancing in Mathematical Science) was essentially the first year engineering mathematics paper tailored to high school students.”

For more information on studying Engineering through University of Canterbury, visit www.engf.canterbury.ac.nz issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

FILMMAKER

INSPIRED BY SIR PETER JACKSON 20

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER written by KIM TAYLOR photograph by ALAN STEVENS

THE CREATIVE GENIUS OF SIR PETER JACKSON INSPIRED ALLAN GEORGE TO BECOME A FILMMAKER, AND NOW HE’S WELL ON HIS WAY TO BECOMING A HOUSEHOLD NAME HIMSELF WITH SCORES OF INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKING ACCOLADES UNDER HIS BELT. Allan is recognised as one of the world’s most gifted up-and-coming filmmakers, winning five Tropfest awards (the largest short-film festival in the world) and Best Screenplay at the LA Shorts Fest (Academy Award-qualifying festival) with his screenplay, Everybody Has a Thing.

There’s no bigger platform or audience for short filmmakers who are trying to prove their worth and no other festival sends winners to Los Angeles to meet Hollywood executives.

Allan attended four high schools due to his parents moving for work, but one thing did remain constant – his interest in English and storytelling.

“I always loved the escapism that story and film gave me as a kid as I was moving around, it’s something I’ve never forgotten, which is why I make films today.”

Allan says choosing to develop his filmmaking skills at SAE Creative Media Institute New Zealand was definitely the right decision as it’s a global institute and has huge credibility, which gave him confidence and further fueled his passion for storytelling and writing.

“Both screenwriting and editing were my major interests and studying filmmaking helped educate and guide me to get my work to industry standards.”

SAE offers qualifications in both film and audio.

Allan graduated as the top film student in 2007 with a Diploma in Filmmaking. SAE now offers a Bachelor of Film Arts as well.

“At eight years old I remember being amazed that New Zealanders like Sam Neill were in Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park, so I think that planted

KEY FACTS

■ ALLAN GEORGE IS A WRITER, PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR OF SHORT FILMS. HE ALSO WORKS AT SKY TV AS A CAMERA OPERATOR/EDITOR AND PRODUCER FOR THE CROWD GOES WILD. ■ HE HAS A DIPLOMA IN FILMMAKING FROM SAE CREATIVE MEDIA INSTITUTE NEW ZEALAND.

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL ENROLNOW SAE Institute is the world’s leading educator in creative media industries.

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For more information on studying Filmmaking through SAE Creative Media Institute New Zealand, visit www.auckland.sae.edu

FILMMAKER

the seed, but wanting to be a filmmaker at that age seemed ridiculous!”

Allan studied computer science, geography, English and physics at school. When not writing, producing or directing short films, Allan works at SKY TV as a camera operator/editor and producer for sports show The Crowd Goes Wild.

“Film courses started popping up thanks to Peter Jackson and Lord of the Rings. I remember doing my Year 13 English assignment on his career.”

In the future, Allan says he’d love to tell internationally appealing New Zealand stories but if a Hollywood film came along, he wouldn’t turn it away.

“My advice to potential filmmakers is that it doesn’t really come down to subject choices, it comes down to dedication. The internet is a great resource so get a pen and paper and write.

It’s the cheapest art form around!”

21

“My advice to potential filmmakers is that it doesn’t really come down to subject choices, it comes down to dedication.” — Allan George

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The university experience what you need to know.

Leaving high school and starting university requires you to change the way you learn, think and do.

University of Auckland Business School students Jack and Amy share their experiences on how to make a smooth transition.

What did you discover when you arrived at University?

There are so many opportunities to explore who you are and what truly interests you. I left high school thinking I wanted to work in international relations, but after studying business in my first year I realised I’m actually really interested in finance.

I discovered my strengths.

What do you think is the biggest difference between school and university?

The biggest difference is independence – there’s no-one chasing your tail. You need to be self-motivated and make sure you keep on top of your studies. Everyone develops their own approach to time management, and as long as you’re getting everything done, that’s all that matters.

How did you know which major to choose?

I had a great careers adviser at high school who encouraged me to research the types of jobs I wanted to do. And once I arrived at uni the amazing team at the Business School ASB Careers Centre helped me determine the jobs and industries I would be suited for. They are incredibly helpful.

How do you manage to juggle your studies with part-time work?

In my first two years of uni I worked weekends, but now I’ve found a part-time job where I can sign up to do shifts when I’m available. I would recommend working no more than 12 hours a week in case it negatively impacts your studies. Most employers hiring university students are more than happy to be flexible, for example when you have tests in the evening.

What advice would you give to high school students thinking about starting university?

Do your research – before you enrol in a course at university, make sure it aligns with your interests and talk to people who are studying or working in that area. Have an idea about what you want to be doing in five years’ time.

Amy Davies

Age: 20 High School: Epsom Girls Grammar School Studying: BCom/LLB majoring in Economics and Finance

Jack Chen

Age: 20 High school: Avondale College Studying: BCom/BSc majoring in Marketing, Management, Statistics and Computer Science

www.business.auckland.ac.nz

Tips for success Seek advice before choosing your courses Learn to manage your time and study smarter Balance work and study to make it more affordable Develop your own thoughts and opinions Get involved – join uni clubs!

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OPEN THE DOOR TO A CAREER IN LAW

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by ALAN STEVENS

TE PUEA MATOE (25) IS LIVING PROOF THAT LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY DOESN’T MEAN YOU CLOSE THE DOOR ON UNIVERSITY OR A CAREER IN LAW. SHE LEFT SCHOOL AT 16 WITH NCEA LEVEL 1, NOT BECAUSE SHE WAS FAILING, BUT BECAUSE SHE WAS BORED. “I WAS ALWAYS RELATIVELY SMART AND IN ACCELERATED LEARNING CLASSES BUT FOUND SCHOOL TO BE BORING.” In doing so, she assumed she had put her dream of becoming a lawyer behind her. “I didn’t think it would be possible for me to study law, let alone any sort of degree, because I hadn’t finished school. So for a number of years I continued working until I reached a point in 2014 where I decided to apply to uni in the hopes that I might get accepted.”

Three years on and Te Puea is an award-winning student at AUT, in her second year of a law degree and her third year of a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori Development.

“I GOT TO MEET SOME OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST PROMINENT MĀORI LEADERS IN THE LAW GAME, AND RUBBED SHOULDERS WITH THE LIKES OF CHIEF JUSTICE SIAN ELIAS, MOANA JACKSON, ANNETTE SYKES, PRECIOUS CLARK, JUSTICE WHATA, JUSTICE GODDARD.” — Te Puea Matoe

“My goal is to complete both degrees and utilise these qualifications to create, promote and enhance social, economic, cultural, environmental and educational support and opportunities for Māori in particular.”

Her dream is to one day work for an organisation such as the United Nations, advancing indigenous and human rights.

She describes AUT as “an innovative, contemporary university, which has great lecturers, an awesome community feel and a great all-round attitude”. Of her time there, Te Puea can list many highlights, including volunteering at the Auckland Community Law Centre last year.

STUDENT: LAW AND ARTS

DUAL DEGREES ON THE HORIZON

25

“I got to do the research and give actual real-life legal advice to clients supervised by a lawyer.” She also attended Te Hunga Roia Hui a Tau 2016 – the Māori Law Society Conference – which she describes as “absolutely amazing and inspiring!”

“I got to meet some of New Zealand’s most prominent Māori leaders in the law game, and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Chief Justice Sian Elias, Moana Jackson, Annette Sykes, Precious Clark, Justice Whata, Justice Goddard.”

Te Puea has been awarded the Peter Harwood Scholarship for Community Excellence and Leadership two years running, she is an executive member and conference convenor for the Māori and Pacific Law Student Association and is a Tāura Kaiwhatu – a Māori mentor for first-year law students.

As far as subjects go, Te Puea is pleased she took English, history and social studies at school and observes that an enjoyment of reading and researching would be advantageous for those interested in studying law.

As for other advice, she says “Go for it! Don’t be afraid, just jump in and give it all you’ve got. However, do be prepared to work hard and do a lot of reading!”

KEY FACTS ■ TE PUEA MATOE IN HER SECOND YEAR OF A LAW DEGREE AND HER THIRD YEAR OF A BA, MAJORING IN MAORI DEVELOPMENT, AT AUT. ■ SHE HAS TWICE BEEN AWARDED THE PETER HARWOOD SCHOLARSHIP FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP. ■ TE PUEA IS AN EXECUTIVE MEMBER AND CONFERENCE CONVENOR FOR THE MAORI AND PACIFIC LAW STUDENT ASSOCIATION AND IS A TAURA KAIWHATU FOR FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENTS. LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

For more information on studying Law through Auckland University of Technology (AUT), visit www.aut.ac.nz/law

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

STUDENT: MARINE CONSERVATION 26

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by CHARLIE PARK

A LOVE OF THE OCEAN

GETTING HOOKED ON AQUACULTURE RYAN STEER HAS FITTED A LOT INTO THE LAST 15 YEARS. SINCE GRADUATING FROM NELSON COLLEGE IN 2001, HE HAS STUDIED AND WORKED IN A VARIETY OF ROLES AND INDUSTRIES, BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS. After completing Year 13, he spent a year picking apples and working at Sealord in Nelson, before enrolling in fine arts at university. “By the end of my second year at art school I had lost interest and decided not to continue.”

Ryan went back apple picking for a season before moving to Australia where he “travelled around having an awesome time” and working wherever he found it. In Western Australia he trained as a machine operator and he worked as a forestry harvester for two years, before moving to Canada.

After a year there, Ryan returned to Nelson and found work making mountain bike trails for several months before moving back to Australia to again work in forestry.

“It is a fast growing industry worldwide giving graduates the chance to travel and work in just about any country.”

— Ryan Steer

Back home in Nelson in 2013, Ryan was looking for a new path to take.

While browsing Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology’s (NMIT) website the Diploma in Aquaculture (Fish Farming and Fishery Management) caught his eye. “I have always had a love for the ocean.” He started the diploma in 2014, completed it last year, and this year entered into his second year of the three-year Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at NMIT. “NMIT is really good. You get courses built alongside industry which develops skills that are put into practice while on industry work placements.”

With permission from his senior tutor, Ryan (32) is juggling fulltime study with working on a salmon farm in the Marlborough Sounds on a seven days-on, seven days-off roster. “When I’m off work I attend classes in Nelson and catch up on the learning I have missed. Work provides Wi-Fi so in the evening I can catch up with study online.”

A member of the First XV at school, Ryan had “a passion for art and an interest in science” and in his final year took painting (scholarship), photography, design, statistics and physics.

His advice to anyone considering a career in aquaculture or marine conservation is, “Do it! It is a fast growing industry worldwide giving graduates the chance to travel and work in just about any country.”

In the future, Ryan would like to find work that uses all his skills. “Maybe something in research and development of aquaculture species or diseases.”

He also dreams of heading further south. “I have always had a dream of going to Antarctica and would love to someday work a summer season there as a research assistant or lab tech.”

One more exciting thing for Ryan to add to his already full CV! KEY FACTS

■ RYAN STEER HAS A DIPLOMA IN AQUACULTURE (FISH FARMING AND FISHERY MANAGEMENT) FROM NMIT AND IS CURRENTLY STUDYING FOR A BACHELOR OF AQUACULTURE AND MARINE CONSERVATION. ■ HE STUDIES FULLTIME AND WORKS ON A MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS SALMON FARM.

For more information on studying Aquaculture and Marine Conservation through Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, visit www.nmit.ac.nz www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

AMBITION AND DRIVE IN THE SALES SECTOR

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by MARTY MELVILLE

AT THE AGE OF 26, SAMANTHA BUCK HAS RECENTLY BEEN PROMOTED TO A SENIOR ROLE WITHIN PLUMBING WORLD. AS SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE WELLINGTON REGION, SHE IS IN CHARGE OF RETAINING, AND BUILDING ON, A LARGE PORTFOLIO OF REGIONAL CUSTOMERS. “My role involves calling on customers on a regular basis, and being a face and point of contact for Plumbing World outside of the branch. I explain to people that instead of selling my customers a particular product, I am selling them a company.”

