Leaving School issue 7

A free guide to study and career options for secondary school students Years 10-13 AUGUST 2016 | ISSUE #7

‘what’s your passion?’

HONE ABRAHAM | MUSSEL BOAT SKIPPER

ALANA EMPSON | BUTCHER

‘what’s your future?’

MICHAEL KELLY | ASSOCIATE, INVESTMENT BANKING

BETH NOBLE | BUILDING SCIENCE STUDENT

‘reach for the stars’ CORY THOMPSON | APPRENTICE DIESEL MECHANIC

MOANA-LYN TE WHATA | ADVENTURE GUIDE

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

Karen Sue

Studying: BCom/LLB with a BCom major in Accounting.

Leaving high school and starting university can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but try not to worry! For most people, university is one of the best experiences of their lives. University of Auckland Business School students Karen and Matthew share their thoughts on how to make a smooth transition.

Was university what you expected?

Matthew McQueen

Studying: BCom/BE(Hons) with BCom majors in Economics and Finance.

The biggest change was the amount of freedom and flexibility compared with school. You control your time and I liked that, but you need to be organised so you don’t miss deadlines.

The style of learning is quite different and the workload was a slight step up, but I felt quite ready and excited to get started.

How did you manage financially?

Living at home you save a lot of money and can use that to do other things, like I want to go on a university exchange to Dublin in my final year. I work part-time at a cake shop, just a few hours a week so I can easily fit in my study and club time.

Any advice for meeting people?

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!

Join some clubs, get involved! Even if it’s silly clubs where you just get the free food, or serious clubs like the Management Consulting Club, it’s a great way to meet people. You also make friends through tutorial groups. Don’t just see university as a place to do classes. Don’t just bus in, do class and then bus out.

What advice have you got for high school students coming to university?

Definitely look into courses before you decide what you want to do. Seek out what’s available. Don’t just choose courses your friends want to do, choose things you want to do. Use the first year core papers as a stepping stone for working out what you really enjoy and to inform your next choices.

Why did you choose the University of Auckland?

I had an idea about what I wanted to do. I was interested in science and I was interested in business, so I essentially found a programme where I could do both as a conjoint.

I liked the options and support offered at the University of Auckland, and I’m pleased with my decision.

Are you heading to university in 2017? www.business.auckland.ac.nz

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...

Facebook.com/YPCNZ

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

CONTENTS

07 FOREWORD

26 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

08 RECREATION ADVISOR

28 DIESEL MECHANIC

11 INVESTMENT BANKING

30 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

12 BUILDING SCIENCE STUDENT

31 YOUTH WORKER

14 PROJECT ENGINEER

32 ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

15 CAREER TIPS

34 PERSONAL ASSISTANT

16 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

35 PHARMACIST

19 BUTCHER

36 MEAT INSPECTOR

20 STUDENT LOANS

38 ADVENTURE GUIDE

22 FLIGHT ATTENDANT

40 TIPS FOR FLATTING

23 MUSSEL BOAT SKIPPER

42 APPRENTICESHIPS

24 NOTICEBOARD

43 TRADES IN DEMAND

Chief Executive of Industry Training Federation, Josh Williams.

Hints and tips for landing that grant, scholarship or award.

Making the world better through sport and exercise.

Creating useable and sustainable outdoor spaces.

Looking at the technical side of buildings.

Making a difference and supporting our future leaders.

Using abstract constructs in real life, through engineering.

Get out from behind the desk and go onsite.

Lyndal Clark, career coach, has some advice for Gen Y.

A skilled administrator can work anywhere, in any industry.

Supporting graduate students with learning disabilities.

Brendon is a snapchatting, advice-dispensing pharmacist.

From an apprenticeship to being second-in-charge of the butchery.

Get sussed with these seven steps to financial support.

Enjoying the aviation lifestyle and aiming high.

The ocean is your office in the marine industry.

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)

Key dates, websites and information you need to know.

Committed to ensuring a quality meat product.

Would you like to be trained to canyon, raft, go caving…?

Seven tips that will help you to go flatting with confidence.

Gain some insight into apprenticeships and see if they are for you.

Profiling our top trades by largest forecast absolute job growth.

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.

f AUTOMOTIVE

f CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

f INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

f NURSING

f RADIO BROADCASTING

f BEAUTY & HAIRDRESSING

f CREATIVE WRITING

f JOURNALISM

f OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

f RETAIL

f BUILDING TRADES

f EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING

f SOCIAL & COMMUNITY WORK

f ENGLISH LANGUAGE

f LIVE SOUND & EVENT PRODUCTION

f PARAMEDIC

f BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & TECHNOLOGY

f PERFORMING ARTS

f TRANSPORT

f PHOTOGRAPHY

f VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN

f BUSINESS 1WNZ16_LS

An apprenticeship in automotive heavy trades.

Bank a successful career with a Bachelor of Commerce.

MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Campbell Burnes, Sara Carbery, Lyndal Clark, Diana Clement, Stu Hunt, Josh Williams, Robyn Yousef SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell COVER DESIGN Rob Glen, OnTime Associates PRINTER PMP Limited, Auckland PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Briggs, Getty Images, Joe Johnson, Neil MacBeth, Peter McDermott, Dianne Manson, Marty Melville, Alan Stevens, Holly Wallace.

PUBLISHER

5

f FILM f HOSPITALITY

f MĀORI STUDIES f MUSIC

>> MASTERS, POSTGRADUATE, DEGREES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES

f PUBLISHING

VICTORIA SCHOLARSHIPS APPLY NOW victoria.ac.nz/scholarships

FOREWORD TEXT 7

YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF NEW ZEALAND, AND OUR GLOBALLY CONNECTED WORLD. YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR SOCIETY. YOU ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO LOOK AFTER WHAT IS PRECIOUS, AND THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO CHANGE WHAT IS WRONG.

from JOSH WILLIAMS

image by MARTY MELVILLE

MAKE YOUR PASSION YOUR CAREER

JUST GO FOR IT…

IT’S GREAT TO SAY HELLO AND WELCOME YOU TO THIS NEW ISSUE OF LEAVING SCHOOL MAGAZINE. I’M A BIT WORRIED THOUGH, SINCE WHATEVER I SAY NEXT IS GOING TO SOUND CHEESY. WHAT CAN I SAY TO YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE SCHOOL AND MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE WORLD? How about this? Welcome.

I mean it. You are the smartest, most connected, best educated, most amazing generation that this planet has ever produced. You are the future of New Zealand, and our globally connected world. You are the future of our society. You are the people who are going to look after what is precious, and the people that are going to change what is wrong.

See, I told you it would be cheesy. But it happens to be true. The thing is, I remember leaving school, and it is a weird and scary time.

You’ve been going to school for more than a decade, and it’s either been fantastic or awful, or somewhere in between. But at least you know what it is like.

Your next step is way less certain. You don’t really know what the next thing will be like – whatever it is.

Some of you might have always known that you wanted to work in construction, or cars, or tourism, or a job caring for people. If you know what you want, then awesome. Get in there, and go hard.

You might be on your way to university, which is amazing. Go and have the time of your life. But study hard, and make sure you are excited about what you are learning. Think really hard about your interests and what you passionately believe in, and study that.

Or you might have absolutely no idea what you want to do next. And guess what – that is totally okay, and you are going to be absolutely fine.

That was me too, and I remember feeling really worried. I found my passion quite a bit later, and almost by accident. I wanted to work in the music industry but got my foot in the door in education and discovered I was passionate about that. (But I still did music for fun.)

Anyway, whether you know where you are headed or you don’t, there are lots of ‘mights’ at this stage of your life, and I’m afraid no-one can really take away all the uncertainty.

But I hope you got my main message. I talk to lots of employers in lots of industries who say the same thing – if people like what they are doing, they do it well. You will know you have found your passion and your way when you like what you are doing, and you are doing what you like.

The pages in this magazine will give you lots of ideas. Find the idea that gets you most excited, and just go for it. I wish you all the best.

Josh Williams Chief Executive, Industry Training Federation LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

RECREATION ADVISOR 8

BACHELOR OF SPORT AND EXERCISE

MAKING THE WORLD HEALTHIER written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by PETER McDERMOTT

ALONGSIDE HER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, JESSICA GATES’ SUBJECT CHOICES IN YEAR 13 PAVED THE WAY FOR HER TO STUDY A BACHELOR OF SPORT AND EXERCISE AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY. In her final year at Havelock North High School, she took biology, health, food technology, English and PE, and participated in a variety of sports including athletics, football, volleyball, adventure racing and surf lifesaving.

Despite this, it wasn’t a given that this Hawke’s Bay local would turn her passion for sport and exercise into a profession. “I had no idea what I wanted to do.

I knew that I loved sports and being active but I didn’t know if I wanted to turn a passion into a career.”

This all changed when Jessica began coaching football at a local primary school for a standard in PE. “Seeing how much the kids loved having someone come in and take the class and how well they responded to my passion for the sport helped me make up my mind.”

Jessica also knew she didn’t want a sedentary job that involved sitting at a desk five days a week.

“I wanted a job that was active and exciting – a job where every day is different.”

Thanks to unpaid work experience in her final year at Massey, the 21-year-old found a job straight out of university, working for Sport Manawatu as their Recreation Advisor. “The best part of my job is that it is so broad. I am involved in programmes such as Active Families and Green Prescription, as well as organising and running events and then also working with schools and sports clubs.”

Jessica loved her time and experiences at Massey.

“Many of the lecturers could provide real-life experiences in the sport industry or as high performance athletes, coaches, managers.” She was part of the women’s football team that made it to the final of the 2015 ASB New Zealand Women’s Knockout Cup. Jessica chose to major in Coaching and Management.

“It gave me more options when I finished the degree.

I could decide whether I wanted to push into the coaching space or take on the management side.”

If you have a passion for sport, a ‘go out there and get it’ attitude, and are interested in making the world a healthier and better place through sport and exercise, a similar career could be what you’re looking for, Jessica says.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

KEY FACTS ■ JESSICA GATES HAS A BACHELOR OF SPORT AND EXERCISE FROM MASSEY UNIVERSITY. ■ IN YEAR 13, SHE TOOK BIOLOGY, HEALTH, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, ENGLISH AND PE. ■ JESSICA PARTICIPATED IN A VARIETY OF SPORTS INCLUDING ATHLETICS, FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, ADVENTURE RACING AND SURF LIFESAVING WHILE AT HIGH SCHOOL.

Subject-wise, she found biology “hugely helpful” when it came to studying anatomy and physiology during her degree.

“Stuff like the muscular system, what muscles are made of, how they move and the skeletal system.

PE was also great for the same sort of knowledge

but relating it in a physical sense, rather than just a general understanding.”

PE also gave her a better sense of basic training principles, which she learnt more about at Massey and uses today in her work. And don’t overlook English.

“It was very necessary for uni life and writing essays!”

For more information on studying Sport and Exercise through Massey, visit www.massey.ac.nz/bspex

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

WHY LIMIT YOUR CAREER CHOICE?

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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

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

CLIMB THE CORPORATE LADDER

BANKING ON THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY

IN THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD OF INVESTMENT BANKING, MICHAEL KELLY HAS COME A LONG WAY IN A SHORT TIME. The 24-year-old Aucklander is an associate at Cameron Partners, where he gets to do a wide range of work – providing mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and corporate finance advisory services.

And while some of his peers at competing firms are pulling 90-hour work weeks, he appears to have a more flexible lifestyle, with hours of 8 am to 7 pm the norm on weekdays, totalling about 60 hours per week.

Michael admits it’s a steep learning curve, but one which he is relishing. “Cameron Partners is a great firm and investment banking is a cool industry. You get significant responsibility working directly with clients’ management teams and exposure to a wide range of industries, such as food and beverage, music software and forestry. You also develop a strong understanding of the economy and its drivers,” he says.