Samantha has been with the retail and trade plumbing supply company for five years, moving up the ladder with impressive speed. “I have gained so much experience and knowledge running and maintaining a successful showroom, and training new staff within the branch and throughout the company.”

When she left Wairarapa College at the end of Year 11, Samantha was interested in becoming a chef. To this end, she had a fulltime position at KFC where she achieved a number of food and hospitality certificates. After two years, she left to work as a barista and eventually a sous chef at a fine dining restaurant, before returning to the fast food chain as assistant manager and acting branch manager. Together with a qualification in small business management, this experience put Samantha in a good position to take advantage of a new challenge which came her way.

“My customer service and sunny disposition meant I was headhunted by Plumbing World and given the opportunity to apply for the position of Showroom Sales Consultant via their recruitment agency.”

Samantha says the hospitality industry gave her transferable skills, experience and qualifications that stood her in good stead when applying for (and securing) the job.

In her final year of high school (undertaking NCEA Level 1), Samantha studied food technology “because at the time that’s the industry I wanted to be in”, maths, English, science and physical

education. “I did well in maths and English, which I believe helped me secure my job and grow within Plumbing World. In saying that, a positive attitude, a drive to succeed and a good work ethic have taken me a long way.

“The sales sector in particular demands you have good people skills, can articulate to your customers in a professional manner and have initiative and

drive,” says Samantha, who has her sights set on more senior management positions in the years to come. Ultimately, she aims for the role of area manager.

Her advice to others keen on a similar career is to “Always be professional, respectful and take any opportunities that arise with both hands. Work hard and be passionate about what you do.”

“I EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE THAT INSTEAD OF SELLING MY CUSTOMERS A PARTICULAR PRODUCT, I AM SELLING THEM A COMPANY.” — Samantha Buck

KEY FACTS ■ SAMANTHA BUCK IS A SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR PLUMBING WORLD FOR THE WELLINGTON REGION. ■ SHE STUDIED FOOD TECHNOLOGY, MATHS, ENGLISH, SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION. ■ SAMANTHA ADVISES THOSE LOOKING FOR A SIMILAR CAREER TO “ALWAYS BE PROFESSIONAL, RESPECTFUL AND TAKE ANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARISE WITH BOTH HANDS.”

For more information on a career with Plumbing World, visit www.plumbingworld.co.nz/Careers

issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

IN THE WORLD OF PLUMBING

27

PART-TIME WORK

28

written by DIANA CLEMENT

illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

EARN MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE EIGHT CLEVER WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WORKING CAN HELP TO EASE THE FINANCIAL PRESSURE YOU FACE AS A STUDENT. AND WITH A LITTLE CLEVER THINKING OR ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL, YOU CAN EARN WAY MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE.

Lynn Lai, a founder of SaVy.org.nz, says that in addition to earning money, part-time work provides you valuable experience that looks good on your CV and may even be the ticket to a fulltime job in the future.

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Student Job Search is the first place to look for work.

But there are other options: GO DOOR KNOCKING:

These are real jobs that have been advertised this year.

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS:

An awful lot of student jobs aren’t advertised. If you want to work in your local café or bar, or at Burger King, then wait for a slow business period, walk in and offer your services. Cold calling pays off, says Lai.

Many a student has started a thriving importing and online selling business whilst still at university.

They buy goods from websites such as Aliexpress.com and Alibaba.com and sell the goods on Trade Me or at markets.

OPEN YOUR MIND TO OPPORTUNITIES:

CREATE YOUR OWN JOB: Are you a

Check out SEEK.co.nz for part-time roles. There are quite literally thousands of jobs listed. The job for you could be a part-time foreign exchange teller, an environmental education officer, or a youth programme coordinator.

spreadsheet ninja? Can you weed gardens, clean windows, transcribe or even cut hair? There’s nothing stopping you going out and getting your own work doing this. Put a notice in the local supermarket or spread the word on social media.

BE AMBITIOUS: Whether

you’re working part-time in McDonald’s or on the floor of a call centre, look at how you can improve what you’re earning by getting a promotion.

Someone has to get those jobs.

DO A WEEKEND COURSE: Plenty of part-time

jobs, such as a Zumba trainer, barista, ESOL teacher, or even forklift driving, only need you to do a short course to become qualified, which will pay for itself.

TAKE TEMP OR CASUAL ROLES: Some courses have heavy

workloads at certain times of the year.

The way around this might be taking short-term contracts for event work.

Google the words “event staff” to find out more.

TUTOR: Peer-to-peer tutoring

websites such as Tutorly.co are a great way to get work and it’s not uncommon to earn $30 an hour tutoring NCEA, International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge students.

FINALLY, IF

YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE AREN’T SUFFICIENT HOURS IN THE DAY TO WORK PART-TIME, THINK AGAIN. UNIVERSITIES BELIEVE IT’S GOOD FOR STUDENTS TO WORK AS IT DEVELOPS SOFT SKILLS, SUCH AS CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

INVERCARGILL, CHRISTCHURCH, QUEENSTOWN AND GORE STUDY OPTIONS

0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz

PART-TIME WORK

There are quite literally thousands of jobs listed. The job for you could be a part-time foreign exchange teller, an environmental education officer, or a youth programme coordinator.

29

For better career choices.

Enquire about one of our 160 study options today at unitec.ac.nz

MARKETING SPECIALIST

“THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND I’LL BE GOING WITH A FEW OF MY COLLEAGUES WHICH I’M SURE WILL BE MY BIGGEST, BUT MOST EXCITING, CHALLENGE SINCE I’VE BEEN IN

31

THE JOB.” — Lesa MacLeod-Whiting

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by MARTY MELVILLE

A DEGREE OF OPTIONS TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A JOB

HER PARENTS’ WORDS OF ADVICE: “DO WHAT YOU LOVE, AND THE REST WILL FOLLOW” HAS PROVED TRUE FOR LESA MacLEOD-WHITING. “I NEVER CHOSE SUBJECTS BASED ON JOB PROSPECTS.” Halfway through Year 12 at Hutt Valley High, where she was taking English, Japanese, drama, art, media studies and classics, Lesa left for a one-year exchange to Italy with AFS – a trip that was to build on her love of languages and expand her knowledge in a range of subjects.

“I went from having six subjects to 13 at my high school in Rome!” These included Italian, Spanish, French and art history.

When she returned halfway through Year 13, Lesa decided to complete NCEA Level 2 through correspondence. She started at Victoria University the following year, and graduated three years later with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish and Modern Languages and a BA (Hons) in Italian with first-class honours.

“A BA is perfect if you simply like learning and, not to sound cliché, BAs teach you different ways

of learning. My BA allowed me to try so many different things and that’s why I enjoyed studying so much.”

Alongside languages, Lesa took a variety of other courses including religious studies, linguistics and art history.

She also enrolled in the Victoria Plus programme, the university’s service leadership development programme, earning a Victoria Plus Award alongside her BA. “I was involved with Manaaki Pihipihinga, tutoring first-year Spanish students and someone mentioned the Victoria Plus Award. It sounded like an awesome way to make the most of my time at Victoria and what the university has to offer.”

Today Lesa (27) is working at the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) as the Marketing and Festival Coordinator. In her role she works closely

with the Head of Marketing to submit films the NZFC has invested in to film festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin and Venice. “I’ve never been this busy in my life but it’s a hugely exciting place to work.

“The Cannes Film Festival is just around the corner and I’ll be going with a few of my colleagues which I’m sure will be my biggest, but most exciting, challenge since I’ve been in the job.”

Lesa admits she had no idea what she wanted to do when she left high school or even when she left university.

“But I have always loved film and secretly hoped that one day my passion/hobby would turn into a job I also loved.”

Her advice to others is: “Make sure you’re truly passionate about what you’re studying and, like my parents say, the rest will follow.”

KEY FACTS ■ L ESA MacLEOD-WHITING HAS A BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN SPANISH AND MODERN LANGUAGES AND A BA(HONS) IN ITALIAN WITH FIRST-CLASS HONOURS FROM VICTORIA UNIVERSITY. ■ S HE WORKS AS THE NEW ZEALAND FILM COMMISSION’S MARKETING AND LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6 FESTIVAL COORDINATOR. ■ MIDWAY THROUGH YEAR 12, LESA WENT ON A ONE-YEAR EXCHANGE TO ITALY WITH AFS. LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

more information on studying www.leavingschool.co.nz | For

Arts through Victoria University, visit www.victoria.ac.nz

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

IMPORTANT NOTICES 32

NOTICEBOARD KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ZEALAND

There are eight universities in New Zealand, offering a wide range of tertiary education. Visit www.universitiesnz.ac.nz to find out the 2017 semester dates and other important information if you plan to attend university in 2017.

JOB HUNTING

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 Workpool – www.workpool.co.nz Work and Income – www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz

SECONDARY SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS University open days are a fantastic way of getting to know more about your proposed HOLIDAY DATES courses of study, the university itself, meet fellow students and become familiar with 2016 school holidays

TERM 2 holiday: 9 July–24 July TERM 3 holiday: 24 Sept–9 Oct Summer holiday: 17 Dec–early Feb 2017 Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz

SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are a great way of covering or assisting with your study fees. There are over 4000 scholarships available nationwide. Scholarships are offered on a range of criteria; e.g. school marks, intended area of study, ethnicity, community service, sporting talents.

Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.generosity.org.nz/giv-me

the campus. If you’re choosing between several tertiary providers, you may find open days help you make your choice.

Tertiary provider

Open day

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

Monday 9 May

www.otago.ac.nz

UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO

Friday 13 May

www.waikato.ac.nz

UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY

Thursday 14 July www.canterbury.ac.nz

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

Friday 15 July

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Manawatu

Wednesday 3 August www.massey.ac.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Auckland

Saturday 20 August www.massey.ac.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Wellington

Friday 26 August

www.massey.ac.nz

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON Friday 26 August

www.victoria.ac.nz

www.leavingschool.co.nz

www.lincoln.ac.nz

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Saturday 27 August www.auckland.ac.nz

AUT UNIVERSITY

Saturday 27 August

www.aut.ac.nz

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

STUDENT 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 2016. www.studylink.govt.nz

Website

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016

Ab ipis as dolorest quatiam illent elia quidi to conseque as exces et alis dolorest, vid quia quia veles aut volupta esecupt aecupidenis.

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

Visit www.leavingschool.co.nz to read this magazine online and you’ll also find extra content, including over 100 website links that will help you plan for life after school…

Olympic Games Friday 5 August to Thursday 21 August Labour Day Monday 24 October Cambridge International Examinations start October 2016 NCEA Examinations Wednesday 9 November to Friday 2 December Christmas Day Sunday 25 December Boxing Day Monday 26 December New Year’s Day Sunday 1 January

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

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

CAREERS NEW ZEALAND

ACCOMMODATION

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

CAREERS EXPO 2016 This is the country’s largest and most comprehensive careers expo, and is the best place to plan your next study or job move. Where else can you find educational providers, industry training organisations, and government and private organisations all in one place and ready to answer your questions? For more information, visit www.careersexpo.org.nz CHRISTCHURCH: HORNCASTLE ARENA Thursday 12–Saturday 14 May AUCKLAND: ASB SHOWGROUNDS Thursday 26–Saturday 28 May HAMILTON: CLAUDELANDS SHOWGROUNDS Sunday 12–Monday 13 June WELLINGTON: TSB ARENA

GOT A TRADE WEEK 2016 Got a Trade Week is 22 to 26 August It aims to raise awareness of on-the-job training and careers in New Zealand’s trades and services. It’s best to keep watch on their website for all the informationladen and exciting things you can go along to – www.gotatrade.co.nz

IMPORTANT DATES

Ab ipis as dolorest quatiam illent elia quidi to conseque as exces et alis dolorest, vid quia quia veles aut volupta esecupt aecupidenis.