“I’ve received a number of promotions to reach my current position, and am excited to continue learning and progressing in the coming years.”

In 2013 he graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce, with a double major in Accounting and Finance, and that degree was a solid base from which to launch his career.

His internships and work experience even saw him travel to London with Claridge Capital. That came about almost by chance – a few Skype interviews later, and he was off.

But Michael was not always set on a career in finance, when he was at King’s College and Sacred Heart College.

“I was always interested in business, but I didn’t form a strong opinion about exactly what field I wanted to work in until I was well into uni.” He tried his hand at several areas such as accounting,

INVESTMENT BANKING

written by CAMPBELL BURNES

11

“School offers opportunities to try your hand at a broad range of fields, and therefore it is the perfect time to develop interests, passions and knowledge and find where your intelligence lies.” — Michael Kelly marketing and banking before committing to investment banking. And, as he points out, there is no opportunity to study finance at school.

For students interested in following the same path as him, he would recommend taking accounting (“the language of business”), economics and maths (he says maths is vital for being analytical).

While English, the arts and design-based subjects are useful for written and oral skills, and the presentation side of communication.

Michael also says having a wide range of interests

and knowledge is very useful when dealing with a diverse range of clients and their industries.

But his big tip for school leavers is this, “Use your time at school to experiment with, and get involved in, a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities.

I believe everybody is intelligent, but not everyone gets the chance to explore that genius.

“School offers opportunities to try your hand at a broad range of fields, and therefore it is the perfect time to develop interests, passions and knowledge and find where your intelligence lies.”

KEY FACTS ■ MICHAEL KELLY IS AN ASSOCIATE AT CAMERON PARTNERS, A LEADING INVESTMENT BANK. ■ HE HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE WITH A DOUBLE MAJOR IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ MICHAEL SUGGESTS TAKING ACCOUNTING, ECONOMICS, MATHS, ENGLISH, ARTS-BASED AND DESIGN-BASED SUBJECTS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN INVESTMENT BANKING.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

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

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

STUDENT: BUILDING SCIENCE 12

FOR THE LOVE OF BUILDINGS

PREFERRING THE TECHNICAL ENVIRONMENT written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by MARTY MELVILLE

WHEN BETH NOBLE STARTED AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON, SHE HAD HER SIGHTS SET ON BECOMING AN ARCHITECT, BUT DURING HER FIRST YEAR SOMETHING ELSE CAUGHT HER EYE – BUILDING SCIENCE. “I’ve always loved buildings and how things fitted together… but when I started Architecture, I found that I really didn’t enjoy the design side of it – it was far too abstract and emotions-based for me. I much preferred the technical side of buildings.”

Beth describes Building Science as sitting somewhere between architecture and engineering.

“Architects design the building, and engineers make sure it stays up and is serviced, but we make sure that people are going to be able to use it!”

Beth (23) is particularly interested in how people react to their environments, and how things such as lighting, heating and acoustics affect them.

While her fellow bachelor degree graduates have gone on to find work in diverse areas, such as project management, sustainable engineering, building research, lighting and acoustics, Beth is in her first year of a two-year Master of Building Science degree.

She hopes to do her thesis on the impact of the indoor environment on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). “As an adult with ASD, myself and my friends often discuss various issues that we notice in the built environment due to differences in sensory processing – things that other people may not even notice, like flickering lighting fixtures and certain types of background noise.

“I’m hoping to start to quantify these issues… then we can start looking at ways to alleviate these to

KEY FACTS ■ BETH NOBLE IS COMPLETING A MASTER OF BUILDING SCIENCE THROUGH VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON. ■ SHE FOUND CALCULUS, PHYSICS, ENGLISH, COMPUTER STUDIES AND GRAPHICS TO BE USEFUL SCHOOL SUBJECTS IN HER STUDY OF BUILDING SCIENCE.

improve people’s experience of the built environment.”

Beth took calculus, physics, English and graphics in Year 13, and would have liked to have continued with computer studies, but was unable to do so due to a timetable clash. She found all of these subjects useful in her study of Building Science, although admits she found school challenging.

“I am on the autism spectrum, so high school wasn’t the greatest experience for me – I didn’t have very many friends and didn’t fit in very well.”

Happily, Beth says it’s much easier to find ‘your crowd’ at university. “There are so many people, and so many ways to meet others who are similar and you get along with.

“I also found university generally more open-minded than the school system, both the system and the people in it.”

As well as being on the autism spectrum, Beth has Type 1 diabetes, and is registered with Disability Services. “It’s such a relief to not have to fight so hard to get the help you need.”

Over the past four years Beth has helped to run CanDo, the representative group for students with disabilities at Victoria. “It’s a great way to both be involved in advocating for, and socialising with, other students with disabilities, and be involved in university process.”

Through her work as a building scientist, Beth hopes to bridge the gap between the professionals who design and build buildings and the people who use them – “particularly people [who] currently aren’t able to – or who struggle to – use them because of how they are designed and built.

“I’m very passionate about accessibility in buildings, especially moving accessibility forward from what we usually think of as just mobility and physical impairments, into how we can design buildings that are comfortable and easy to use for everyone.”

For more information on studying Building Science through Victoria University, visit www.victoria.ac.nz

“I’M VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY IN BUILDINGS, ESPECIALLY MOVING ACCESSIBILITY FORWARD FROM WHAT WE USUALLY THINK OF AS JUST MOBILITY AND PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS, INTO HOW WE CAN DESIGN BUILDINGS THAT ARE COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO USE FOR EVERYONE.” — Beth Noble

WHEN PHYLLEIN’S NOT MANAGING A SHIFT, SHE’S MANAGING TO EARN A SCIENCE DEGREE.

STILL THINK McDONALD’S® CAN’T HELP YOU GET PLACES?

PHYLLEIN PAULI Shift Manager, McDonald’s Otahuhu Studying for a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland

mcdonalds.co.nz/careers LSM6297_WP01

PROJECT ENGINEER

written by SARA CARBERY

14

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

INSPIRED TO STUDY ENGINEERING MIXING THEORY WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATION

ONE OF THE BIG QUESTIONS BUZZING ABOUT IN YOUR BRAIN AT THE MOMENT, AS YOU LOOK AROUND FOR SOME KIND OF DIRECTION, IS LIKELY TO BE, ‘WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I LEAVE SCHOOL?’ Well, keep your eyes open because inspiration comes in many guises, as former Westlake Boys’ High School student Danny Kwok discovered in Year 13. For him, the turning point was taking part in an annual problem-solving competition run by the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Engineering.

Every year on the morning of the competition, organisers of New Zealand’s Next Top Engineering Scientist release a question. Teams of high school students have only nine hours to solve the problem and write up a report.

“In school you don’t really get to see the practical aspects of physics and maths as you mostly just study the theory and seemingly abstract concepts, but in engineering you get to see how those abstract concepts can actually be used in real life.”

— Danny Kwok

“In my year the question was ‘How much fuel is needed for a manned mission to Mars?’ and we ended up winning the competition, which was unbelievable!” says Danny.

Taking part in the competition showed him how science and maths could be applied in the real world, through engineering.

“In school you don’t really get to see the practical aspects of physics and maths as you mostly just study the theory and seemingly abstract concepts, but in engineering you get to see how those abstract concepts can actually be used in real life.”

After obtaining his A-Level Certification in Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) – in which he ranked second in New Zealand for students taking three A-Level exams – Danny enrolled at the University of Auckland.

KEY FACTS

“I was lucky enough to be awarded one of their scholarships, as well as a few NZQA scholarships, that helped fund my studies there.”

He graduated in May this year with a conjoint degree – a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring

in Finance and Economics (a total of five years of study).

“Engineering at the University of Auckland offers a good mix of practical and theory, and the required 800 hours of practical engineering work experience really helps to get your foot in the door once you leave university.”

■ DANNY KWOK HAS A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (FIRST CLASS HONOURS) IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING, AND A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE MAJORING IN FINANCE AND ECONOMICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ HE WAS INSPIRED TO STUDY ENGINEERING AFTER BEING PART OF THE WINNING TEAM OF NEW ZEALAND’S NEXT TOP ENGINEERING SCIENTIST COMPETITION.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 / issue #7

Danny says maths and physics were fundamental to many of the engineering papers he took, and are prerequisite subjects to getting into the degree directly from high school.

He also took chemistry and biology in his final year at Westlake.

If you’re interested in applying for a Bachelor of Engineering, Danny’s advice is to investigate scholarships available for school leavers “and challenge yourself with the NZQA scholarships”.

“I find that a lot of students don’t know or don’t even try the NZQA scholarship exams, even though the potential rewards – both monetary and knowledge-wise – far outweigh the negatives. There’s no harm in trying!”

He also advises students to take part in extracurricular activities. “Employers value well-roundedness.” In his free time, Danny plays with the Auckland Youth Orchestra, and busks with a string quartet. He also tutors high school students in physics and maths. “I enjoy teaching and helping others to get into engineering.”

Danny is currently working as a Graduate Project Engineer at Honeywell, a global engineering company.

This year’s New Zealand’s Next Top Engineering Scientist completion closed on July 29, but to find out more and plan for next year’s competition, visit www.des.auckland.ac.nz/ competition For more information on studying Engineering through the University of Auckland, visit www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz

STARTING OUT AS A GEN Y

SPIN THE STEREOTYPE

CAREER ADVICE

written by LYNDAL CLARK

ASK ALMOST ANY EMPLOYER WHAT THEY 15 THINK ABOUT GEN Y AND YOU WILL LIKELY GET A RESPONSE ALONG THE LINES OF – THEY ARE LAZY, UNRELIABLE, SELF-CENTRED, CAN’T COMMUNICATE, COME WITH AN ENTITLEMENT ATTITUDE – AND THE LIST GOES ON…

The good news is that you can use this stereotype to your advantage when you apply for or start a job, simply by being the opposite. Prove employers wrong and you’ll stand out from the competition!

DON’T BE COCKY – Accept that you are inexperienced and have a lot to learn. Don’t assume you know more than your older colleagues – they have real on-the-job experience that will prove invaluable. Learn from them and ask them for their advice often.

BE PREPARED TO PROVE YOUR WORTH – Don’t expect a high-level role or to be promoted within the first six months. Instead aim to consistently deliver outstanding results and when the opportunity presents itself, you will have evidence of your accomplishments to support your case.

BE A TEAM PLAYER – Show you’re interested in your colleagues from day one. Talk to the receptionist as you wait for your interview instead of scanning social media; make conversation and use this time to gain more knowledge about the people and the company.

DEMONSTRATE GOOD MANNERS AND PROFESSIONALISM – Nothing is surer to add weight to the perception of Gen Y than a lack of manners. Look your prospective employers in the eye when you talk to them, be polite and courteous, use appropriate language (verbal and body), dress professionally and turn up to your interview early.

Here is a final take-home message: Knowing your stereotype affords you a unique opportunity to present yourself as a stand-out candidate amongst your peers.

Lyndal Clark is a career coach at My Coach and helps successfully transition young adults into employment.

For more expert advice on careers and employment, visit www.mycoachnet.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 16

CREATING A BRIGHT FUTURE

POLY-EMP: SUPPORTING AND ADVISING written by ROBYN YOUSEF

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

EHRAJ BAKHTEVARI IS A POLITE 20-YEAR-OLD WITH A BIG SMILE AND THE AIR OF A YOUNG MAN WHO KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE HE’S GOING. HIS LIFE IS VERY GOOD; HE HAS PART-TIME WORK IN THE INDUSTRY HE LOVES, HAS JUST PASSED HIS LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE AND IS A HAPPY YOUNG MAN. HE ALSO HAS A MILD LEARNING DISABILITY. He started his first job with Tyres4U in Avondale, Auckland about three months ago.