KEY DATES

Friday 17–Saturday 18 June

Study providers have useful information about student accommodation on their websites, including how to apply, application due dates, location and cost. This often covers university accommodation, such as halls of residence, student flatting and private rentals. Halls of residence application due dates vary, so it’s best to check this out online.

VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS Throughout this magazine, each case study has been colour coded to its Vocational Pathway. In some instances, multiple colours are used to show that the skills you learn can be applied across multiple careers and pathways, throughout your lifetime. Visit www.youthguarantee.net.nz/ vocational-pathways to learn more about Vocational Pathways.

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 to talk? Free text to 5626

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

33

SECONDARY TEACHER TEXT 34

FROM OLD BOY TO TEACHER

A WINNING COMBINATION WITH SPORT

written by PETER WHITE photograph by GEORGE NOVAK

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IS WHAT MOTIVATES TEACHER TIM CLARKE. TIM, 28, IS TEACHING AT TAURANGA BOYS’ COLLEGE – HIS OLD SCHOOL, WHICH HE ATTENDED FROM 2001 TO 2005.

“I’m in the humanities department teaching social studies and history but also am qualified in PE and health as well. I enjoy history and the way events and people have shaped the world today,” Tim says.

In Year 13 he studied statistics, physics, history, chemistry, health and PE. “When I was at school, I really enjoyed PE and physics, just figuring out how things work. Bio mechanics-type stuff is probably where my big passions are. Being heavily involved in sport at school, I probably had the best relationship with PE teachers and that was a contributing factor to wanting to go teaching.”

Tim played golf, rugby, football and cricket during his college years. The school’s most famous cricketing alumni is Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, whose first year in Tauranga Boys’ First XI was Tim’s final year.

“The way he conducted himself then was pretty amazing and you could tell right away he was going to be a special player.”

Tim spent four years gaining his qualifications.

At Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in Tauranga he did a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation through AUT University and then a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Waikato.

After graduating he did not go into teaching immediately, focusing on his promising cricket career with stints playing in England, before he joined Tauranga Boys’ College staff three years ago.

So what does he love most about being a teacher?

“It is always different every day. There is always a complex range of students and you need to engage with different personalities. It is a challenge but at the same time it makes it quite enjoyable when you do get through to people.

“I love the coaching side of things because you get a really good relationship with the boys outside of the classroom. That has probably helped me the most, to gain a lot of relationships by dealing with them on the coaching side of things, and getting to know them more on a personal level.”

Tim knows where he wants to take his teaching career.

“I would love to be in a Dean position or be in charge of a sport, like Director of Cricket, where you are fully organising and maybe running an academy. But for now I am just happy with the teaching side of things and getting to know people in the classroom.”

His advice to others looking to get into teaching?

“If you are passionate about getting involved with helping people and engaging with people then teaching is a great job.”

For more information on a career in Teaching, visit www.teachnz.govt.nz KEY FACTS

■ TIM CLARKE IS A SOCIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY TEACHER AT TAURANGA BOYS’ COLLEGE. ■ HE HAS A BACHELOR OF SPORT AND RECREATION FROM AUT UNIVERSITY AND A GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO.

“I WOULD LOVE TO BE IN A DEAN POSITION OR BE IN CHARGE OF A SPORT, LIKE DIRECTOR OF CRICKET, WHERE YOU ARE FULLY ORGANISING AND MAYBE RUNNING AN ACADEMY.” — Tim Clarke www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

■ IN YEAR 13 HE STUDIED STATISTICS, PHYSICS, HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, HEALTH AND PE.

ENROL NOW FOR JULY 2016

Thinking of a career in IT? Computer Support & Servicing Network Management Network Engineering

enquiries@itti.ac.nz Text IT to 2878 for more info itti.ac.nz *Standard text costs apply

written by SARA CARBERY

photography by STEPHEN A’COURT

COSTUMIER

THE ACT OF MAKING

36

NO BARRIERS OR BOUNDARIES TO IMAGINATION JOHANNA OTTO’S INTEREST IN COSTUME WAS SPARKED DURING HER FINAL YEAR OF A FASHION DESIGN DEGREE IN GERMANY WHEN SHE WAS PUTTING TOGETHER A COLLECTION INSPIRED BY FAMOUS COURTESANS IN EUROPEAN HISTORY. “I LOVED WORKING WITH THAT REFERENCE FRAME, HUNTING FOR CLUES ABOUT WHAT COLOUR, MATERIAL AND SHAPE EACH OF THEM WOULD HAVE WORN AND THEN PUTTING MY OWN TWIST ON IT.” This interest led Johanna halfway around the world to Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, where she graduated last year with a Diploma in Costume Construction.

“I applied to Toi for three reasons,” she says. “First was the focus on vocational practice and hands-on work – I wanted to go deeper and learn more specific arts like millinery and leather work. Second was the emphasis Toi puts on collaborative communal practice, known as Kōiwitanga.

“As a costumier, you are always part of a team; you have to work with actors, directors, managers and designers and it helps tremendously to have an understanding of how these other worlds function.

“The third reason was the network you can build at Toi. Our tutors have been, and often still are, involved in some big movie productions.”

Acting Design Management Costume

Johanna is putting her costume construction knowledge and skills into practice on the feature film Ghost in the Shell, which stars Scarlett Johannson.

At Stone Street Studios in Wellington, she is working in the costumes and props workshop. She is making, adjusting and finishing body armour, working with LED components, moulding and casting, as well as stitching leather, plastics and latex.

A lover of fantasy, sci-fi and history, this work is right up Johanna’s alley.

“Being able to work in a world where all these areas are accessible to me is already a big part of my best-case scenario”. Also on her wish list is to travel for work – “to be the person who gets a call to work in Africa, Iceland, Canada or wherever else a team is based”.

What she loves most about working in costume is that “there are no boundaries in terms of imagination”.

Unions are for YOU!

Apply now toiwhakaari.ac.nz

•

Better pay and conditions

•

Help and support

•

A voice for a just and fair society

Be a member – Be active – Stand up for better workplaces Call E tū Union Support to talk about unions today: 0800 1 UNION (0800 186 466) support@etu.nz www.etu.nz

KEY FACTS

For more information on studying Costume Construction through Toi Whakaari, visit www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz

“I love to explore the world of a play or movie and immerse myself in it to get to know the character I am costuming. Seeing those characters jump out of the pages of a script and come to life is nothing short of amazing to me.” — Johanna Otto

Make aquaculture your career Aquaculture is one of the world’s fastest growing food-producing industries, with great prospects for qualified professionals.

Get to the know the industry first hand with our strong industry links, work placements and frequent field trips.

With full-time and study-while-you work options for diploma and degree the world is your oyster!

nmit.ac.nz /aqua

0800 788 391

■ JOHANNA OTTO HAS A DEGREE IN FASHION DESIGN, AND MOVED HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD TO STUDY A DIPLOMA IN COSTUME CONSTRUCTION THROUGH TOI WHAKAARI. ■ SHE IS CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE COSTUMES AND PROPS WORKSHOP ON FEATURE FILM GHOST IN THE SHELL.

COSTUMIER

“I love to explore the world of a play or movie and immerse myself in it to get to know the character I am costuming. Seeing those characters jump out of the pages of a script and come to life is nothing short of amazing to me.

“In the end, making is the most satisfying thing in my world. The feeling I get when I think that at the end of the day there is something new in this world purely because I made it with my own hands is the most wonderful thing I can imagine.”

To see some of Johanna’s work, check out www.johannaotto.com

37

INTERVIEW TIPS

ACING THE INTERVIEW

38

IMPRESSING YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYER

photo credit iSTOCK written by VAL HAYES

YOU’VE DONE THE HARD YARDS. YOU’VE GOT YOUR SECONDARY SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS, YOUR CV IS IN ORDER, YOU’VE APPLIED FOR A JOB OR PLACEMENT WITH A TRAINING PROVIDER – AND NOW YOU’VE SECURED AN INTERVIEW. BUT WHAT IS THE PERSON SITTING OPPOSITE YOU LOOKING FOR?

ATTITUDE — Have a good attitude

and positive self-esteem. By showing respect for the interviewer, you are demonstrating you can work effectively with people from different backgrounds (e.g. age, social status, ethnicity, religion), which is a quality employers look for.

COMMUNICATION — Actively listen to what you are being asked, seek clarification if you are unsure, and then respond. Have a couple of questions you want to ask too – this shows you have taken the time to find out more about the organisation and thought about what you want from the interview. As always, treat the interviewer/s with respect and courtesy.

CULTURAL FIT — Think of how you can demonstrate how you will be an active and motivated member of their team. Employers rank cultural fit as their number one priority when they are recruiting – especially for school leavers or first-time employees.

PERSONAL SKILLS — Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate willingness to learn, are motivated to get things done, take responsibility, and demonstrate ability to problem solve. Often you can link your extra-curricular activities (sport, cultural or community) to demonstrate your personal strengths in these areas.

RELIABILITY — You are responsible for getting yourself to and

from work, whether that’s via public transport or your own vehicle. It’s important to demonstrate you are capable of turning up on time and have prepared for the meeting. This is what employers expect from you on a day-to-day basis – so always arrive in plenty of time and ready for your interview.

ACADEMIC SKILLS —Your academic qualifications are important,

…work experience gives you an insight into what employers require, and the chance to develop key skills in a work setting. You may be able to use some of your experiences to highlight your positive qualities and attributes the interviewer is looking for.

TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS — It’s important to show you can use technology in the workplace to perform tasks necessary to the role you’ve applied for. This could be having the computer skills required to produce and present information, create spreadsheets and so forth. www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

so make sure these are included in your CV, and show how you have competent literacy and numeracy skills.

If you’ve undertaken further training include this too. It is widely accepted that achieving NCEA Level 2 will mean you have the basic skills and qualifications to start your career.

WHILE NOT ESSENTIAL, IT IS HELPFUL IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY HELD A HOLIDAY JOB —

This gives the employer a peek into what you will be like as an employee – it’s not so much about what you were doing, but how you did it. For you, this work experience gives you an insight into what employers require, and the chance to develop key skills in a work setting. You may be able to use some of your experiences to highlight your positive qualities and attributes the interviewer is looking for.

ALL THE BEST, AND ALWAYS GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT!

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 40

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by PETER McDERMOTT

JOB SECURITY AND DIVERSITY

PATHWAYS TO AGRICULTURE

COURTNEY MITCHELL INITIALLY HAD HER SIGHTS SET ON BECOMING A VET, BUT WHEN SHE MISSED OUT SHE ENROLLED IN A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY, MAJORING IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND ANIMAL SCIENCE. SHE HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK.

Four years on, she has recently completed a one-year Honours degree in Agricultural Science and is working as a junior research officer at Massey University, in the soil and earth sciences group.

“My role primarily involves facilitating and organising various research projects, as well as helping with the sustainable nutrient management courses through tutoring, marking assignments, and running case-study farms through the overseer programme.”

Courtney developed a love for the land growing up on her family’s sheep and beef farm in northern Manawatu. At Feilding High School, she took biology, chemistry, physics, statistics and English in her final year. Although chosen with a career in veterinary in mind, these subjects set Courtney up well for her Bachelor of Science degree. In hindsight, she says, throwing agriculture into the mix would have been beneficial too.

Courtney says the number one drawcard for choosing a career in agriculture was job security. “Food production is essential and the primary industries sector is fundamental to New Zealand’s economy. There will always be career opportunities in this industry.

“Agriculture is also so diverse and the career opportunities are endless.

It’s refreshing to know that you are not confined to one career path.”

During her time at Massey, Courtney was awarded a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship, which has meant much more to her than financial assistance.

“It has solidified my passion to pursue a career in the agricultural industry, most specifically within the sheep and beef sector.

“THERE WILL ALWAYS BE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS INDUSTRY. AGRICULTURE IS ALSO SO DIVERSE AND THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS. IT’S REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT CONFINED TO ONE CAREER PATH.” — Courtney Mitchell

“There is a misconception that you have to be off a sheep and beef farm to be granted a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship, but it is all about finding scholars with the right attitude, and a passion and drive for success in the sheep and beef sector.”

As for long-term goals, 22-year-old Courtney would love to end up on her own piece of land one day. “Aside from that, I would really like to get into the farm or science extension side of things. I also have a passion for environmental management, so I could also see myself in that field as well.”

Her advice to others considering a career in agriculture? “Tag along with an industry professional for the day if possible.” And remember there are many different pathways into agriculture.

“University isn’t for everyone. There are some very successful people I know who have done extremely well after secondary school and have not got a degree behind them. They are successful because they continue to work hard and are passionate about what they do.” www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

KEY FACTS ■ COURTNEY MITCHELL IS A JUNIOR RESEARCH OFFICER AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY, WHICH IS WHERE SHE GRADUATED FROM WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MAJORING IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND ANIMAL SCIENCE. ■ SHE TOOK BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, STATISTICS AND ENGLISH AS SUBJECTS AT HIGH SCHOOL, AND WOULD ALSO HAVE FOUND AGRICULTURE USEFUL.

For more information on careers in Agriculture, visit www.getahead.co.nz

FROM DISHWASHING TO AWARD-WINNING CHEF

written by SARA CARBERY photography by PETER McDERMOTT

PETER DANN NEVER SET OUT TO BE AN AWARD-WINNING CHEF; IN FACT, HE NEVER SET OUT TO BE A CHEF AT ALL. Peter first set foot in a professional kitchen as a 15-year-old when he sought to earn a bit of money and landed a dishwashing job in a Palmerston North restaurant. This part-time job led to an apprenticeship at age 17, and last year, to a winning title – New Zealand’s 2015 ServiceIQ Apprentice Chef of the Year. “It’s not a romantic story.

I started out doing dishes, ended up cooking, found I was good at it, and here we are.”

Before his part-time job, he was no stranger to the kitchen as a homeschooled teenager. “Mum made sure all us boys learnt to cook so we could look after ourselves when we left home.” Peter quickly fell in love with his new profession.

“I got pretty consumed by it.”

He is a talented musician, and cooking also satisfies his creative side. “I tried painting and drawing but cooking was the first thing I found where I could express myself. It’s the ultimate art form – you have to use all five of your senses when you’re creating a dish.”

It was this creativity that won Peter his title. His award-winning dish – “roasted Saveur duck breast served with jet black rice, caramel dark medjool date, bright green snap peas, crisp watercress salad and the sweet intensity of beetroot chutney” – is described as “a delicately

designed and detailed symphony of delicious colours and flavours”.

As well as being creatively challenging, cooking challenges 22-year-old Peter physically too. “You have to look after your body so you can work long hours, which is fun for me, as I’ve always been into sport.”

And it’s also mentally demanding. “There is never a moment when you can’t be learning something or aren’t being challenged in some way.”

Peter, who is completing his apprenticeship at the Copthorne Hotel in Palmerston North under his mentor Jono Mawley, is looking forward to spreading his wings and working in kitchens around the globe. His first stop will be Melbourne, where he recently spent two weeks at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – his prize for winning the award.

His culinary goal is to be part of a team that achieves a Michelin star (the international hallmark of fine dining) by the time he’s 30. And after that, who knows? “You only live once and I want to experience lots of different things in life.”

Peter’s advice to wannabe chefs? Being a good chef isn’t easy, you need to be driven and self-motivated to be successful. “If you want to do well in anything, you need to find what you’re passionate about, and obsess over it. It’s all about attitude.”

KEY FACTS

For more information on Cookery Apprenticeships through ServiceIQ, visit www.ServiceIQ.org.nz/ training/apprenticeships

■ PETER DANN IS NEW ZEALAND’S 2015 SERVICEIQ APPRENTICE CHEF OF THE YEAR. ■ HE IS COMPLETING HIS APPRENTICESHIP AT THE COPTHORNE HOTEL IN PALMERSTON NORTH UNDER MENTOR JONO MAWLEY. Issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

APPRENTICE: CHEF

CONSUMED BY GOOD FOOD

41

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER 42

written by KIM TAYLOR

photograph by PETER McDERMOTT

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

EARLY CHILDHOOD VIA BLENDED DELIVERY A FIRM BELIEF THAT THE EARLY YEARS ARE CRITICAL IN A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT AND A LOVE FOR CHILDREN COMPELLED LEVIN’S AMBER WAHO TO PURSUE A CAREER AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER. Of Māori and Irish descent, Amber started tertiary education seven years ago, but had to put her ambitions on hold after the death of her parents.

“The support from my parents helped me to start off my career, and after a long break I’m now back into it and out to achieve the goal that I had set all those years ago, knowing that it would make my parents proud.”

Now a 31-year-old mother of three and juggling her studies with two part-time jobs, Amber never lost her passion for early childhood education; last year she enrolled at Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand and is studying towards a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood.

Amber attended Waiopehu College where she studied maths, English, science, social studies and physical education. She also undertook art, outdoor pursuits and Māori as option classes.

Looking back on her own experience, Amber advises students who are interested in studying early childhood education to be passionate about teaching and helping young children, rather than focusing on subject choices.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember and I always knew that one day I would become one.”

“When you are able to help a child achieve a goal or gain confidence in something it is a priceless moment and something that gives you such a sense of satisfaction that you have helped make a difference in this child’s life.”

Amber chose early childhood because she loves seeing young children achieve a goal they have

■ AMBER WAHO IS STUDYING A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION — EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH TE RITO MAIOHA BY BLENDED DELIVERY. ■ SHE SUGGESTS THOSE INTERESTED IN STUDYING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION BE PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING AND HELPING YOUNG CHILDREN. ■ BLENDED DELIVERY MEANS A MIX OF FACE-TO-FACE BLOCK COURSES WITH ONLINE GROUP ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES, OFFERING YOU THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Children are our future, is teaching them yours?

Now be based anywhere in New Zealand with our Flexi-learn model!

Teaching our youngest citizens and setting them up for life-long learning is an incredibly rewarding career.

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) will prepare you for teacher registration and postgraduate study. No day will be the same when you work in a role that couples knowledge with nurturing.

Learn, teach and earn!

ECNZ’s centre-based degree allows you to study and work at the same time. What you learn in class or in online discussion one day, you can apply the very next day in your ECE working environment.

Applications close 1 December 2016 for study beginning February 2017.

GO TO Piki mai ki runga i tō mātou waka.

Tukua mai tō tono.

ecnz.ac.nz TO FIND OUT MORE

KEY FACTS

E enrol@ecnz.ac.nz P 0800 244 532

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

been trying to accomplish, and believes it is such a great reward.

Due to her work and family commitments, Amber is in the first intake of students to study through Te Rito Maioha by blended delivery. This allows her to continue working as well as studying and looking after her family. She started study midway through 2015 and is coming to the end of her first year.

“There have definitely been challenging times but as long as you have good time-management skills and have the determination to succeed you will. You form some very strong relationships with people in your class/group and the staff at Te Rito Maioha are amazing and so keen to help whenever they can.

“I enjoy all aspects of early childhood teaching but especially at the end of the day when the children come and give me a hug before they go home, that’s one of the greatest rewards.”

“I ENJOY ALL ASPECTS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING BUT ESPECIALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN THE CHILDREN COME AND GIVE ME A HUG BEFORE THEY GO HOME, THAT’S ONE OF THE GREATEST REWARDS.” – Amber Waho

43

For more information on studying Early Childhood Education through Te Rito Maioha, visit www.ecnz.ac.nz

OF

I ’m practical & I enjoy being active.

My path is Orange.

Side 1 The concept is to have full panel graphics 1200 wide x 2000 deep (These can be made to fit the octonorn spec’s) We need to mount a 32” TV in the position shown to play continuous vidieo clips.

Power will need to be able to be provided to the console for both the TV & Lighting

www.justthejob.co.nz New Zealand’s Career Seekers Inspirational

a Youth Guarantee

Side panels can be around 3-400mm to provide stability for free standing modules.

Side 2

Colour your

future

See graphics

OF

worldofwork.org.nz

Video Website. you Level 2 as Gain NCEA pathway from follow your to earning. learning

n& Constructio re Infrastructu

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is industry that ng Be part of an ining and repairi up. building, mainta the ground - from below New Zealand include: Jobs in this sector er / Earthworks Engine Builder / Civil Designer / Project or / Interior and more Operat t Forklif Architect ... or / Welder / Manager / Survey

See us at the Careers Expo for expert advice on : Creating Awesome CVs / Savvy Job Searches / Check out what bosses really want / and so much more to help you.

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Christchurch 12-14 May Auckland 26-28 May Hamilton 12-13 June Wellington 17-18 June careersexpo.org.nz

initiative

FORESTRY SCIENCE

LOVING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

FORESTRY: AN INDUSTRY OF GREAT VARIETY

written by CAMPBELL BURNES photograph credit: RAYONIER/MATARIKI FORESTS

JOSH TANSEY LOVES HIS JOB, AND HIS WORK GIVES HIM GRATIFYING MOMENTS THAT HE JUST WOULDN’T GET SITTING BEHIND A DESK IN AN OFFICE.

44

“Instead of just being theory, we had a lot of field trips, which gave a good perspective of what forestry was about.”

– Josh Tansey

The 22-year-old has put his forestry science degree to good use and is now employed at Rangiora-based company Rayonier.

In 2005, Rayonier became a partner in, and manager of, Matariki Forests – a 132,000 hectare forest estate.

Josh’s area amounts to some 30,000 hectares of mainly production forest, such as pine.

Through his schooling at St Thomas’ in Christchurch, Josh never had a clear idea of what he wanted to do, until Year 13. “Before that, I hadn’t thought about it too much, but then I took an interest in forestry, did a bit of research and went from there.”

The Bachelor of Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury is one-of-a-kind in New Zealand, and Josh was fortunate in that he did not have to uproot his life in order to follow his calling. Forestry Science is a four-year degree, and offers a good mix of theory and practical, with small classes.

“Instead of just being theory, we had a lot of field trips, which gave a good www.leavingschool.co.nz

FORESTER / LOG PRODUCTION COORDINATOR JOSH TANSEY (RIGHT) TALKS SEEDLINGS WITH FRANCOIS SMIT, HEAD NURSERYMAN (OPERATIONS MANAGER) FOR RANGIORA NURSERY, AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY THAT CONTRACTS TO SUPPLY SEEDLINGS TO RAYONIER NEW ZEALAND LTD.

KEY FACTS

■ JOSH TANSEY HAS A BACHELOR OF FORESTRY SCIENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY. ■ HE WORKS FOR RAYONIER, A PARTNER AND MANAGER OF MATARIKI FORESTS — A 132,000 HECTARE FOREST ESTATE. ■ JOSH SAYS MATHS, ECONOMICS, SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY ARE USEFUL NCEA SUBJECTS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO ENTER THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY.

For more information on studying Forestry Science through the University of Canterbury, visit www.forestry.ac.nz perspective of what forestry was about,” he says.

And in fortuitous timing, he picked up a position at Rayonier as soon as he finished his studies. He’s got a decent set of wheels under him – a Toyota Hilux – and on any given day you might find him

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

anywhere between Hanmer and the Rakaia Gorge, looking after aerial chemical spraying operations, prepping land for clearance to replant, or dodging wildlife.

His work is interesting and varied, and Josh says he tends to stay back at the office to catch up on his

paperwork if the weather packs in.

His work will soon switch to the harvesting side, looking into wood flows and organising the cutting into many tons a year, which makes up the forestry export business.