Due to his disability, life – particularly work opportunities – could have been very different for Ehraj. Growing up in Malaysia, he was slow to speak and initially his mother, Vitiah, blamed the fact that she spoke to him in Tamil and his father in his native Farsi.

His language skills improved when the family moved to New Zealand in 2000 and English was spoken at home, but he had reading and pronunciation problems at school.

“I worried too much about his future, how he could earn a living and… run his life without me.

But, now he is a brave young man and mixes easily out in public,” Vitiah says proudly.

Following his schooling at New Windsor Primary, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Lynfield College (where he gained NCEA Level 2), Ehraj went on to study at Unitec’s two-year employment skills programme.

He was then referred to Poly-Emp, a charitable trust that helps people with intellectual and learning disabilities find paid employment. It is an employment and advisory service for young people who graduate from Manukau Polytech and Unitec’s programmes.

“During our Job Club sessions (held fortnightly for job-seekers), we picked up that Ehraj was

interested in all things to do with cars,” explains his Poly-Emp Employment Advisor, Melinda Hayes. She has already noticed improvement in his general confidence since starting work.

Ehraj agrees that the warehouse job in the tyre-importing company is the kind of job he always hoped for.

He began initially by keeping the warehouse tidy, but now his role has been extended to include grooming the company vehicles.

Poly-Emp currently supports about 100 people across Auckland who are in work or who are looking for work.

Their service manages to negotiate employment opportunities for nearly all the young people who

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

Many of the employers they work with are small- to medium-sized businesses (Tyres4U has a staff of about 35 in Auckland), who are open and keen to do things a bit differently, and want to help young people get ahead.

Garth Holdaway, Warehouse Manager at Tyres4U, is happy with Ehraj’s work, and is impressed with his willingness to help and join in with the team.

The team at Poly-Emp are always keen to hear from like-minded employers who are happy to offer young people the opportunity of being part of the workforce.

As for Ehraj, he enjoys the continued support of weekly visits from Melinda along with Garth’s encouragement.

The team at Poly-Emp are always keen to hear from… employers who are happy to offer young people the opportunity of being part of the workforce.

Calling all innovators and problem solvers.

Lead the way and design solutions for our future with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from the top engineering faculty in New Zealand.* Find out more at Engineering Futures Evenings and our annual open day, Courses and Careers Day. Register online at www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/events

*QS World University Rankings by Faculty 2015/2016

KEY FACTS

■ POLY-EMP IS AN EMPLOYMENT AND ADVISORY SERVICE FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES. ■ THEY CURRENTLY SUPPORT ABOUT 100 PEOPLE ACROSS AUCKLAND WHO ARE IN WORK OR WHO ARE LOOKING FOR WORK. ■ POLY-EMP SUPPORTS EHRAJ BAKHTEVARI IN HIS WAREHOUSE JOB AT TYRES4U IN AVONDALE, AUCKLAND.

For more information on the services of Poly-Emp, visit www.poly-emp.org.nz

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

are referred to them. The jobs are paid roles and under the same terms and conditions as other workers.

17

AWARD-WINNING BUTCHER written by ROBYN YOUSEF

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

ALANA EMPSON COULDN’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAVY BEEF AND EYE FILLET WHEN SHE FIRST STARTED WORK AS AN APPRENTICE BUTCHER. NOW, SHE HAS GONE ON TO WIN SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS. Aged 27, Alana is second-in-charge of the butchery department at PAK’nSAVE Clarence Street, Hamilton. She loves being in the trade, and in September this year, she heads to Australia to compete in the World Champion Young Butcher competition. She attended Mt Maunganui College for the first two years of high school, and then went on to do her final three years at Waiuku College.

Her butchery career was launched at New World in Waiuku when she was 18 and working as a checkout operator.

“I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do as a career, but when the apprentice left I decided to try butchery. On my first day, after only six hours, my boss offered me an apprenticeship. Foodstuffs in conjunction with Skills4Work taught me throughout my apprenticeship, I had six two-day workshops over three years to do all the theory and learnt all the practical knife skills on-the-job,” she explains.

Alana thoroughly enjoys the work. “It was a trade that was completely different to what my friends were doing and I’ve never minded doing something out of the ordinary for females – at college I competed in wood chopping and sawing events.”

She estimates that about 10 per cent of the butchers in this country are females, with many of them taking out local and international butchery awards over the last five years.

Alana has won several awards for her butchery skills. The highlight being her win of the International Best Practical Young Butcher title last year, when Australia’s top Young Butcher came over to take on five of our best Young Butchers.

She says some customers are surprised to encounter a female butcher, but most reactions have been positive. While the variety of her work and camaraderie in her team are enjoyable, it is ensuring her customer is happy that is particularly satisfying.

“My favourite part is when a customer comes in and asks for a particular cut of meat, say a rolled roast of pork, you put in the effort to make it the best roast you can, string evenly spaced, nice even roast, score marks perfectly in line. You take it to the customer and it exceeds their expectations. That just makes my day.”

At six-foot tall, Alana doesn’t have a problem with the physical side of the job.

Even the early hours work well, as she has time to play sports in the evenings.

In Year 13, Alana studied English, mathematics, history, geography, home economics and accounting. She believes anyone can be a butcher, “If you have an interest in food and don’t mind doing a bit of physical work, a butchery career could be for you.”

The young butcher is grateful for the encouragement she has been given by her employers Foodstuffs (PAK’nSAVE and New World), saying she couldn’t compete in the World Champion competition without their support.

BUTCHER

BEING SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

“MY FAVOURITE PART IS WHEN A CUSTOMER COMES IN AND ASKS FOR A PARTICULAR CUT OF MEAT… YOU TAKE IT TO THE CUSTOMER AND IT EXCEEDS THEIR EXPECTATIONS. THAT JUST MAKES MY DAY.” — Alana Empson

KEY FACTS ■ ALANA EMPSON COMPLETED A BUTCHERY APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH FOODSTUFFS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SKILLS4WORK. ■ SHE IS CURRENTLY SECOND-IN-CHARGE OF THE BUTCHERY DEPARTMENT AT PAK’nSAVE CLARENCE STREET, HAMILTON. ■ ALANA WON THE TITLE OF INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICAL YOUNG BUTCHER LAST YEAR. LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

For more information on career opportunities at Foodstuffs, visit www.careers.foodstuffs.co.nz

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

19

STUDENT LOANS TEXT

It’s a date

GETTING SUSSED FOR YOUR STUDY

SEVEN STEPS TO FINANCIAL SUPPORT

20

Apply by 16 December. studylink.govt.nz

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. Sussed is StudyLink’s online reality-check tool. It’s an easy way to look at your financial options as a freshly minted adult, helping you to work out what it will cost to live and study, as well as the options you have to pay for it. How much will you set aside for transport, groceries and those unexpected expenses every week? How much money you may need to support yourself could surprise you.

RealMe makes becoming a student real easy With a RealMe verified identity you can apply for your student allowance and loan online with StudyLink, without having to provide the identity paperwork!

If you’re not yet enrolled to vote, you can use your RealMe verified identity to get on the roll and ready to vote in this year’s local elections and next year’s general election.

You can also prove who you are online with any other organisation that uses RealMe. If you like the freedom of being able to apply for your student loan wherever you are... get it now, ready for when you need it!

realme.govt.nz Powered by

KEY FACTS ■ StudyLink has an online reality-check tool called Sussed. It’s an easy way to look at your financial options.

■ You need to apply to StudyLink by 16 December —- do not wait for your NCEA results!

Sussed will walk you through the finance options like student allowances and loans, scholarships, part-time work and support from parents or whanau. It’ll help you make sure you’re only borrowing what you really need to.

Once you’ve made the decision to study it’s a good idea to sign up to receive emails from StudyLink. This way you won’t miss out on important information, like when you need to apply and documents you need to send. So, get yourself Sussed today – check it out at www.studylink.govt.nz

WHEN TO APPLY Don’t wait for your NCEA results before you apply! You need to apply by 16 December if you want everything sorted in time for your first payment.

You can change your chosen education provider or withdraw your application later if you need to, but it’s important to remember that StudyLink will be processing applications for around 180,000 other students at the same time.

HOW TO APPLY Here are the seven steps of student finances: 1. Apply at www.studylink.govt.nz by 16 December.

2. StudyLink begins processing your application. They will check the information you give them and get things underway. You don’t need to do anything at this point unless you hear from them.

3. StudyLink will contact you. You’ll receive a letter telling you what they need next. Make sure you read, sign and return it (if required) and provide any documents StudyLink asks for.

4. Use MyStudyLink to track your application. You can check the progress of your applications, view and update your personal details, get your mail, and apply for your course-related costs (once you’ve returned the contract).

5. StudyLink checks your details with your education provider. You need to make sure you’re fully enrolled before this can happen.

6. StudyLink will finish processing your application. StudyLink will send you a letter letting you know what you qualify for and when your payments will start.

7. Your payments can start. The earliest your payments can start is in the second week of your course.

It’s never too early to start planning and StudyLink is ready to help you take the first step now.

WE’LL HELP YOU FIGURE OUT:

How much you’ll need What funding you can get What you need to do to get started

Your future awaits. Get online at www.studylink.govt.nz and get yourself sussed!

STUDENT LOANS

■ Sign up to receive emails from StudyLink on the application process.

21

FLIGHT ATTENDANT 22

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

ON BOARD WITH THE AVIATION INDUSTRY written by ROBYN YOUSEF

photo credit AIR NEW ZEALAND

WORKING AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT WITH AIR NEW ZEALAND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FILL-IN JOB FOR AMELIA MIERAS WHILE SHE DECIDED ON A CAREER PATH. BUT, SHE SOON REALISED SHE LOVED THE LIFESTYLE AND NOW HER AMBITION IS TO BECOME AN INFLIGHT SERVICE MANAGER WITH THE AIRLINE. Amelia graduated from ground school in mid-June and had her first flight to Sydney the very next day.

She then had training flights to Honolulu (Hawaii) and Nadi (Fiji). She qualified as a mid-haul flight attendant at the end of June.

Growing up in Christchurch, she attended Redcliffs Primary and then went on to Avonside Girls’ High School to complete Year 13 and gain University Entrance. While unsure about her career aspirations growing up, she always knew she wanted to work with people.

“The Air New Zealand trainers are very approachable and supportive, while there are many different tools and experiences at your fingertips to learn. With a lot of hard work and dedication, you can pass the course.” — Amelia Mieras

“This was because I love chatting and getting to know people from different cultures and backgrounds,” she explains.

Amelia managed a small finance company in Christchurch before she began flying. After moving to Auckland in 2009, she initially worked for another airline before progressing to Air New Zealand. “And once I got into it, I never looked back.”

She describes Air New Zealand’s flight attendant training as challenging, practical and rigorous.

It was also the best five weeks she’ll ever experience, making friends she’ll never forget.

“The Air New Zealand trainers are very approachable and supportive, while there are many different tools and experiences at your fingertips to learn. With a lot of hard work and dedication, you can pass the course.”

A major positive outcome of the training has been the confidence she has gained. “I used to be pretty shy and timid, whereas now I get up in front of 100-plus people to perform a safety demonstration. You never know who you might

meet or serve while you are working in the sky, I have met some amazing people with very interesting stories and experiences.”

And of course, one of the most obvious benefits of the career is the travel flight attendants get to experience. “It’s actually so much more than that though, the whole lifestyle is what appeals to me the most.”

Now on track to her ultimate career goal of becoming an inflight service manager at Air New Zealand, Amelia also wants to become more involved with Air New Zealand’s Green Team.

This is a voluntary group of Air New Zealand staff members making a difference by getting involved with environmental projects in New Zealand.

For school leavers wanting to pursue careers as flight attendants, Amelia suggests a “focus on the subjects you love”.

“Some subjects that can be helpful are English, geography and mathematics, while away from school, customer service experience is also very helpful, and make sure you can swim 50 metres!”

Of the characteristics essential to this line of work, Amelia says, “open mindedness, situational awareness and resilience are key attributes required for this position.”

KEY FACTS ■ AMELIA MIERAS WORKS AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOR AIR NEW ZEALAND. ■ SHE SUGGESTS STUDYING ENGLISH, GEOGRAPHY AND MATHS AT SCHOOL BEFORE GETTING INTO THIS LINE OF WORK, AND ALSO SUGGESTS ACQUIRING SOME CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

For more information on ServiceIQ training for flight attendants, visit www.ServiceIQ.org.nz/ training/aviation

photograph from RICHARD BRIGGS

SKIPPER IN CHARGE

ALWAYS DRAWN TO A CAREER AT SEA WHEN TALLEY’S MUSSEL BOAT SKIPPER HONE ABRAHAM LEFT NELSON COLLEGE HE ONLY HAD ONE MAIN CRITERIA – WHATEVER WORK HE CHOSE TO DO HAD TO BE OUTSIDE.

BOAT SKIPPER

written by STU HUNT

23

HE BELIEVES A WORK PLACEMENT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AN IDEA OF THE TYPE OF WORK DONE ON THE BOATS.

Hone says “growing up on the sea” made the decision a lot easier. He took part in the Gateway programme with Nelson College for work experience, and briefly tried building, but he had been working on the oyster boats in the holidays with his uncles since Year 10.

Hone left school to work on mussel boats and after a short time went to Australia to work in the fishing industry there. Two years later, he returned to New Zealand to get his skipper’s ticket.

Hone did his Inshore Launch Master qualification through Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT). This is now known as the New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations – Skipper Restricted KEY FACTS ■ HONE ABRAHAM WORKS FOR TALLEY’S AS A SKIPPER ON A MUSSEL BOAT. ■ HE HAS ACHIEVED SEVERAL MARITIME QUALIFICATIONS THROUGH NELSON MARLBOROUGH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HONE BELIEVES A WORK PLACEMENT IS A GREAT METHOD OF DISCOVERING THE TYPE OF WORK THAT’S DONE ON BOATS, AND SEEING IF IT IS A CAREER FOR YOU.

Limits (Level 4). NMIT’s programme also includes engineering components, plus endorsements can be added to the skipper’s ticket to allow skippering of a larger vessel, over more areas, in a commercial environment, with passengers and so forth. After this, Hone then went on to achieve his basic engineers ticket (New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering – Class 6).

For the last eight years, Hone has been working on mussel boats, with the last three of those years as skipper in charge of a 27-metre boat with a crew of two or three.

Hone describes his job as “cultivating mussels”. “We grow mussels, harvest mussels, we do a lot of farm work and occasionally oysters and scallops, just the whole range of shellfish really.”

The work sees him staying on the boat Monday to Friday, his typical day starts at 5 am and winds up around 10 pm, so the weeks can be 80-hours plus.

“We do big hours, we’ve done a few 24-hour shifts at harvest time or bringing in the spat where the mussels are the size of a grain of sand.

“You got to get them out as soon as it comes in, so you’re constantly working during those times.”

As skipper, Hone does everything from the responsibilities of a deckhand to the added responsibilities of running the deck.

It is physical work and during certain times of the year there isn’t much down time. But the money,

being out on the sea and working in the outdoors more than compensate for that.

In terms of advice for school leavers contemplating this type of work, Hone says this is a job you can get under way with quickly.

“You don’t need much sea time it’s just book work, really. You have to be on the boat and the skipper has to be willing to sign your book work off.

“It’s part of the course now, showing that you’ve been doing engines and that sort of stuff, being able to run gear and work on the boat pretty much.”

He believes a work placement is the best way to get an idea of the type of work done on the boats. Once you’ve got a job on the boat then it’s a case of working towards tickets like advanced deckhand, engineers and, ultimately, skipper’s ticket through NMIT. Hone says those tickets are valuable to have on your CV as they can easily lead to work overseas, being particularly in demand on super yachts.

Other than that, Hone reckons as long as “you enjoy the outdoors and get along with people you’ll be sweet as”.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

For more information on career opportunities with Talley’s, visit www.talleysdeepseacareer.co.nz

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

IMPORTANT NOTICES 24

NOTICE BOARD

UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ZEALAND

KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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

TERM 3 holiday: 24 September–9 October Summer holiday: 17 December–early February 2017

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

So far this year, the University of Otago, University of Waikato, University of Canterbury and Lincoln University have already held their open days. The following tertiary providers have open days yet to come: Tertiary provider

Location

Date

MASSEY UNIVERSITY www.massey.ac.nz

Manawatu

Wednesday 3 August

SCHOLARSHIPS

MASSEY UNIVERSITY www.massey.ac.nz

Auckland

Saturday 20 August

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

MASSEY UNIVERSITY www.massey.ac.nz

Wellington

Friday 26 August

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON www.victoria.ac.nz

Wellington

Friday 26 August

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND www.auckland.ac.nz

Auckland

Saturday 27 August

AUT UNIVERSITY www.aut.ac.nz

Auckland

Saturday 27 August

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

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

LEAVING SCHOOL 2016 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 Sunday 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

IMPORTANT NOTICES

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KEY DATES

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

ACCOMMODATION 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.

CAREERS NEW ZEALAND

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

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

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.

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

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 issue #7

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

25

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS 26

DEMYSTIFYING APPLICATIONS

HOW TO LAND THAT GRANT written by SARA CARBERY

AS YOU’RE PROBABLY DISCOVERING, TERTIARY STUDY CAN BE EXPENSIVE. MOST UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES COST AROUND $7000 PER YEAR IN FEES; FOR A THREE-YEAR DEGREE THAT ADDS UP TO OVER $20,000. THROW IN ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING EXPENSES, AND YOU COULD HAVE CLOCKED UP A HEFTY STUDENT DEBT BY THE TIME YOU GRADUATE. Scholarships, grants and awards can help ease the financial burden of study. The good news is there are thousands on offer. Every scholarship requires applicants to meet certain criteria, which can be based on things such as what and where you plan to study, academic achievement, gender, ethnicity, financial hardship, leadership, sporting excellence, community service, the region you grew up in, school decile and even where you come in the family and who your parents work for!

Top Tip If you’re looking to start tertiary study the year after you finish high school, your N CEA Level 2 results are what count, at least initially, as many scholarship applications will close before you have your N CEA Level 3 results.

SEE WHAT YOU’RE ELIGIBLE FOR Many universities and other education providers offer their own scholarships, grants and awards.

They often have a scholarships officer or career adviser who can advise you on the scholarships you may be eligible for. It’s definitely worth looking on their website too, as many tertiary institutes have a list of the scholarships on offer, including eligibility criteria and application forms.

NZQA also offers scholarships – called New Zealand Scholarships – and they’re worth looking into if you (or your teacher) feel you’re a high achiever in a particular subject. These scholarships provide recognition and monetary reward to top students WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

in their final year of high school. To find out more, go to www.nzqa.govt.nz/ qualifications-standards/awards/ new-zealand-scholarship Operated by Generosity New Zealand, the givME website offers access to more than 4000 scholarships and grants. It costs over $300 to subscribe, but you can access the database for free at over 240 secondary schools, most universities and many polytechnics, public libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux and some community centres.

Competition for scholarships is tough so increase your chances of receiving one by applying for as many as possible.

Top Tip Start doing your research and applying now as many scholarships close August /September.

GETTING IT RIGHT Finding a scholarship you’re eligible for and that suits your needs can be time consuming, but it’s only the first step. All that hard work will be for nothing if you don’t get your application right.

Unfortunately there isn’t a one-size-fits-all form that you can fire off with all your applications, so you’ll need to approach each one separately.

This will take time, but hopefully will be worth the effort!

Once you’ve checked and double-checked that you’re eligible for a scholarship (there’s no point wasting your time applying if you’re not), the next step is to read the guidelines carefully and gather all the information you need. This will vary but some

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

things you may be asked to provide include proof of citizenship or residency status (such as a birth certificate or passport), evidence of community involvement, financial hardship or ethnic background, a list of referees, your record of learning, bank details and your IRD number.

Don’t send originals in with your application. You’ll need to make copies of all the necessary documents and get them certified by an authorised person, such as a teacher, police officer, solicitor or Justice of the Peace. Who can authorise documents will vary for each scholarship, so check this carefully.

Top Tip To help you keep track of everything, put together a document outlining the following: all the scholarships you want to apply for, when each one is due, the supporting documents you need to provide, and how and when you will get these documents.

MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION It’s crucial you make a good first impression.

A messy, late or partially filled application sends the message that you don’t really care about the scholarship or the money being offered.

SELL YOURSELF Most applications will request a personal statement of around one to two pages in length.

Make sure each statement is purpose written for the application – don’t copy and paste!

This is your chance to stand out, so use it to convince the selection committee that they should choose you. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to understand what they’re looking for, then provide appropriate information that shows you tick all the boxes.

Let them know who you are, your study and career aspirations, any relevant work or volunteer experience, and your achievements.

Find out a bit about the organisation that is providing the scholarship and tailor your personal statement to them as much as possible.

Your statement should be written in a formal tone, ideally typed, and have a clear, concise and structured flow. Check, then double-check spelling and get someone else to read it too.

FINALLY Once you’ve written your personal statement, filled out the application form and have all the necessary documents together, check, check, and recheck – have you provided everything they’re asking for?

Then make a copy of your application to keep on file, and send it off… Good luck!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

BE THOROUGH: Make sure you provide everything that is asked for.

BE TIDY: Write neatly in blue or black pen and use the same style of writing throughout the application – or type it (for some, you’ll be asked to apply online.) Check spelling and have someone else check it too. Attach documents in the order they are requested and don’t bind or staple your papers together; use a paperclip so they are easy to detach and read.

BE TIMELY: Make sure you get your application in on time. If competition is high, the selection panel will be looking for reasons to reject an application, and lateness may be top of their list.

27

Attention to Detail...

Common complaints received from scholarship providers by Victoria University of Wellington’s Scholarships Office include: ● All of the requested documents are not attached. ● The documents are not supplied in the form requested – originals, certified copies, one-sided documents etc. ● All pages of the application form are not filled in. ● Applicants do not read the questions properly and thus provide inappropriate or irrelevant responses. ● Applicants skip questions that they think don’t apply to them. If you are asked a question, you must answer it in some way. ● Applicants don’t supply their full and correct postal address and email address. ● The applicant’s handwriting is illegible. (Always write clearly and in block letters – or type it.)

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photograph by DIANNE MANSON

AUTOMOTIVE HEAVY TRADES

ON THE ROAD TO BECOMING A DIESEL MECHANIC PASSION, A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE AND ELBOW GREASE CAN GO A LONG WAY. JUST ASK 19-YEAR-OLD CORY THOMPSON OF INVERCARGILL, WHO LOVES HIS HEAVY MACHINERY AND IS WORKING HARD TO BECOME A FULLY QUALIFIED DIESEL MECHANIC. Cory is a recent graduate of SIT, having completed a Certificate in Automotive Heavy Trades. This means he knows all the basics about repairing a wide range of on- and off-road machinery, among other aspects of the industry. From a farming background, his father was an agricultural contractor, Cory has always been into tractors and the like.