The perks of his job are clear, “In some of the places we go, like looking out from the Canterbury foot hills over the Canterbury plains on a daily basis, you can see stuff people just don’t get in the city. There might be a cloud of fog over Christchurch, and we’ve just been in clear, blue skies.”

Though Josh did not have a clear idea of his vocation until his final year at St Thomas’, he did take most of the core subjects that he finds useful or crucial on a daily basis – such as maths, science and even economics.

Although he says, “I never studied biology at school, but it’s pretty handy. The other subjects will keep you up to speed,” he says.

So if you’re into the outdoors and have an interest and aptitude for working on the land, then you could follow Josh into the forestry industry.

written by CAMPBELL BURNES

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

SELF-EMPLOYED AND TRAVELLING WELL

AT 23, FULLY QUALIFIED PLUMBER KURT DAVIES ALREADY HAS HIS OWN BUSINESS AND A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN HIS WORK THAT MOST CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT.

There is always plenty of work around for plumbers if they are industrious – and Kurt is a one-stop shop as he is qualified in gasfitting and drain laying, meaning clients do not have to bring in three separate tradies.

“The sky’s the limit for how much money you want to earn. It depends on how hard you want to work,” says Kurt, whose business is called Elements Plumbing and Gas. “Plumbing was one of the first trades in the world. The Romans were doing it when we were walking around in caves. And it’ll be one of the last, as it’s something everyone needs.”

While Kurt knows he can charge time-and-a-half for weekend callouts and triple time for public holidays, he doesn’t work every available hour.

“It’s a lifestyle thing. I don’t want to stress myself out, so I pick and choose the jobs I want.”

And although he has to knuckle down and do paperwork at night, some days he might be finished by 3 pm and off for a surf.

“Every day is different. The plumbing industry is so big.”

Kurt fell into the industry by accident.

“I finished Westlake Boys’ High School and had been home for two weeks, with no idea what I wanted to do. I went over to help out one of Dad’s mates with some plumbing for a couple of days and I thought it was great, getting paid for smoko and working out.”

He duly enrolled in Unitec’s plumbing course. He graduated two years ago and won a Youth Leadership award for gasfitting to boot. He is as qualified as you can get in the industry, which

“THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR HOW MUCH MONEY YOU WANT TO EARN. IT DEPENDS ON HOW HARD YOU WANT TO WORK.” — Kurt Davies

theory side is important. You can be the best plumber in the world with your hands, but if you don’t know the rules or regulations or have that certificate to say you are qualified, people won’t be able to pay you as much and you won’t be able to sign off the jobs.”

To that end, Kurt would advise school leavers thinking of entering the industry to study maths, English, geography and science. Geography, in particular, via knowledge of the contours of the land, will be invaluable, he says.

Kurt only started his business in January, after a year backpacking overseas. But, it’s now that he’s travelling nicely.

KEY FACTS

■ KURT DAVIES IS A FULLY QUALIFIED PLUMBER, GASFITTER AND DRAINLAYER, HE STUDIED AT UNITEC. ■ HE IS SELF-EMPLOYED AND OWNS ELEMENTS PLUMBING AND GAS. ■ KURT ADVISES SCHOOL LEAVERS INTERESTED IN PLUMBING TO STUDY MATHS, ENGLISH, GEOGRAPHY AND SCIENCE.

is critical when trying to make a name for yourself.

“While you are at Unitec, get as many [plumbing] qualifications as you can. I did them all even though

they are separate. I can show up to a site and do plumbing, gasfitting or drain laying for the client,” he says.

“The number one thing is that as much as it is a practical trade, the

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

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

PLUMBER

THREE TRADES IN ONE

45

KIWISAVER GUIDE

46

written by DIANA CLEMENT

illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

MAKE YOUR MONEY GROW

HOW TO HAVE KIWISAVER WORK FOR YOU DO YOU WANT TO BE A FINANCIAL WINNER IN LIFE? BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IF YOU START PLACING A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY INTO KIWISAVER EACH WEEK OR MONTH YOUR SAVINGS WILL BE SET FOR LIFE. HERE’S WHY: IT’S NOT MUCH. If you’re a student, it’s likely that you are not earning a lot, so three per cent of your wages is quite a small amount.

If you can get yourself into the habit of saving that money, and keep the momentum up, you’ll be setting yourself up well. That’s because money invested now and left alone will grow, and grow, and grow.

One way to ensure you have the cash for your three per cent contribution is to arrange for it to come out of your wages before you receive it. You won’t miss it.

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME. You might hear that homes

are unaffordable right now. KiwiSaver can help with that. You can withdraw your contributions, your employee’s contributions and any investment

growth, when you want to buy your first home.

You’ll probably qualify for a free HomeStart grant from the government as well, which can be as much as $20,000 for a couple. If you start saving a little into KiwiSaver every month you’ll be amazed at how quickly your first home deposit grows. Regular saving is magic like that.

YOU GET FREE MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. For every

one dollar you invest in KiwiSaver, the government chucks in another 50 cents. The most the government tops ups in one year is $521. But that’s not to be sneezed at. Over a lifetime of saving that $521 tax credit each year adds up to an awful lot – according to the folks at Sorted.org.nz those tax credits would grow to around $35,940 in today’s money, over your working life.

OTHER SMART YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DOING IT. You may not

want to listen to your parents and maybe not even financial professionals, but listen to Lynn Lai, founder of SaVy.org.nz, which is for youth, by youth.

Lai has not long graduated from university and finds KiwiSaver to be a good passive way to save for retirement or a first home.

“The employer contributions help too,” she says. And – even though they know nothing – ask your parents when they started saving. There’s a higher chance that those who put a little away from day one can afford nice homes, take holidays without borrowing and aren’t stressing about where the next dollar is coming from.

IT TEACHES YOU GOOD HABITS. Savers

There’s a higher chance that those who put a little away from day one can afford nice homes, take holidays without borrowing and aren’t stressing about where the next dollar is coming from.

have less stress in their lives.That’s because when a saver really needs something (not wants), the money is there. What’s more, savers learn to delay gratification until they can afford something.

Whatever you do, look for ways you can make this work and not for excuses not to do it. Having a can-do attitude helps you get ahead in life in many more ways than financially.

KEY FACTS ■ YOU CAN ARRANGE FOR YOUR KIWISAVER CONTRIBUTION TO COME OUT OF YOUR WAGES BEFORE YOU RECEIVE IT. ■ FOR EVERY ONE DOLLAR YOU INVEST IN KIWISAVER, THE GOVERNMENT TOPS UP A FURTHER 50 CENTS. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTRIBUTE IN ONE YEAR IS $521.00.

www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

For more information on KiwiSaver, visit www.sorted.org.nz/guides/ kiwisaver-how-it-works

COMPETITION WINNER

COVER DESIGN WINNER

47

$1000 PRIZE WINNER

written by ELISE McDOWELL

THERE WAS A STRONG RESPONSE TO THE COVER DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH RAN IN THE LAST ISSUE OF THE LEAVING SCHOOL MAGAZINE. THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION IS BRADLEY YOUNG, A YEAR 13 STUDENT AT BOTANY DOWNS SECONDARY COLLEGE IN AUCKLAND. The calibre of entries was very high, but it was Bradley’s well considered and high quality entry that stood out from the crowd. We catch up with Bradley...

CURRENT SITUATION…

I am Year 13 at Botany Downs Secondary College and take design, digital technologies, English, maths and sports leadership.

ON HIS CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN CREATING HIS WINNING ENTRY:

Get the Whitecliffe Edge Whitecliffe is an award-winning arts and design, tertiary education specialist

FINE ARTS FASHION DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTO MEDIA

Because this was a design for a leaving school magazine, I tried to create something that involves different careers that many students might pursue.

Using Photoshop and a Wacom tablet I drew the simple design.

I plan to go to AUT, ACG Yoobee School of Design, Media Design School or Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design and study either communicative design, digital design or web design/web development.

HIS CURRENT ART PROJECTS INCLUDE…

Currently I am working on a CD cover for a band called Silent Torture and also working on my portfolio to apply to university.

ON A ROLL WINNING DESIGN COMPETITIONS, HIS TALENT IS BEING NOTICED:

I have also won another design competition for a dance crew based in LA called the Kinjaz. They held a fan art competition on their Instagram with the winner winning one of their signature jackets. The top three were nominated from a few hundred entries and then the winner was decided by the number of likes on Instagram. My entry ended up winning with just over 4000 likes.

Whitecliffe graduates are articulate, innovative creative thinkers with broad skills and a high level of industry standard technical proficiency. They create powerful and compelling visual expressions of their ideas, are leaders in the creative industries, and shape contemporary culture.

JULY INTAKE Certificate in Digital Media and Design or Certificate in Arts and Design.

No portfolio required for acceptance.

REGISTER 2016 Open Days 1 – 4 August whitecliffe.ac.nz

CHALITA UTTASART

WHAT HIS PLANS ARE FOR NEXT YEAR:

LATTITUDE GAP YEAR

written by SARA CARBERY

photographs by NATASHA COX and JESSICA WESTON

A YEAR OF CHALLENGE

VOLUNTEERING WITH LATTITUDE IN ECUADOR AS LUCY STOTTER’S OLDER SISTERS BOTH CHOSE TO TAKE A GAP YEAR AFTER SCHOOL, SHE KNEW FIRST-HAND THE VALUE OF ‘A YEAR OFF’ – ALTHOUGH THAT’S NOT HOW SHE THINKS OF IT.

48

“I feel as though gap years are often misinterpreted as a ‘year off’, whereas I found it was an enormous learning experience; maybe not in the learning environment of a classroom, but an opportunity to learn life skills.”

A few months after finishing Year 13 at Hutt Valley High School, Lucy set off for Ecuador as part of the Lattitude Global Volunteering programme. There, she spent five months living with a local family and volunteering; in the mornings she worked at a school for children with special needs, and in the afternoons at a centre for disadvantaged children.

“Set your gap year as a year of challenge. It may seem scary, but you will come out the other side having grown so much as an individual.”

— Lucy Stotter “These placements were challenging at times, but at the same time so rewarding.”

Lucy was no stranger to Lattitude, having observed what her oldest sister got out of her placement to Poland. “I knew it was an opportunity to see a new part of the world, make new friends with similar interests, live with a host family, be exposed to another culture and language and help underprivileged children.” www.leavingschool.co.nz

After her time volunteering, Lucy spent a further three months backpacking through South America. Alongside a fellow Kiwi volunteer, she travelled well over 10,000 kilometres exploring “amazing landscapes” such as the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and the Atacama Desert.

Although Lucy studied Spanish in Year 13, she was still not overly confident in using the language before she left. This wasn’t a barrier however, as Lucy and the other volunteers took a 10-day Spanish course on arrival. After months of total immersion, she left South America able to speak the language. “I was living and working with people who spoke, in most cases, no English at all, which was really hard but worth it in the long run.”

After arriving home in October last year, it took Lucy (19) a few months to decide on her next move.

“I guess my year away just opened up my view on how many options there really are out there.”

She is now at Victoria University studying towards a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Cultural Anthropology and Psychology, with a minor in Development Studies.

“It has taken awhile to get used to the university environment but I’m loving the content of my courses and learning new things all the time.”

Her advice to others considering a gap year is: “Set your gap year as a year of challenge. It may seem scary, but you will come out the other side having grown so much as an individual, with a much better understanding of global issues and how people live in other parts of the world.”

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

KEY FACTS

■ LUCY STOTTER SPENT A GAP YEAR OVERSEAS DOING PLACEMENTS WITH LATTITUDE GLOBAL VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTH AMERICA. ■ SHE WORKED AT A SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, AND AT A CENTRE FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN. ■ AFTER HER GAP YEAR, LUCY RETURNED HOME AND ENROLLED IN A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON.