The SIT course covers the full gambit of the industry, which is split into four major sectors: agricultural, materials handling equipment, plant and equipment and road transport. The pre-trade course at the zero-fees institute is vital to getting a leg-up in the industry, particularly in the South Island.

“It gives you a head start on a lot of basic stuff.

They also touch on areas like hydraulics, to give you an understanding too.”

KEY FACTS ■ CORY THOMPSON STUDIED A CERTIFICATE IN AUTOMOTIVE HEAVY TRADES THROUGH SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HE IS IN HIS SECOND YEAR OF AN APPRENTICESHIP AT INVERCARGILL’S CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE. ■ IN THE FUTURE, CORY AIMS TO WORK IN THE AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY AND BELIEVES THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS AREA.

Cory speaks highly of the heavy machinery course and although he says it is intense, it is also an enjoyable mix of practical and theory work.

He is now in his second year of an apprenticeship with Invercargill’s CLAAS Harvest Centre, a large

farm machinery distribution network. The money is coming in and the knowledge he is gaining is priceless.

“They look after you. They have training courses, and they are all about developing you. I started

TRADIES WANTED! Start your pre-trade training now at SIT Invercargill Campus • Architectural Technology • Automotive Engineering • Automotive Heavy Trades • Construction • Electrical Engineering • Engineering (Civil/Mechanical) • Joinery • Quantity Surveying • Road Transport

Christchurch Campus • Automotive Engineering • Construction • Collision Repair • Electrical Trade Skills • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Queenstown Campus • Construction

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0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz

Outside of his work, he is a keen rugby player, good enough to play flanker for the Southland Under-19s last year, but is usually a flanker for Woodlands premier club team.

His advice to school leavers is to have some solid working knowledge of heavy machinery, and a clear enjoyment of what you do. It is not a necessity to zero-in on certain school subjects as a lead in to the field.

“It doesn’t matter a whole lot. Good numeracy and literacy are helpful, but nothing that specific. Working knowledge and passion are the keys. It’s about enjoying what you do.”

Cory is certainly enjoying his chance to earn while he learns, and banking this experience will open doors financially and travel-wise in the future.

“I’ll hang around here for a while, then maybe look at the agricultural contracting side of things. There’s opportunity in the industry. They can send you overseas for a few months, to places like Australia and Canada, and there’s the chance to earn good money too.”

CORY SPEAKS HIGHLY OF THE HEAVY MACHINERY COURSE AND ALTHOUGH HE SAYS IT IS INTENSE, IT IS ALSO AN ENJOYABLE MIX OF PRACTICAL AND THEORY WORK.

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

For more information on studying Automotive Heavy Trades with Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz

APPRENTICE: DIESEL MECHANIC

with them while still at Southland Boys’ High School, doing one day a week for a couple of months, and then one day a week while at SIT,” says Cory.

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT 30

CHANGE THE LIVING WORLD

DESIGNING AND DELIVERING PUBLIC SPACES written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

“AS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, YOU ARE LITERALLY CHANGING THE LIVING WORLD AND HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH IT AND WITH EACH OTHER – HOPEFULLY FOR THE BETTER.” Claire Liesching is clearly an enthusiastic champion of her new profession. Just over one year ago, the 23-year-old Aucklander graduated from Unitec with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with Honours.

“Unitec is a fantastic institute with a strong emphasis on practical involvement and collaboration with the industry,” enthuses Claire. “We were often working on portions of real-life projects, which we were then able to present back, for feedback, to the firms who were working on the projects.”

Born in South Africa, Claire moved to Auckland with her family in 2001 and went to high school at Howick College.

In her final year she took calculus, English, geography, design and graphics – all useful subjects for her study and career.

“I believe that maths and English-based subjects are really important for any career path, as most professions rely on sound numeracy and literacy skills.”

But regarding the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture specifically, Claire recommends taking a design-based subject such as art or graphics, particularly as prospective students have to submit a portfolio of design work as part of their application.

Having an interest in design, Claire always thought she’d be an architect – it wasn’t until her parents encouraged her to explore other design-related fields before making a decision, that she changed tack.

So what exactly is landscape architecture? It’s about “everything outside, urban and rural, at the interface between people and natural systems,” says the NZ

Institute of Landscape Architects. From waterfront developments to wetlands, parks to playgrounds, landscape architects bring their understanding of science, history and art together to create useable and sustainable outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.

Claire is putting the knowledge she gained at Unitec to good use working for Auckland Council’s parks department, where she is part of the team responsible for the design and delivery of open public spaces.

“One of the best things about working for Council is the ability to cover all phases of the design process for a project – from site analysis, drawings and research through to conceptual and developed design with community consultation, and finally, seeing a project through to the end of construction!”

So, is working as a landscape architect everything Claire thought it would be?

“Actually working as an LA is even better than I imagined it would be.

It has only been about a year since I finished studying, but when I think about the future I can’t imagine doing anything different!”

Her advice to high school students with an interest in landscape architecture and an enthusiasm for design is: “Apply. You will not regret it!

“If you’re still not quite sure what landscape architects do but you’re intrigued, then check out this cool, BLA student-produced magazine www.xsectionjournal.com.”

You could also check out the website of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects at www.nzila.co.nz “AS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, YOU ARE LITERALLY CHANGING THE LIVING WORLD AND HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH IT AND WITH EACH OTHER – HOPEFULLY FOR THE BETTER.” — Claire Liesching

KEY FACTS ■ CLAIRE LIESCHING HAS A BACHELOR OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE WITH HONOURS FROM UNITEC. ■ SHE RECOMMENDS HAVING SOUND LITERACY AND NUMERACY SKILLS AS A FOUNDATION FOR ANY CAREER. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, CLAIRE SUGGESTS STUDYING ARTS AND GRAPHICS AT HIGH SCHOOL. WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

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

photograph by NEIL MacBETH

GUIDING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

HELP OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCCEED

PHILIP NUU HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMBINED HIS PASSIONS FOR LEARNING AND WORKING WITH YOUTH IN HIS CURRENT CAREER. HE IS WORKING TOWARDS MOULDING POTENTIAL LEADERS OF THE FUTURE. Philip is a senior youth worker for the Whanaketanga programme with Youth and Cultural Development (YCD) in Christchurch.

Born to Samoan parents, he grew up in Christchurch and attended Bromley Primary and Linwood College. “I studied all the standard subjects such as English and maths, but my favourite subjects were sport and music. I believe my interest in these two subjects has helped me work so well with young people.

“I have always wanted to make a difference in young peoples’ lives, especially at the young age (from 11 to 18 years old) I am working with. They often come from fractured homes or lifestyles without role models to guide them,” he says, his passion evident.

This passion to help started when Philip was only very young – from when he was at primary school. “I have always participated and volunteered in church youth groups, as well as sports and music groups.”

YCD in Christchurch provides services to young people who are at risk of being caught in an offending circle. The organisation has formed partnerships with community and government organisations to provide the best services possible to this sector of the youth community, who otherwise would not get the support required to develop positive decision-making skills.

Philip now leads the Whanaketanga programme at YCD – helping to mould our future leaders, with funds provided by the Ministry of Youth Development.

Philip coordinates the programme in schools and the community, encouraging participation in culture, school, education, sport, arts through learning and leadership development.

“We support young people to plan and run events for other young people or for whanau, participating in activities such as dragon boating, culture groups.

We also provide a mediation-type role between the young people and whanau when appropriate.”

Following a year’s training with support from Careerforce in Christchurch, Philip graduated with a Level 3 qualification in Youth Work Leadership. He really enjoyed seeing the theory he studied put into practice.

While he has worked at YCD for 11 years now, previously he had been in the hospitality industry. After gaining a Diploma in Hotel Management, Philip worked at the Heritage Hotel in Nelson as a conference supervisor for six years, and then had a stint as a duty manager at Christchurch’s Grand Chancellor.

Philip also works part-time at My Father’s Barbers shop in Christchurch.

KEY FACTS ■ PHILIP NUU WORKS AS A SENIOR YOUTH WORKER IN THE WHANAKETANGA PROGRAMME WITH YOUTH AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHRISTCHURCH. ■ FOLLOWING A YEAR’S TRAINING WITH SUPPORT FROM CAREERFORCE, PHILIP ACHIEVED A LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION IN YOUTH WORK LEADERSHIP.

But, his heart has always been with working with young people and he intends to continue studying to achieve even more in this career path. He plans on starting a business course soon, but envisages his future will always include working with youth.

Philip suggests those interested in youth work follow his example and start doing voluntary work – such as helping out in youth groups. Joining the Canterbury Youth Workers’ Collective also helped him network with other youth agencies in Christchurch, while his course with Careerforce was of great value.

For more information on training with the support of Careerforce, visit www.careerforce.org.nz

PHILIP COORDINATES THE PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY, ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN CULTURE, SCHOOL, EDUCATION, SPORT, ARTS THROUGH LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

YOUTH WORKER TEXT

written by ROBYN YOUSEF

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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN 32

written by SARA CARBERY

photographs by JOE JOHNSON

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FROM ARA TO EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY

LIKE MANY OF US, SARAH GRIFFIN WASN’T SURE WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO WHEN SHE LEFT SCHOOL, BUT SHE KNEW THAT SHE REALLY ENJOYED GRAPHICS AND DESIGN AND WANTED TO DO SOMETHING IN THAT AREA. Inspiration came Sarah’s way when she stumbled upon Engineering Technology in an Ara Institute of Canterbury pamphlet (formerly CPIT). “I hadn’t thought of engineering as a career at all until this point,” she recalls. “Applications had already closed but I decided to apply anyway and got accepted!”

Sarah completed a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) at Ara, a three-year programme that prepares students for a career as an engineering technician in civil infrastructure development.

“Engineering technicians are basically a step below engineers and usually get jobs in the drafting area,” she explains. Students at Ara can choose to major in Structural Engineering, Water and Waste Water Engineering, Roading-Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.

Growing up with three builders in the family, her dad and two brothers, Structural Engineering was the major that interested Sarah most; it deals with large buildings and similar structures.

“I have always enjoyed designing and being in that environment.”

Ara offers plenty of hands-on, practical learning – one of the reasons Sarah chose this degree.

Her third-year engineering development project, titled Epoxy Resin Injection for Concrete Crack Repair, involved testing three different brands of epoxy products used for crack repair and two different methods of injection and determining the differences.

To do this, Sarah cast eight concrete beams and cracked them under flexural tensile loading.

She then sealed the cracks with each of the chosen epoxy products and tested them again under the same tensile loading to determine whether the repaired beams could withstand the same loading as the unbroken beams.

Sarah enjoyed her time at Ara and says “it was more like a school classroom environment as opposed to sitting in a large lecture theatre like at university”.

“I was able to put my hand up and ask questions if I was stuck and the lecturers were always happy to help outside of class times.”

Now 22, this Blenheim local is a qualified engineering technician, working for Fletcher Earthquake Recovery in Christchurch as part of their engineering team.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Apply now for one of the many scholarships available for Ara programmes starting 2017.

Full and partial fee reduction scholarships are available across a wide range of subject areas including engineering, business, computing, applied science, languages, outdoor education and sustainability, hospitality, trades and primary industries.

For details visit

ara.ac.nz/scholarships KNOWLEDGE AT WORK

“I DIDN’T WANT A JOB WHERE I WOULD BE SITTING IN AN OFFICE ALL DAY. WITH ENGINEERING, IT’S A MIX OF BEING ONSITE AND IN THE OFFICE, WHICH APPEALS TO ME.”

Sarah Griffin

“I didn’t want a job where I would be sitting in an office all day. With engineering, it’s a mix of being onsite and in the office, which appeals to me.”

In Year 13 at Marlborough Girls’ College, Sarah took maths, physics, graphics, food technology and information and communication technology (ICT).