For more information on Lattitude Global Volunteering visit www.lattitude.org.nz

ADVOCATING FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS

written by SAM GRIBBEN

photo credit IKA SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

ENTERING THE WORKFORCE IS AN EXTREMELY EXCITING PROSPECT. THERE’S A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY OUT THERE AND MANY WAYS YOU CAN MAKE YOUR MARK. WHETHER YOU’RE GOING STRAIGHT TO UNIVERSITY, HEADFIRST INTO A CAREER OR JUST TAKING IT EASY FOR A BIT, YOU’RE IN AN ENVIABLE POSITION! Unfortunately, the workplace can be pretty tough, especially for young workers. In New Zealand and around the world, the nature of work is changing. It’s getting harder to find steady work with guaranteed hours and fair conditions.

You’re going to see a lot of changes over your working life. You might have heard about automation, the process that’s seeing technology taking over traditional jobs very quickly. Think self-checkouts, the new ordering screens at McDonald’s, or apps like Uber that are replacing the administration side of work.

In some ways it’s cool to think that in our lifetimes, robots may end up doing the hard yards while we have more time to ourselves.

The scary thing is, humans just aren’t prepared for that. Our society is set up on the idea that in order to live comfortably, you have to sell your time, mind and muscle to someone else, in the form of a day job.

So as we move into an uncertain future, who’s got your back? Unions.

Unions are simply a group of dedicated workers who get together to make sure people have as much power at work as possible. Power to negotiate fair wages, power to

ensure workplaces are healthy and safe, and so on.

Minimum wages. Sick leave. Holiday pay. Lunch breaks. Privacy rights.

Even weekends! These aren’t just things that fell from the sky – unions fought hard for these things.

You have many other rights at work too. The right to a written employment agreement, a healthy and safe work environment, at least four weeks of annual holidays, at least 11 public holidays, at least five days paid sick leave – these are all

WORKERS' RIGHTS

GETTING TO KNOW UNIONS

49

bare minimums that are guaranteed by law. Unions are the best vehicle to make sure you understand and benefit from the rights you have.

Unions do plenty more as well.

If you get into any trouble at work or are treated unfairly, unions have lawyers and advocates that will help you.

They sort out training and up-skilling opportunities to get you on the best track. Most unions have other benefits like discounts on insurance and holiday homes.

If you want the best protection and representation on the job, there’s an easy first step: join a union.

The biggest private sector (non-government) union in New Zealand is E tū. They’re happy to answer any questions you have, or point you towards the right union for your line of work.

Minimum wages. Sick leave. Holiday pay. Lunch breaks. Privacy rights.

Even weekends! These aren’t just things that fell from the sky – unions fought hard for these things.

KEY FACTS ■ JOINING A UNION IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO ENSURE YOU GET FAIR PAY, HAVE GOOD TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND HAVE A SAY AT WORK. ■ E TU PROVIDES MEMBERS WITH WORKPLACE REPRESENTATION, LEGAL ADVICE, A FREEPHONE SUPPORT CENTRE, EDUCATION ON WORKRIGHTS AND A POLITICAL VOICE.

For more information on New Zealand’s biggest private sector union, visit www.etu.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

A FLOWERING CAREER

FLORIST

INSPIRED BY NATURE AND CREATIVE DESIGN

50

written by KIM TAYLOR photograph by ALAN STEVENS

A CHANCE MEETING WITH A FLORIST MORE THAN A DECADE AGO PLANTED A SEED THAT HAS NOW BLOSSOMED INTO A FULFILLING CAREER FOR AUCKLANDER TAMARA EVANS. The 28-year-old worked in banking and administration for many years before returning to study, enrolling at Academy New Zealand School of Floristry and reigniting a passion for nature and the outdoors.

“When I was 16 I had an interaction with a florist that really got me thinking, but it took me a long time to act on those thoughts. Once I did, I’ve never looked back and I wish I had pursued this straight out of school.”

At Kelston Girls’ College, Tamara studied most of the sciences but struggled with the balance of achieving good results in subjects that her parents wanted her to do well in and finding interests and subjects that she was passionate about.

She highly recommends any students interested in the floristry industry to keep design-focused subjects in mind.

“Understanding the principles of design will set students up with a good base knowledge that will help in any aspect of floristry. Being a creative person and someone who likes working with people is important.”

The class at Academy had eight students, which was the perfect number to allow everyone to be individuals and have one-on-one time with the tutor. A minimum of three days is spent working with a florist to get practical experience, and there are opportunities for casual work at wholesalers and assisting on projects like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, where extra hands are needed to fulfill big flower orders for retailers.

Tamara loves working with slightly unusual flowers such as succulents or using mainly foliage rather than just flowers. Creative outlets are endless and she is currently freelancing, picking

“Understanding the principles of design will set students up with a good base knowledge that will help in any aspect of floristry. Being a creative person and someone who likes working with people is important.” — Tamara Evans

up contracts through the contacts she has made, including doing a few styled photoshoots for advertising and magazines.

The Floristry course at Mt Wellington in Auckland is situated among a hub of industry retailers, and close to where the flower auctions and wholesalers are located. The 32-week programme is run by an experienced tutor with an extensive network of contacts in the industry.

Tamara admits that although it took a few years before deciding on which way her career was headed, studying floristry is the best thing she’s ever done.

“In the future I’d definitely like to start a business, not necessarily a shop but a wedding and event styling and coordinating company. With the basic business principles I’ve learnt and a little extra study I feel really prepared to start that journey.”

KEY FACTS For more information on studying Floristry through Academy New Zealand, visit www.floristry.school.nz

www.leavingschool.co.nz

■ TAMARA EVANS STUDIED FLORISTRY IN A 32-WEEK PROGRAMME THROUGH ACADEMY NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF FLORISTRY IN MT WELLINGTON, AUCKLAND. ■ FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE FLORISTRY INDUSTRY, SHE RECOMMENDS STUDYING DESIGN-FOCUSED SUBJECTS AT SCHOOL.

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

ENROL NOW FOR JULY 2016

Do you have the personality for hospitality’?

Cookery Cookery (advanced) Hospitality Management Hotel Management apply@nsia.ac.nz Text NSIA to 2878 for more info *Standard text costs apply

nsia.co.nz

Information technology 52

written by CAMPBELL BURNES

photograph by JAMES JUBB

PEOPLE SKILLS CRITICAL

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: FIND YOUR NICHE TRAVIS HUBBER DEFINITELY KNOWS HIS WAY AROUND A COMPUTER, BUT IT IS HIS PEOPLE SKILLS THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO HIM PERFORMING HIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY. The 25-year-old is an information technology application specialist at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), the Invercargill-based tertiary institution he graduated with a Bachelor of Information Technology from in 2015.

IT is his passion, and Travis believes that this is the crucial base to launch yourself from into a career in this growth industry. But, for Travis, it did not just happen overnight. After leaving Central Southland College in Winton, he did odd jobs – such as at the local meat-works.

He then headed north to Christchurch to start an IT course. It didn’t get off the ground, as it were. He was in the CBD on February 22 when the earthquake struck. Understandably unnerved, he didn’t hang around and headed home to Southland.

“It’s often not what they teach you in school that will help in a degree. It’s about perseverance and perhaps experimenting with a bit of programming or networking in your free time.”

Travis took his time with his study, and managed to secure his current job even before graduating. He advises that there are plenty of opportunities in New Zealand and worldwide to make good money.

“As long as you are passionate about IT, there is something within your field where you can find your niche,” he says.

The base knowledge that a degree in IT can give means that the world really will be your oyster.

KEY FACTS

“IT’S OFTEN NOT WHAT THEY TEACH YOU IN SCHOOL THAT WILL HELP IN A DEGREE. IT’S ABOUT PERSEVERANCE AND PERHAPS EXPERIMENTING WITH A BIT OF PROGRAMMING OR NETWORKING IN YOUR FREE TIME.” — Travis Hubber

There he started at SIT and very quickly discovered that the course was all he had been looking for.

“The lecturers were brilliant. I’ve studied at other institutions and these lecturers were much more approachable and knowledgeable.

You also felt like they wanted you to do your best,” says Travis.

The degree offers a good balance between the technical aspects of IT and the ability to upskill with community project work and volunteering. Travis stresses the ability to interact with people.

It’s not just about sitting in a basement in a darkened room www.leavingschool.co.nz

■ TRAVIS HUBBER HAS A BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FROM SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HE NOW WORKS AT SIT AS AN IT APPLICATION SPECIALIST.

doing programming. “You need to be looking for opportunities. They are not going to come to you.”

Now in his job at SIT, he is one of 10 staff members in the IT department.

He finds it offers plenty of variety without the punishing hours some may associate with the industry.

“A big part of what I do is to support the users and how they interact with

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

the digital system that SIT uses.

You also have to know how people work, otherwise you may as well just have them using pen and paper!”

Travis’s advice to school leavers is to fuel their passion, and other than taking computer classes at school, there are no specific subjects that may be more useful than others.

■ TRAVIS ADVISES SCHOOL LEAVERS INTERESTED IN IT TO TAKE COMPUTER CLASSES AT SCHOOL, AND TO EXPERIMENT WITH PROGRAMMING AND NETWORKING.

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

PUTTING THE CLASSROOM INTO PRACTICE

written by KIM TAYLOR photograph by ALAN STEVENS

IT TOOK A DECADE AFTER LEAVING HIGH SCHOOL BUT KYLIE GREIG HAS FINALLY FOUND HER HAPPY PLACE, DISPENSING MEDICATIONS, SELLING OVER THE COUNTER AND INTERACTING WITH CUSTOMERS ON A DAILY BASIS IN HER CAREER AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN. Kylie always yearned for a pharmacy job but wasn’t quite sure how to get her foot in the door.

“Since the age of 15 I’ve always wanted to work in pharmacy. I applied for a few pharmacy jobs and made it to the interview stage but was never successful as they generally employed someone with experience.”

“I had no experience in pharmacy before I started at Academy and the course really increased my confidence and helped me become familiar with the way pharmacies work.”

Taupo to study in Auckland almost four years ago was a straightforward transition for Kylie, and she clicked immediately with her teachers and 20 fellow classmates. On-the-job learning was an important part of study and Kylie relished the opportunity to put what she learnt in class into practice.

The knowledge gained through her study at Academy New Zealand prepared her for working fulltime as a pharmacy technician, equipped her for working in a dispensary and also with selling over-the-counter products.

“I had no experience in pharmacy before I started at Academy and the course really increased my

confidence and helped me become familiar with the way pharmacies work.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

PURSUING PHARMACY DREAMS

53

“I gained work experience as a pharmacy assistant on the North Shore in both years of study and that particular pharmacy also offered me a part-time job which helped financially while studying.”

Kylie advises high school students interested in working in a pharmacy to have a look at the course structure online and take the leap.

“You can get accepted onto the course without any previous pharmacy experience and there is a good chance of getting a pharmacy technician job once graduating.”

— Kylie Greig Putting her pharmacy ambitions on the backburner, Kylie settled into a local job at a supermarket in Taupo. Ten years passed before she made the decision to pursue her original dream, and she discovered an avenue into the industry through Academy New Zealand and their pharmacy technician course in Auckland.

Looking back, Kylie wishes she had chosen to pursue further study earlier, but she wasn’t clear on a way forward after graduating from Tauhara College in Taupo.

“Students should be aware that [when] training to be a pharmacy technician you need to have passed English Level 2, have good written and oral skills, and reasonable maths skills are beneficial.

“English, science, human biology, biology and maths were my main subjects at school.”

Kylie says the two-year course required determination, hard work and dedication. The 29-year-old graduated with Certificates in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) – Levels 4 and 5 and is currently working at Cranwell’s Pharmacy in Auckland. Moving from

KEY FACTS ■ KYLIE GREIG IS WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN AUCKLAND. ■ HER TWO-YEAR COURSE THROUGH ACADEMY NEW ZEALAND SAW HER GRADUATE WITH CERTIFICATES IN PHARMACY (PHARMACY TECHNICIAN) — LEVELS 4 AND 5.

■ 92 PER CENT OF ACADEMY PHARMACY GRADUATES ARE IN INDUSTRY-RELATED EMPLOYMENT.