“I had to take maths and physics papers in my first year so taking them at high school was important.”

(Calculus and physics are prerequisites for the course.)

“ICT was very useful too as many of the papers involved using the computer so it was good to have previous knowledge of a variety of computer programs.”

■ SARAH GRIFFIN HAS A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (CIVIL) FROM ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY. ■ CALCULUS AND PHYSICS ARE PREREQUISITE SUBJECTS FOR THIS DEGREE, WHILE SARAH ALSO RECOMMENDS STUDYING MATHS AND HAVING A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTERS. ■ SARAH IS WORKING IN CHRISTCHURCH FOR FLETCHER EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY, AS PART OF THEIR ENGINEERING TEAM.

For more information on studying Engineering Technology through Ara Institute of Canterbury Canterbury, visit www.ara.ac.nz

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN TEXT

KEY FACTS

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PERSONAL ASSISTANT 34

CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE

ADMINISTRATIVE SUCCESS written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by PETER McDERMOTT

REBEKA ADAMSON KNOWS ALL ABOUT ADVERSITY. “I WAS FORCED TO LEAVE SCHOOL ON MY 16TH BIRTHDAY BECAUSE MY FAMILY DIDN’T BELIEVE IN EDUCATION AND COULDN’T AFFORD MY UNIFORMS OR BOOKS. I WAS EXPECTED TO FIND A JOB OR RECEIVE A BENEFIT IN ORDER TO HELP OUT FINANCIALLY.” Fourteen years later, Rebeka was named 2015 AAPNZ Administrative Professional of the Year, an award, she says, that symbolises “everything I have overcome”.

So how did Rebeka go from few skills at 16 to an award-winning personal assistant (PA) at 30?

By saying yes to opportunities, working hard and studying when she was offered the chance.

Following six weeks of unpaid work experience at Wairarapa Times-Age, Rebeka’s first paid job was in the newspaper’s production department, where she learnt to create advertisements, type up classified ads, and put the newspaper together. With these new skills, Rebeka moved to Palmerston North three years later to work as a senior administrator.

Her big break came when her supervisor gave her a brochure for the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAPNZ) and recommended she join. “This association helped me turn from a shy and insecure person into a confident and capable professional. I learnt that I had a real skill in

“I learnt that I had a real skill in administration and could create a successful career for myself – something I thought was out of my reach due to having no education – so I decided my goal was to become a personal assistant.” — Rebeka Adamson

administration and could create a successful career for myself – something I thought was out of my reach due to having no education – so I decided my goal was to become a personal assistant.”

Through AAPNZ, Rebeka applied for a Manukau Institute of Technology scholarship and, six years after leaving school, began studying for a Diploma in Business Administration while working fulltime.

Now qualified, Rebeka works as a PA to four managers at Enable New Zealand, a role which involves managing diaries, booking travel, minute-taking and human resource support for approximately 70 staff.

KEY FACTS ■ REBEKA ADAMSON IS A PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO FOUR MANAGERS AT ENABLE NEW ZEALAND. ■ SHE LEFT SCHOOL AT 16, AND NOW HAS A DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FROM MANUKAU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ REBEKA WAS NAMED 2015 AAPNZ ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

“I provide email support, manage all complaints/ compliments received, complete monthly reporting, as well as assisting on organisational projects and other tasks as required.”

While the administrative industry used to be considered ‘entry-level’ work, Rebeka is quick to point out that being a PA or Executive Assistant (EA) is a highly skilled and fast-paced role. “It’s just that those who excel in it tend to make the work look effortless.”

And it’s a role with myriad opportunities. “Being an administrator means you can work in just about any industry you’re interested in. The military, schools, government organisations, healthcare, hotels, travel agencies, IT, legal firms, zoos... Anything you can imagine, they probably need an administrator.

“Better yet, administrators are employed worldwide. You could work anywhere in the world, in any industry.”

Rebeka’s advice to those interested in a career as a PA/EA includes paying attention in English, learning to touch-type and securing an intermediate level of knowledge in Microsoft Office. If you can, gain a qualification. “This will give you more credibility when applying for PA/EA roles.”

And, once employed, consider joining a professional association, such as AAPNZ. “Associations provide you with professional development, access to scholarships/certification, and the opportunity to practice new skills in a safe environment before applying them in the workplace.”

For more information on becoming a personal assistant and AAPNZ, visit www.aapnz.org.nz

AN INDUSTRY OF OPTIONS written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by JOE JOHNSON

FOR 26-YEAR-OLD PHARMACIST BRENDON McINTOSH, ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF HIS JOB IS GIVING ADVICE. SO MUCH SO, HE HAS SET UP A SNAPCHAT ACCOUNT CALLED SNAPCHEMIST. “WHEN SHE STARTED

35

EXPLAINING ALL THE POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS THERE WERE FOR PHARMACISTS BESIDES BEING BEHIND A BENCH COUNTING PILLS, THE DECISION WAS MADE AND OFF TO PHARMACY SCHOOL I WENT.” – Brendon McIntosh This has been a great success, he says. “I get questions from mainly younger people who may be too embarrassed to go into a pharmacy or ask their family doctor.”

Brendon grew up on the main road of Fairfield in Dunedin dreaming of becoming an All Black after meeting Tana Umaga when he was seven.

Instead of wearing the black jersey, Brendon completed a Bachelor of Sciences majoring in Neuroscience at the University of Otago.

While he had his sights set on becoming a doctor, fate intervened. “At the end of my degree I was put on the waiting list to study medicine but had to find something to do in the meantime.”

One of his mentors from the university’s Māori Centre invited Brendon to meet a young pharmacist.

“I still remember this meeting six years on. Lisa was so enthusiastic about pharmacy and I could tell she genuinely loved her job.

“When she started explaining all the possible career options there were for pharmacists besides being behind a bench counting pills, the decision was made and off to pharmacy school I went.”

After his sciences degree, Brendon relished being part of a smaller group studying pharmacy and, being a Māori student, also enjoyed support from Ngā Kaitiaki o te Puna Rongoā (the Māori Pharmacist Association). “The help they can give is invaluable.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

PHARMACIST

THE SNAPCHATTING PHARMACIST

KEY FACTS

■ BRENDON M McINTOSH HAS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCES MAJORING IN NEUROSCIENCE AND A BACHELOR OF PHARMACY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ HIS YEAR 13 SCHOOL SUBJECTS WERE BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, LIFE SKILLS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION; HE TOOK ENGLISH AND MATHS THROUGH TO YEAR 12.

■ BRENDON WORKS AS THE EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER FOR THE PHARMACY GROUP.

We would have Māori pharmacists come and give us workshops on therapeutics and the much dreaded oral exams, which to me was an absolute life saver.”

After graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and completing an internship on the West Coast to become fully qualified, Brendon is now working as the Education and Communication Manager for The Pharmacy Group in Christchurch, a role which sees him running the community outreach programme.

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

“We go into schools and community centres and hold workshops on certain disease states, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or just hold general seminars on family health and wellbeing.

“This is the most rewarding part of my job, actually having the time to sit down with patients and talk about their condition and how their medicines are working to help it.”

Having taken English and maths to Year 12 at Otago Boys’ High School, Brendon took biology, chemistry, physics, life skills and physical education (PE) in Year 13. Although all the science subjects are hugely important in pharmacy, Brendon says PE is actually the school subject he uses most in his job.

His advice to school leavers thinking of studying pharmacy is: “Keep an open mind and say yes to any opportunity that comes along during your time at pharmacy school. Get involved with the students’ association as this has opened up a lot of doors and taken me to countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands and Egypt attending the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation World Congress.

“I now have friends, who are pharmacists, in more than 30 countries all because I said yes when everyone else said no.”

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

MEAT INSPECTOR

written by CAMPBELL BURNES

36

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

ON TOP OF QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALISING IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY

DANNY TARI IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE IDEA THAT IF YOU HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND A GOOD ATTITUDE, YOU CAN GAIN A FOOTHOLD IN YOUR JOB FROM WHICH TO LAUNCH TO GREATER THINGS. The 22-year-old from Hamilton works as a post-mortem meat inspector for AFFCO, a company that supplies the world with some of New Zealand’s premium quality meat. He is a key cog in the quality control process, ensuring the meat from the carcass has no diseases or potential for disease.

At Fraser High School, Danny says he did not have a clear employment or study plan mapped out, but he knew what he was good at and what suited him.

“We get all the guts and we sort out the organs, checking them for disease and conditions,” says Danny, a down-to-earth, hard-working bloke.

He progressed through the ranks at AFFCO, grabbing on to an opportunity to further his qualifications

“I always knew I wanted to do something practical, something hands-on. But I kind of just stumbled into the job, really, and I’ve gone with it,” he says.

It sounds like an unappetising gig, but, in fact, it is quite specialised, important work. And, most of all, Danny enjoys doing it. “It’s all down to good teamwork and communication… and we’ve still got the good quality stuff (meat)!”

AFF23149 Careers advert SPM_FA.pdf

1

13/07/16

There are “only a handful” of post-mortem meat inspectors, all who are committed to putting out a quality product.

in the field by completing a six-month course and gaining a Certificate of Post-Mortem Meat Inspection (Level 4) through Asure Quality, the government’s food inspection company.

The course was roughly half theory and paperwork and half on-the-job, practical work.

AFFCO funded the course and, even better, Danny got paid while he was studying and working onsite.

KEY FACTS ■ DANNY TARI IS A POST-MORTEM MEAT INSPECTOR WITH AFFCO, A WORLDWIDE SUPPLIER OF QUALITY NEW ZEALAND MEAT.

2:01 PM

■ HE HAS A CERTIFICATE OF POST-MORTEM MEAT INSPECTION (LEVEL 4), THROUGH ASURE QUALITY. ■ THE COURSE WAS 50:50 PRACTICAL AND THEORY. HIS WORK FUNDED HIS QUALIFICATION AND HE WAS PAID TO WORK AND STUDY.

“Go in with an open mind and keen attitude. It doesn’t matter if you have little or no experience, as long as you keen to learn.

You 1can13/07/16 pretty 1:51 much AFF23149are Careers advert AFFCO_FA.pdf PM go anywhere.”

— Danny Tari

For more information on a career with AFFCO, visit www.affco.co.nz

MEAT INSPECTOR

He really enjoys his work and lifestyle – working 5.30 am until around 3.00 pm during the week.

It is intense and he has to focus, but the rewards are there.

“There’s plenty of time in the afternoon. There’s a lot of sunlight after work!” he jokes.

“It’s pretty much onwards and upwards from here.

We have opportunities to learn other jobs and are more stable in our work now.”

As for his advice for school leavers thinking of entering the meat industry?

“Just go in with an open mind and keen attitude.

It doesn’t matter if you have little or no experience, as long as you are keen to learn. You can pretty much go anywhere.”

Danny suggests that students looking at entering the meat industry take the sciences, perhaps biology in particular, agricultural studies, and to familiarise themselves with basic animal anatomy, which will help when you are examining the entrails of a cow.

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ADVENTURE GUIDE 38

MOUNTAINS, BUSH, CANYONS WHEN YOUR WORK PROMOTES PLAY written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by HOLLY WALLACE

“IF YOU ENJOY BEING ACTIVE AND WANT TO WORK IN AN INDUSTRY THAT PROMOTES PLAY, THEN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IS FOR YOU!” It took Moana-Lyn Te Whata a few years to find her calling as an adventure guide, but now she has, her enthusiasm is infectious.

“Whenever I’m out on a trip, whether it’s up the mountain, in the bush or swimming through a canyon, I always take a second to look at the beauty that is our world and am just so thankful that I can be a part of it and can share the experience with others.”