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

For more information on studying Pharmacy through Academy New Zealand, visit www.pharmacy.school.nz

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

VISUAL ARTIST

written by PETER WHITE

photography by ALAN STEVENS

GOING GLOBAL WITH BIG BRANDS SHOWCASING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD IN A BID TO ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS HAS GIVEN 25-YEAR-OLD AUCKLANDER JEREMY KYLE (OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CMYKYLES) A FLYING START TO HIS CAREER AS A VISUAL ARTIST AND GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATOR. “I had a dream to work for names like Nike, Under Armour and Chicago Bulls, so I started creating content that would grab their attention, and now some of those dreams are coming true.”

— Jeremy Kyle He says taking advantage of the internet and social media to showcase his skills in illustration and visual communication has been crucial to his success.

“It’s all about your presentation, it directly affects the brand you’re wanting to build and the people you want to work with. If you want to work with stand-out brands you need to present yourself that way too. I had a dream to work for names like Nike, Under Armour and Chicago Bulls, so I started creating content that would grab their attention, and now some of those dreams are coming true.

“Through social media I’ve been talent scouted to work on global projects for these brands in front of millions of people. Utilising the internet, especially social media, has been a very powerful tool to reach a global audience.”

Jeremy attended Auckland’s St Kentigern College. While graphic design and art were his favourite subjects, he continued with English through to Year 13.

KEY FACTS

“I wasn’t all that good at English, particularly essays and speeches.

Most creatives tend to struggle in this area. I had to really apply myself in order to effectively communicate my ideas, but with perseverance and plenty of practice, this skill has opened up numerous opportunities to talk about my work in front of large audiences, inspiring creatives and other entrepreneurs both in New Zealand and overseas.

“It is best not to neglect that because if you are wanting to go into design and illustration, you really need to be able to communicate your ideas effectively.”

Jeremy studied at ACG Yoobee School of Design (formerly Natcoll Design Technology) and Unitec over a three-year period.

He completed a Diploma in Computer Graphic Design and Advanced Diploma in Digital Media from ACG Yoobee School of Design, and a Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts from Unitec.

“They are all very relevant to where I ended up because both of them played a very significant part in me becoming a visual artist and graphic illustrator.”

■ J EREMY KYLE IS A VISUAL ARTIST AND GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATOR. ■ HE HAS A DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN DIGITAL MEDIA FROM ACG YOOBEE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, AND A BACHELOR OF DESIGN AND VISUAL ARTS FROM UNITEC.

Whilst at Yoobee, Jeremy says he was “taught a very strong background in the technical side of design and illustration, especially in the commercial sense”.

At Unitec, the “focus was all about my conceptual ideas and how to communicate my art work and designs to my audience.”

As for his day to day, it “consists of creating artworks using watercolour and ink mixed media for commercial clients, visually communicating their story, brand, players [and] ideas in an artistic, emotive and eye-capturing way”. When he is not working for commercial clients, he creates fine art works for the public, so his work can be enjoyed in everyone’s homes.

Jeremy runs a unique programme of seminars and workshops to help inspire and empower young creatives and entrepreneurs.

“I have quite a passion for inspiring young creatives, especially in the sense I was once in a position that I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do. I never anticipated to be where I am, doing what I am, but I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change it for the world.”

For more information on studying Graphic Design through Unitec, visit www.unitec.ac.nz

IT ’S A BAKER’S LIFE

FOLLOWING IN FLOURY FOOTSTEPS

BAKER

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written by KIM TAYLOR photograph by CAMILA GUARNIZO

THE SMELL OF SCRUMPTIOUS HOT BREAD COMING OUT OF THE BAKERY OVEN IS A CHILDHOOD MEMORY BREE SCOTT HAS NEVER FORGOTTEN. “I would always be so eager to get up early and go into the bakery with Dad, waiting in the kitchen, legs swinging from the stool impatiently. It was like going to a magic show as I would see a bag of flour turn into hot bread streaming out of the oven to delicious cream-filled donuts.”

Not afraid of a challenge and well aware of the realities of a baker’s life, Bree embraced the early 4 am starts and set about carrying on the family legacy. Bree embarked on a baking apprenticeship through Competenz, confident in knowing her qualifications were national standard and recognised by the bakery industry.

“From learning the basics to expanding my skills through competitions to people skills, I am now in the process of establishing my own business and

have taken myself to the next level of learning.

I loved it and my passion is just growing every day I keep on carrying on with my baking career.”

At high school at Catholic Cathedral College in Christchurch, Bree studied music, history, PE, English and maths. As a teenager, she was not overly interested in having a career as a baker, so much so she did not even take home economics as a subject.

She was a keen sportswoman and also excelled at music, playing drums, singing and running orchestra classes, unsurprisingly she considered music as a good potential career choice.

“My love for baking and creating grew as I got older. Baking is something you have to love before you think about signing up for this trade. I would

recommend sticking with maths as it will help you in your technology papers!”

In 2014, Bree entered the Young Bread Baker of the Year competition. She won the title, and represented New Zealand at Australia’s LA Judge competition. Now a qualified craft baker, Bree has created a network within the industry, which has opened many doors.

Bakery is not just about making bread, Bree has a passion for making cheesecakes and cakes, and has set up her own business, called Glamour Cake, where her creativity and flare come to life.

“At the end of the day your only barrier is yourself, so it’s what you make of it and how far you are willing to push yourself, as to where you will end up.

“My advice to students is to know that good things take time and hard work. But, at the end of the day, you have to love what you do in order to push the limits and challenge yourself along the way.”

KEY FACTS

■ BREE SCOTT IS A QUALIFIED CRAFT BAKER, AND COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH COMPETENZ. ■ SHE RECOMMENDS MATHS AS A USEFUL HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT IF CONSIDERING A CAREER AS A BAKER. ■ BREE HAS STARTED HER OWN BUSINESS, GLAMOUR CAKE, WHERE SHE GETS TO PURSUE HER PASSION FOR CAKES AND CHEESECAKES.

“My love for baking and creating grew as I got older.

Baking is something you have to love before you think about signing up for this trade. — Bree Scott

www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

For more information on Bakery Apprenticeships through Competenz, visit www.competenz.org.nz/bakery

written by PETER WHITE

photo credit MANUKAU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

THINK BIG AND GO FOR IT

FROM HAMMER HAND TO QUALIFIED & CONFIDENT DOUG GRAHAM LOVES WORKING IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY, BUT AFTER MORE THAN 10 YEARS AS A LABOURER HE KNEW HE NEEDED A QUALIFICATION TO GET AHEAD.

QUALIFIED BUILDER

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“MPTT giving out scholarships to Māori and Pasifika is great because so many people like myself need it.

It is a good thing to do.”

— Doug Graham

Doug enrolled at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and studied part-time for a National Certificate in Carpentry – Level 4 while working.

It took him three years to achieve and he graduated last year.

He works constructing houses for builder John Matthews, with laying foundations being a speciality of the company.

“Now I am qualified I can do the foundations myself. I am more confident now and within another year I will be able to build houses on my own. Before I got qualified, I was just doing general stuff, labouring and pretty much just a hammer hand.”

Doug went to Tangaroa College in South Auckland, which former All Black Keven Mealamu also attended. English was his favourite subject, and

he regrets not pursuing a building qualification after he left school.

“I had no direction whatsoever. I pretty much just fell into a job. I should have got in there [further study with MIT] when I was younger.

“Don’t be a labourer your whole life. Think big and go for it. That is pretty much how I felt and what drove me to go for my certificate. My goal has always been to own my own business and train all these young people out of school. I think within another four to five years that will happen.”

He enjoyed his time studying at MIT, which he says is very family orientated.

“You always felt comfortable going there and […] they were always there to help you. One of them told me that no question is a dumb question, just ask and you will find out.”

Doug got a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) to cover tuition fees for the final two years of his studies. MPTT is an initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people aged 16–40 to gain trade qualifications, apprenticeships and employment.

“It really helped me on my journey. At the time I was struggling a bit with bills and stuff and then when I got the help it took a lot of weight off my shoulders. MPTT giving out scholarships to Māori and Pasifika is great because so many people like myself need it. It is a good thing to do.”

His advice to others considering a career in the building industry?

“The more knowledge you get now, the more time you have ahead to gain skills as well. Anybody can do it. With building the sky is the limit.”

KEY FACTS

■ DOUG GRAHAM STUDIED A NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN CARPENTRY — LEVEL 4 THROUGH MANUKAU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT).

■ HE SECURED A SCHOLARSHIP FROM MAORI AND PASIFIKA TRADES TRAINING (MPTT) TO COVER TUITION FEES.

For more information on studying Carpentry through Manukau Institute of Technology, visit www.manukau.ac.nz

For more information on joining Māori Pasifika Trades Training visit www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

ENROL NOW FOR JULY 2016

Become a qualified Pharmacy Technician 92% of our graduates to date are in industry related employment! pharmacy@intueri.co.nz Text ENROL to 2878 for more info pharmacy.school.nz *Standard text costs apply

VOCATIONS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

HAVE A PEEK AT SOME FASCINATING JOBS

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT WHICH PATH TO TAKE AFTER SCHOOL. IT’S EASY TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIGGER PICTURE – WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? WHAT JOB WILL HAVE YOU WAKING UP EACH MORNING AND LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING IT?

Here you’ll find profiles of civil service roles and positions within the Defence Force, and jobs that traditionally provide the most satisfaction.

Each of these categories profiles interesting occupations, and includes detailed job descriptors and some insightful statistics.

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Information has been sourced from Careers New Zealand, visit careers.govt.nz

DEFENCE FORCE AND CIVIL SERVICE ROLES

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Army officers are enlisted personnel in the New Zealand Army, the land-based branch of the NZDF. They specialise in a specific role – such as engineering officer or intelligence officer – and they train, motivate and lead soldiers under their command. During training exercises and deployment, Army officers may also instruct, manage and co-ordinate troops. They budget and manage their assigned resources; operate and maintain Army equipment; and help in search and rescue operations, and disaster relief efforts in New Zealand and overseas.

Statistics: In 2012, 773 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: <1 year.

Pay scale: Cadets: $32–$51,000.

Graduates: Depending on rank graduated army officers usually earn $54–$118,000.

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Navy sailors are enlisted personnel in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Once accepted into the Navy, recruits undertake Basic Common Training, an 18-week course at HMNZS Philomel in Auckland, and then undertake Basic Branch training, specialist training in a chosen trade. Sailors take part in ceremonial events such as parades, peacekeeping operations or combat, and participate in wartime-scenario training exercises and coastal patrols. Navy sailors will need to work long and/or irregular hours when training or on deployment, in all weather conditions and may have to work in + combat situations. Sailors may also spend long periods of time away from home.

INCOME Statistics: In 2015, 1590 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of training: <1 year.

Pay scale: Recruit: $32,000. + Graduates: Depending on rank and trade graduate navy sailors usually earn $44–$104,000.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF TRAINING

NAVY SAILOR

ARMY OFFICER

ARMY SOLDIER

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) employs over 14,000 people in a range of roles from technical trades to specialist Officer – and includes training at all levels, including university. The NZDF has two main career streams: Officers and other ranks (soldiers/sailors/airmen and airwomen); and you can also work as a civilian for the NZDF. A few civil service and emergency management roles are also highlighted here, which are largely community-focused positions.

Army soldiers are enlisted personnel in the New Zealand Army, the land-based branch of the NZDF. If you meet the eligibility criteria to join the NZ Army, and are successful in your application, you undertake a 16-week recruit training course at Waiouru Army Camp. You train in a specific trade and specialist training for your role – such as gunner, medic or field engineer – is then of focus. Army soldiers will need to work long and/or irregular hours when training or on deployment, in all weather conditions and may have to work in combat situations. Soldiers may also spend long periods of time away from home.

Statistics: In 2012, 3453 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of training: <1 year.