Moana-Lyn (22) graduated last year with a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure from Whitireia and, after a summer in Queenstown guiding visitors down waterfalls and canyons, she is

“I feel like Whitireia has given me the skills to fit in anywhere … everything is possible.”— Moana-Lyn Te Whata

BE A HERO START A HEROIC CAREER IN HEALTH AND WELLBEING WITH CAREERFORCE Not all heroes have superhuman powers. But they do have one thing in common… helping others. A career in health and wellbeing is about enabling and supporting others to do the things they want and need to do.

If you want a career that makes a difference to people’s lives, visit our website to find out how to get started.

www.careerforce.org.nz/enablingcareers ENA BLIN G CA RE ER S

KEY FACTS

■ MOANA-LYN HAS A DIPLOMA IN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE THROUGH WHITIREIA. ■ SHE STUDIED AT NORTHERN SOUTHLAND COLLEGE AND TOOK PE, ENGLISH, CHEMISTRY, STATISTICS, CALCULUS AND LEGAL STUDIES IN YEAR 13.

■ MOANA-LYN IS CURRENTLY GUIDING SNOW-SHOEING TRIPS IN THE MOUNTAINS.

International Relations. Looking back, she realises she wasn’t truly happy at university.

“I wasn’t getting enough fresh air and I felt like I was missing something.”

During the final year of her degree, her partner started doing a Certificate in Outdoor Adventure at Whitireia. “He would come home with all these epic stories about how he’d just been kayaking and doing all of this rad stuff. I was green as with jealousy!”

So, after finishing her degree, and before starting a job at Treasury as a policy analyst, she joined her partner in Waitomo where he was guiding black-water rafting trips.

“Well that was the beginning of the end! I withdrew my application for the job at Treasury and started training with him in the caves straight away.”

This led to Moana-Lyn enrolling to study at Whitireia a couple of months later, an experience she describes as “truly epic”.

“I feel like Whitireia has given me the skills to fit in anywhere – I could sea-kayak guide in Abel Tasman, bush guide in Fiordland, snow-shoe guide at Remarkables, cave in Waitomo, canyon in Queenstown… everything is possible.”

Moana-Lyn enjoyed an action-packed childhood growing up in Mossburn in Southland, where her parents own a shearing contracting business.

During her school years she walked the Hump Ridge and numerous other tracks, spent two weeks on Great Barrier Island with the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre (OPC), three weeks at Anakiwa with Outward Bound, and relished many other adventures.

“I guess you could say that I tried my hand at nearly every sport and adventure activity under the sun!”

In Year 13 at Northern Southland College in Lumsden, where she was head girl, Moana-Lyn took PE, English, chemistry, statistics, calculus and legal studies (by correspondence).

Her advice to others considering a career in outdoor adventure is: “Just do it! (Nike saying but so true). Even if you are a little bit intimidated by working in the outdoors just give it a go. You will never know what you are capable of until you give it a try!”

For more information on studying Outdoor Adventure through Whitireia, visit www.whitireia.ac.nz

#NZcareersatsea Imagine yourself cooking on a ferry, catching big snapper as a trawler deckhand, crewing in the Bahamas on a super yacht or being the Captain on the bridge of a 1000 tonne oil tanker. There’s also careers onshore – Maritime officers focus on safety, naval architects design big ships and small, there’s logistics, support and stevedoring.

Whatever you choose, you won’t be bored. Find out what subjects you will need to train for your exciting career at sea.

Discover a career at sea… maritimenz.govt.nz/wmd careers.govt.nz

ADVENTURE GUIDE

guiding snow-shoeing trips in the mountains. “What that involves is walking up into some of the off-piste terrain, seeing some frozen lakes, making a couple of igloos and snow caves, and throwing the odd snowball!”

Despite a life-long love of outdoor adventure, Moana-Lyn came to guiding somewhat circuitously, via a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and

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TIPS FOR FLATTING TEXT

written by DIANA CLEMENT

40

photo credit GETTY IMAGES

ARE YOU LEAVING HOME?

YOUR GUIDE TO FLATTING

GOING FLATTING IS A RITE OF PASSAGE INTO THE BIG WIDE WORLD. AFTER SCHOOL AND THE FAMILY HOME, SHARING A HOUSE WITH LIKEMINDED FRIENDS CAN BE LOTS OF FUN; IF YOU’RE A FIRST-TIME FLATTER THERE’S PLENTY TO LEARN THAT WILL HELP MAKE THIS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. Here are seven top tips to make your flatting experience a financial success.

UNDERSTAND THE COSTS Flatting costs more money than the rent figure.

You’ll need to pay up to six weeks’ rent as bond and two weeks of rent in advance. Unless the flat is furnished you’ll also have to buy a bed, furniture and homewares, such as pots and pans. Make sure you set money aside for power, internet, food, insurance and going out.

TEAM UP WITH OTHERS It’s usually cheaper to have several students living in one home. Think about who you’d like to share a house with or look for an existing flat where you’ll fit in. Choose your flatmates wisely or you could end up saddled with

everything – from paying their bills to cleaning up after them.

BUDGET It’s a really good idea to budget and ensure that your fixed costs (such as rent and power) are paid for before any discretionary spending (such as clothes, tech gadgets and nights out).

If you don’t pay your rent on time you can be evicted. Budgeting helps ensure that you always have a stress-free roof over your head. Check out StudyLink’s cost of living calculator at Bit.do/SLcalculator GET INSURANCE Contents insurance covers your belongings, your landlord’s or neighbour’s house if you damage them accidentally, and emergency

accommodation if your flat becomes uninhabitable thanks to an earthquake, fire, flood or other unexpected event. Be very wary of cheap or ‘tailor made’ contents insurance policies that don’t cover goods away from home, third-party liability and emergency accommodation.

PAY THE BILLS You really don’t want to get a black mark on your credit record from late payment of bills.

It can stop you getting credit in the future, and even from landing a job. Put all flatmates’ names on the utility bills and work out a system for paying on time, such as saving a regular amount each week into a kitty to cover the bills. Make sure you read the meters often too, so you don’t end up with a surprise bill.

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TIPS FOR FLATTING TEXT 41

UNDERSTAND THE LAW It’s a really good idea to understand what’s expected from both you and your landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act. If either side breaches the rules, they can be taken to the Tenancy Tribunal.

For example, landlords can’t breach your “quiet enjoyment” of the home. Nor can they enforce clauses in your tenancy agreement that conflict with the Act, such as requiring carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy,

charging extra bond if you have a pet, or raising the rent with just one week’s notice. As a tenant your responsibilities include things such as keeping the property clean and tidy.

TAKE AN INVENTORY If the house you rent has damage when you move in, make sure this is documented. Note it and photograph them for the initial property inspection report. If this is not done, take photographs and ask the landlord or property manager to acknowledge receipt of them.

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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.

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ecnz.ac.nz TO FIND OUT MORE

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

For more information on going flatting, visit www.tenancy.govt.nz www.sorted.org.nz/guides/going-flatting www.nzflatmates.co.nz www.flatfinder.co.nz www.easyroommate.co.nz

APPRENTICESHIPS

written by JOSH WILLIAMS

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photograph by EMMA HUGHES

GETTING AHEAD

OPENING YOUR EYES TO APPRENTICESHIPS YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS, BUT WEREN’T SURE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE OR HOW YOU GO ABOUT GETTING ONE. APPRENTICESHIPS ARE FANTASTIC OPTIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE READY TO GET INTO THE WORKFORCE AND GET AHEAD FAST. The basis of an apprenticeship is this – as part of your job, you work towards gaining skills and qualifications that are recognised all over New Zealand and respected all over the world.

In an apprenticeship, you have a job and that means you get paid. Approximately $30,000 a year to begin with, which is not megabucks but way more than earning zero as a student, and you won’t end up with a student debt. It’s also just the start. If you work hard and do a good job, your income will increase quickly.

But also, the work is good. Apprentices learn how to do real stuff in the real world – building things, fixing things, caring for people, growing and preparing food, giving people great experiences.

You will be a skilled person who knows how to do stuff – and New Zealand needs lots of people like that to run our cities, towns and farms.

And to all you amazing young women: There is no such thing as ‘a man’s job’. These amazing careers are looking for women, as well as men. There are lots of female apprentices excelling across lots of industries.

The 2015 Butchery Apprentice of the Year was female.

The 2015 Connexis Electricity Generation and Overall Apprentice of the Year was female.

So how do you get an apprenticeship? Well, the hardest part definitely is getting your foot in the door. Start knocking on them. Some industries don’t even advertise jobs, since they know enough people will knock on their door – make sure one of them is you!

Your teachers and careers advisors have probably told you that you need a CV, and there is usually an interview. But you might not know what it is that employers are looking for, so here are some tips: IF YOU MEET AN EMPLOYER, LOOK THEM IN THE EYE: This is not to give them attitude, but to show that you are really interested. Being keen to learn is pretty much the number one thing employers look for, so try and get that across.

WORK EXPERIENCE REALLY HELPS: Any part-time jobs or volunteering you have done will matter just as much to an employer as your NCEA results. If you don’t have any work experience, then practice talking about a time WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

THE BASIS OF AN APPRENTICESHIP IS THIS – AS PART OF YOUR JOB, YOU WORK TOWARDS GAINING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS THAT ARE RECOGNISED ALL OVER NEW ZEALAND AND RESPECTED ALL OVER THE WORLD.

at home or school when you worked as part of a team, or when you had to organise your time to get an assignment done on time.

USE YOUR PHONE TO MAKE PORTFOLIOS: Future chef? Take photos of your culinary creations.

Future automotive? Make videos and photo diaries of your tinkering.

The truth is you might not always land the job of your dreams straight away, but it’s about getting in the door and showing interest, and then taking

KEY FACTS

any opportunities that come your way. If you want to be a chef, then a job doing dishes is the best place to see a real kitchen in action.

Ask the chef if you can come in early one day and watch how they put something together – it’s that kind of thing that shows you’re interested.

Josh Williams is the Chief Executive of the Industry Training Federation.

GEORGIE YOUNG | APPRENTICE BUILDER

■ IN AN APPRENTICESHIP, YOU WORK TOWARDS GAINING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS ON-THE-JOB. ■ A FANTASTIC METHOD OF SECURING AN APPRENTICESHIP IS TO GO DOOR KNOCKING. MANY INDUSTRIES DO NOT ADVERTISE THEIR APPRENTICE POSITIONS, SO GO AHEAD AND BE DIRECT. ■ APPRENTICESHIPS ARE A GREAT OPTION FOR THOSE READY TO GET INTO THE WORKFORCE AND GET AHEAD FAST.

For more information on employers offering apprenticeships and Industry Training Organisations, visit www.itf.org.nz/itos

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

TRADES IN FOCUS

A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME FASCINATING TRADES 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? for the future. Here you’ll find profiles of interesting jobs in New Zealand’s trade and services sector, including detailed descriptors and some insightful statistics. These are some of New Zealand’s top trades by largest forecast absolute job growth (2015-2020).

LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

D GOO

LOW

POO R

Varies

H HIG

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF TRAINING

POO R

D GOO

Also known as: food and beverage attendant, restaurant worker Waiters serve food and drink to customers, they set tables and hand out menus/wine lists. They answer questions about the menu and take orders.

Clearing tables, cleaning the restaurant, polishing cutlery and glass, as well as restocking food and drinks are also tasks they perform.

There are no specific entry requirements for this position, but skills and training are gained on-the-job. Working toward a MEDIUM New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Food and Beverage) Level 3 can be done on-the-job, also.

Waiters need to work well under pressure, have great people skills and be quick and efficient. Being reliable, punctual and able to work well in a team is also expected. Friendliness, politeness and helpfulness are personal INCOME attributes needed in this role.