Pay scale: Recruit: $32,000.

Graduate: Average $45–$104,000 per year depending on rank.

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1 year

1 year

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Please Note: The occupations listed have been colour coded to their predominant industry sector colour using the Vocational Pathways colour chart but in some cases, these jobs can go across multiple pathways. Visit www.youthguarantee.net.nz/vocational-pathways to learn more about Vocational Pathways.

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

JOBS IN FOCUS

compiled with assistance from CAREERS NEW ZEALAND

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

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Firefighters put out fires and prevent them from spreading, and investigate fires to determine how they began. They also educate the public on fire prevention and fire safety. Firefighters carry out search and rescue operations in vehicles, buildings and aircraft, and provide life support in the absence of ambulances.

They attend vehicle accidents, and other emergencies such as chemical spills and chemical fires. Their work is in shifts and is based out of fire stations, and they may work in dangerous conditions. Firefighters must have knowledge about different types of fires and how to deal with them, as well as rescue methods.

To become a firefighter, there is an application process to be accepted for a 12-week training course that is based in Rotorua. The process includes literacy, numeracy and abstract reasoning assessments, fitness test, practical assessment centre, interview, medical check and police check.

Statistics: In 2014, 2533 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Poor. Length of training: <1 year.

Pay scale: $43–$61,000. Station Officers: $62–$77,000.

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Emergency management/civil defence officers provide a co-ordinated response and recovery plans for emergencies such as floods, earthquakes and major transportation incidents to communities. They develop civil defence emergency management plans, and provide advice and education on emergency preparedness to the community, local businesses and also to the media. Disaster simulations and exercises to test operational plans are developed, as well as setting up and operating emergency operation centres. They are expected to be available at short notice for any emergency. To become an emergency management/civil defence officer, the recommendation is that you complete a qualification in emergency management.

A tertiary qualification in a related area, such as geography or management, is also useful.

Statistics: In 2012, 135 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: There are no specific training requirements.

Pay scale: E mergency management officers with less than three years’ experience earn $35–$65,000.

Emergency management officers with three or more years’ plus experience can earn $62–$85,000.

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NAVY OFFICER POLICE OFFICER

Paramedics must have good knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and medications and treatments, as they attend medical emergencies and deal with traumatic injuries. They treat ill and injured people at accident or emergency scenes and stabilise patients for transport by treating shock and injuries. The work is shift work – usually two 12-hour days, two 14-hour nights, then four days off. Ability to use technical equipment such as cardiac defibrillators and an appreciation of different cultures and empathy are skills and knowledge that are important in this role. There are two pathways into this job: study and volunteer. The study pathway requires you to complete a Bachelor of Health with a major in Paramedicine and hold a full Class 1 driver’s licence for one year and have a good driving record. The volunteer pathway necessitates that you apply for a volunteer position with St John, and have held a full Class 1 driver’s licence for one year.

Statistics: In 2014, 1593 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 3 years.

Pay scale: $58–$72,000.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / CIVIL DEFENCE OFFICER

PARAMEDIC

Police officers help people in a wide range of emergencies, investigate crimes, domestic disturbances, serious crashes and sudden deaths. They interview people and take statements, search for and arrest suspected criminals and give evidence in court. Their working conditions are 40 hours a week over a number of shifts, including nights and weekends, in a variety of locations, including offices, courts, urban streets and rural areas. They may be at risk of verbal or physical abuse. Police officers work to keep law and order in the community, and prevent as well as solve crime. They need to be skilled at interviewing, observing human behaviour and conflict resolution and negotiation. Further, knowledge of the court system, laws relating to policing and traffic, and police policy and systems are all required.

Statistics: In 2012, 8871 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: <1 year.

Pay scale: Police officers with one to four years experience usually earn $53–$58,000.

Police officers with at least 10 years’ experience usually earn $73,000.

FIREFIGHTER

JOBS IN FOCUS TEXT 60

Navy officers are enlisted personnel in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Candidates who have a degree, or are part-way through one, will have preference. Officer cadets undertake the following: a 5-day induction course; a 7-week Joint Officer Induction Course; a 15-week Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT) course, and then specialist training in their chosen trade. Specialist roles are those such as weapon engineering officer or warfare officer. Navy officers organise and conduct training of sailors under their command. They manage personnel and equipment; lead personnel during training, military exercises and on deployment, and in ceremonial duties, such as parades; operate and maintain military equipment; and help in search and rescue, and disaster relief efforts in New Zealand + and overseas.

INCOME Statistics: In 2015, 425 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: <1 year. + Pay scale: Recruit: Navy officer cadets and midshipmen usually earn $32–$51,000.

Graduates: Depending on their rank and trade graduate navy officers usually earn $52–$120,000. JOB PROSPECTS

1 year

1 year

3 years

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1 year

Statistics: In 2014, 5839 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: There are no specific training requirements.

Pay scale: $14 –$25 per hour.

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Nurses monitor, assess and treat patients in order to improve their health. They plan, co-ordinate and carry out care plans for patients, administer medication and intravenous drugs and record important changes in a patient’s condition. They need to work closely with other health workers, organisations and agencies to meet patients’ needs. They need to have knowledge of the human body, diseases and illnesses, medicines and treatments and the effects this can have on the body. The work is in shifts, and usually is around 40 hours per work. They may come into contact with bodily fluids and diseases. It is a requirement of becoming a registered nurse to have completed either a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Health Sciences. Nurses must also be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and have a current Annual Practising Certificate. NCEA Level 3 is required to gain entrance to a Bachelor of + Nursing or Health Sciences. Subjects such as English, chemistry, biology and physics are recommended.

INCOME Statistics: In 2014, 48,406 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study and training: 3 years. + Pay scale: Nurses with one to five years’ experience usually earn between $47–$64,000.

JOB PROSPECTS Senior nurses with more experience and responsibility can earn between $67–$110,000.

INCOME

Statistics: In 2014, 1248 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Poor. Length of training: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: $14 –$22 per hour.

HAIRDRESSER/BARBER

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Florists help customers choose flowers and plants, and deliver or arrange delivery of orders. They design and put together bouquets, posies and floral arrangements. Florists need to know how to care for and arrange cut flowers, have knowledge of trends in the floral industry, business management and accountancy skills and sale skills. They also attend markets and auctions and bid for flowers. Florists work to deadlines and spend a lot of time on their feet, they may have early morning starts and work weekends and special days (such as Valentine’s Day). There are no entry requirements for becoming a florist as many skills are gained on the job. But, most employers do prefer applicants to have a floristry qualification, such as a National Certificate in Floristry.

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Gardeners plant and maintain lawns, paths and gardens in public and private gardens, parks and other spaces. They select and purchase plants, grow plants from seeds and cuttings, and discuss garden requirements with their clients. Gardeners design gardens and undertake landscaping and construction work to bring their design to fruition. They need to have knowledge of pest and weed control, planting, spraying and fertilising. The ability to identify and control types of weeds, plants, trees and soil is also critical. While there are no specific entry requirements for gardening, horticultural or gardening experience is useful. For more senior jobs though, qualifications and experience in horticulture are required.

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Hairdressers/barbers cut, style and colour people’s hair. They need to have skills in different hairdressing methods, including cutting, styling, perming and colouring techniques. A knowledge of past and current hairstyles and trends, plus an understanding of hair and skin types, and how they react with different types of chemicals such as colouring products is required. Hairdressers work regular business hours, but may also work weekends and evenings. Bookkeeping and management skills are important for self-employed hairdressers. In order to become a hairdresser, it is a requirement to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist). NCEA Level 1 is required in order to start a hairdressing apprenticeship.

Statistics: In 2014, 9282 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: Hairdressers/barbers usually earn between $29–$50,000.

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LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

LENGTH OF TRAINING

GARDENER

It seems simple – find a job that you enjoy and look forward to going to each day. Go through your working day with a smile on your face. To give you a head start on achieving this, vocations that traditionally top the lists of most satisfying jobs are profiled below.

JOBS IN FOCUS

JOBS THAT TRADITIONALLY HAVE THE HIGHEST SATISFACTION LEVELS

61 Varies

1–3 years

3 years

3–4 years

| www.leavingschool.co.nz

BEAUTY THERAPIST

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

Physicians are medical specialists who provide non-surgical treatment and advice to patients referred to them by other doctors. They examine patients and identify, investigate and treat complex medical problems.

Carrying out research, training junior medical staff and students and consulting with other medical professionals are also elements of their role. Physicians must have comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of medicines, treatments, different illnesses and diseases, anatomy and how the body works. Also, skills and knowledge pertinent to their area of specialisation. As there is a shortage of physicians, chances of getting a position are good. The rate of pay varies greatly as it depends on seniority, hours, location and frequency of on-call or emergency cover.

Statistics: In 2011, 2455 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study and training: 14 years required.

Pay scale: Trainee physicians usually earn between $70 –$175,000.

Experienced physicians usually earn between and $151 –$ 600,000.

Primary school teachers teach children aged between five and 13 years in primary or intermediate schools.

They plan and prepare lessons and activities that adhere to the national curriculum. Keeping up-to-date with changes to the curriculum and assessment methods is a necessity, as is assessing and recording each child’s learning and development. Primary school teachers teach English, maths, science, technology, arts and social studies. Further to this, they help develop behaviour and social skills, and meet parents/caregivers and communicate with them about their child’s education. Teachers must know how to plan lessons, units and evaluate students’ progress, and have knowledge of child development – including identifying learning difficulties – and behaviour management techniques.

Statistics: In 2014, 33,733 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of study and training: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: Primary school teachers usually earn between $46 –$72,000.

Primary school teachers with four to seven years’ experience usually earn between $55 –$72,000.

Beauty therapist study clients’ skin, face and body and advise on care, and treat conditions such as dry skin and acne. They apply and sell makeup, body care products and skincare products. They perform face and body treatments such as facials and massages, remove unwanted hair by waxing, electrolysis and laser treatments. Beauty therapists also care and treat nails, including performing beauty treatments such as artificial nails and nail art. They usually work long hours, including evenings and weekends. Knowledge of body and facial treatments, and body, hair, skin and nail health is required. Beauty therapists need to complete a certificate or diploma in beauty therapy. Newly qualified beauty therapists are often supervised and trained by senior beauty therapists.

Statistics: In 2014, 3791 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 1 year of training usually required.

Pay scale: Beauty therapists usually earn between $28–$40,000.

www.leavingschool.co.nz

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #6

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Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers assemble, install and repair the pipes, drains, fixtures and fittings used to supply water and gas or for the removal of waste. They travel locally to job sites, which include homes, farms, commercial buildings and industrial buildings. They may work in conditions that can be dirty, smelly, cold, wet, hot or confined. Plumbers need to have knowledge of plumbing, drainage materials and methods, have soldering and welding skills and the ability to interpret designs, plans and instructions. They work to install pipes, fittings, hot water and heating systems, roofing pipes and systems. A registered and licensed plumber must complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting, and pass Board examinations.

Statistics: In 2014, 7084 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 4 years.

Pay scale: Plumbers usually start out on about $35 –$45,000.

With three or more years’ experience usually earn $50 – $60,000.

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PERSONAL ASSISTANT PLUMBER

JOBS IN FOCUS

Personal assistants provide senior managers with secretarial, administrative and general support. They may keep managers’ diaries, booking appointments and travel, arrange meetings and conferences, research and prepare emails, communications, reports and other documents. Personal assistants may also prepare financial documents, monthly reports, manage budgets, presentations, projects and junior staff members.

They should have good knowledge of their organisation and staff members. Good writing and communication skills are crucial, as are staff and project management skills. They tend to work in offices and have normal business hours, but may be required to work longer hours, or even travel locally and overseas to attend meetings.

Statistics: In 2014, 10,448 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Poor. Length of training: There’s no specific training requirements.

Pay scale: Personal assistants usually earn between $45 –$85,000.

Executive assistants usually earn between $50–$90,000.

3–4 years

1 year

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