AVERAGE Chances of gaining employment in this role are good, as staff turnover is high.

Statistics: In 2014, 18,215 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: $15 per hour.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

Varies

H HIG

LOW

POO R

LOW

PROJECT BUILDER

D GOO

WAITER / WAITRESS

Also known as: antique dealer, betting agency manager, post office manager, shop manager, travel agency manager, hair/beauty salon manager Retail managers hire, train and supervise staff. They complete budgets and financial plans. Choosing products, and determining stock levels and prices is part of the role, as is selling products and/or services to customers and advising them on use.

Retail managers can complete a formal qualification such as a business management course or National Certificate in Retail MEDIUM (Level 3 or 4). Many stores have their own in-store management training programmes. Useful secondary school subjects include English, maths, accounting and economics. Skills in communication and customer service are required, as is an ability to work under pressure and make good decisions. Being responsible, mature, reliable and honest, as well INCOME as organised, are good personal attributes to have.

AVERAGE Chances of getting a position are average for those with little experience or wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.

Statistics: In 2014, 241,253 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: Varies.

JOB PROSPECTS Pay scale: Assistant retail managers earn $17 per hour. Retail managers earn $22 per hour.

Varies

H HIG

Also known as: building contractor, builder Project builders construct, alter and repair buildings. They ensure buildings meet required standards, estimate the cost of the build, hire subcontractors and trades, calculate the required materials, organise contracts and arrange consents and inspections.

While there are no specific entry requirements to work as a project builder, most are experienced carpenters. A National MEDIUM Certificate in Carpentry is recommended, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) runs carpentry apprenticeships. Project builders need to be accurate, have an eye for detail and be safety conscious. The ability to make good judgements and work with a large number of people is required. Motivation is also essential as project builders often find INCOME their own work.

AVERAGE Currently, there is high demand for building contractors and due to an expected increase in demand, project builder appears on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list and Canterbury skill shortage list.

Statisitics: In 2014, 26,966 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

JOB PROSPECTS Pay scale: $45–$50 per hour. Although where demand is high, such as Auckland and Christchurch, $60–$65 per hour.

RETAIL MANAGER

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF TRAINING

D GOO

POO R

LOW

Also known as: nursing support and care worker, home aide, hospital orderly, nurse aide, home support worker, health care assistant To enter this line of work, most employers require three years of secondary schooling. In-house training is usually provided, although some employers may additionally expect a prospective employee to have, or be working toward, a relevant qualification (such as National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Health Assistants).

MEDIUM Personal care assistants need to be patient and responsible. Listening and communication skills, as well as organisational skills and the ability to follow instructions are essential. The ability to relate well to people from a range of cultures is also a necessity.

INCOME Chances of getting a job as a personal care assistant are good due to increasing demand for their services.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 38,732 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: For DHB employees, initially, $35,000 per year.

With two to three years’ experience, $39,000–$40,000 per year.

H HIG

PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT

This year, Got a Trade Week www.gotatrade.co.nz runs from 22–26 August 2016.

Trades careers are for those who want to do practical and useful work, to be set up financially with no loan hanging over their heads, and who want to have heaps of options

Varies

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

TRADES IN FOCUS

Job data has been sourced from CAREERS NEW ZEALAND, visit careers.govt.nz

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LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

LOW

2–4 years

LENGTH OF TRAINING

H HIG

D GOO

POO R

LENGTH OF TRAINING

LOW

POO R

D GOO

Café workers prepare food, ensure food is fresh and stored safely, and weigh, price and pack food for customers. They take orders, serve customers and manage the till. They may supervise other staff, and organise rosters.

There are no specific entry requirements to become a café worker, and most skills are learnt on-the-job. You can do on-the-job training, such as ServiceIQ’s New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Cafés) (Level 3). Employers may also send staff on food handling and hygiene courses.

MEDIUM Café workers need to be polite, friendly and helpful. They should work quickly and efficiently, be able to work well under pressure, be accurate and have an eye for detail.

Chances of getting a job as a café worker are good as vacancies appear often, hospitality is a large industry and INCOME spending on eating out has increased.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 9062 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: None.

Pay scale: $15 per hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF TRAINING

POO R LOW

POO R

CARPENTER

Varies

H HIG

PERSONAL CARE ELECTRICIAN ASSISTANT

D GOO

Also known as: electrical contractor, electrical fitter Work is varied – electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, communications systems, lighting inside a house or a factory.

They test electrical work for safety, and prepare quotes and record the work they do.

To become an electrician, you undertake an apprenticeship (a combination of on-the-job training and theoretical courses) and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 4) or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Level 4). Electricians need to be MEDIUM registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board and have a current practising licence.

Electricians need to be accurate, methodical and practical. Electricians are in demand, both here and overseas. There is a shortage – Electrician is on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list and Canterbury skill shortage list.

INCOME Statistics: In 2014, 18,085 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 2–4 years.

AVERAGE Pay scale: After an apprenticeship, electricians earn about $42,000 a year; two years after completing an apprenticeship, it is $52,000–$54,000 a year; with three to five years’ experience, it is $55,000–$60,000 a year; with six or more years’ experience, it is $63,000–$70,000 a year; experienced electricians working in specialist fields or running JOB PROSPECTS their own business can earn $80,000–$100,000 a year.

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

1–3 years

H HIG

CAFÉ WORKER

D GOO

Carpenters work mostly with wood and repair, install and construct items and structures such as foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors in commercial and residential buildings. They measure and cut building materials to size and shape.

Most employers prefer to hire someone who has done, or is working toward, an apprenticeship. Skills are gained on-the-job under the guidance of a qualified carpenter. An apprenticeship is three to four years long, and you gain a National Certificate in Carpentry. A pre-trade course at a polytechnic or other learning institute before starting an apprenticeship or entering the workforce is also an option. Carpenters should MEDIUM be comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces, be safety conscious and good at basic maths. Accuracy, efficiency and an ability to work well in a team and follow instructions are necessary attributes for this role. Chances of getting a job as a carpenter are good, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. Carpenter is included on Immigration New Zealand’s INCOME Canterbury skill shortage list.

Statistics: In 2014, 11,758 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

AVERAGE Pay scale: Apprentices may start on the minimum training wage; inexperienced carpenters with no qualifications usually earn $16–$20 an hour; experienced carpenters or those who have completed an apprenticeship earn between $25–$30 an hour; those with positions of responsibility, such as a site foreman, usually earn JOB PROSPECTS $30–$35 an hour.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

1–2 years

H HIG

LOW

POO R

LOW

TRUCK DRIVER CHEF

44

D GOO

TRADES IN FOCUS

Also known as: chef de partie, head chef, sous chef, commis chef Chefs prepare and cook food to customer’s orders, as well as ordering supplies and cooking equipment. They design, plan and price menus, and train and supervise staff.

Chefs can train in a number of ways. A two- to three-year, on-the-job apprenticeship, including study towards a National Certificate in Hospitality – Cookery (Level 4); a one-year, fulltime National Certificate in Hospitality – Basic Cookery (Level 3) through a training provider; MEDIUM or a one-year, fulltime National Certificate in Hospitality – Cookery (Level 4) through a training provider. Chefs need to be creative and open minded, good at planning, communicating and managing others. They also must be reliable, willing to learn new cooking methods, recipes and menus. Organisational skills, ability to work well in a team and be quick and efficient in the INCOME work are also required.

AVERAGE Chances of getting work as a chef are good due to a shortage of workers.

Statistics: In 2014, 23,680 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: Commis chefs earn $16–$18 per hour; chefs de partie earn $17–$20 per hour; sous chefs earn $18–$25 per hour; head/executive chefs earn $22–$49 per hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

H HIG

Also known as: heavy truck driver, articulated truck driver, line haul driver Heavy truck drivers drive trucks with or without trailers. They transport materials, livestock, machinery, liquids, general freight and sometimes hazardous substances. Heavy truck drivers weigh the truck before and after it is loaded.

You need to hold a licence for the size of truck you intend to drive. First, gain a Class 2 learner’s licence (you must have held a full car license for six months). Once you have Class 2, you can work toward other vehicle classes. If you will be carrying hazardous goods, MEDIUM you need to have completed unit standards in dangerous goods, which can be done as part of a National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport.

Excellent driving skills are required, as is a basic knowledge of the mechanics of their truck and how to maintain it. Truck drivers INCOME should be punctual, responsible and have the ability to work well under pressure and be calm in emergencies.

AVERAGE Chances of getting a job as a heavy truck driver are average for new workers, but good for experienced drivers.

Statistics: In 2014, 31,055 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 1–2 years.

Pay scale: $16–$25 per hour; average $45,000 per year.

JOB PROSPECTS

None

LENGTH OF TRAINING

PERSONAL CARE MOTOR MECHANIC ASSISTANT

Also known as: automotive technician, motorcycle technician, heavy vehicle technician, diesel mechanic, car mechanic Motor mechanics diagnose faults in vehicles and work out how the fault is occurring. They dismantle engines, parts and systems that need to be assessed and rebuild, repair or replace that which needs attention. They service vehicles, and carry out Warrant of Fitness checks as well as performance modification checks.

In order to become a qualified automotive technician you need to complete an apprenticeship. To become a light vehicle MEDIUM technician you must gain a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) (Level 4) with a strand in Light Vehicles. To become a heavy vehicle technician you must gain a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering) (Level 4). And to become a motorcycle technician you must gain a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) (Level 4) with a strand in Motorcycles.

INCOME Job opportunities are good, and particularly so for those trained as heavy vehicle technicians.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 20,293 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 2–3 years.

Pay scale: Apprentices and those with less than two years’ experience earn $15–$18 an hour; those with two to five years’ experience earn $21–$35 an hour; senior automotive technicians, JOB PROSPECTS or those in supervisory positions, earn $47,000–$95,000 a year.

LENGTH OF TRAINING

2–3 years

PERSONALWORKER CARE COMMUNITY ASSISTANT

Also known as: family support worker, whanau support adviser Community workers develop networks and initiate support for community groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, beneficiaries or refugees. They provide support, emergency relief, act as a link between community members and social services, and arrange referrals.

While there are no specific entry requirements for this role, some employers prefer you to have a National Diploma in Community Work, or a National Certificate in Social Services. Workplace training, either in-house or through an external training provider, MEDIUM is provided by some employers.

Community workers need to be supportive, patient and adaptable. They should be good listeners, leaders and be able to establish clear boundaries between themselves and those they support. Due to a shortage of workers, chances of getting a job as a community worker are good. There has been more Government funding targeted at community development INCOME initiatives, and too few people are getting relevant qualifications.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 8277 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: With less than four years’ experience $30,000–$35,000 a year.

With more than four years’ experience $35,000–$45,000 a year.

JOB PROSPECTS Casual community workers earn $18–$21 an hour.

LENGTH OF TRAINING

Also known as: painter and decorator, commercial painter, house painter/decorator, industrial painter Painting trades workers prepare surfaces for painting or wallpapering by filling holes, cracks and joins, and cleaning surfaces of dust and dirt.

They mix and match paint colours using tinter and apply paint and decorative paint finishes such as glazing, graining, marbling and lettering.

There are no specific entry requirements, as most painting trades workers learn skills on-the-job. You can improve your job prospects by doing an apprenticeship and gaining a National Certificate. Apprentices must do between three to four years of on-the-job training, MEDIUM attend block courses and complete workbooks for assessment.

Painting trades workers should be efficient, have an eye for detail, practical and accurate. A good eye for colour and a creative flare are attributes that are encouraged in this role. There is a shortage of workers, and this trade features on Immigration INCOME New Zealand’s Canterbury skill shortage list. Opportunities are good, due to a demand created by a strong residential build AVERAGE sector and low levels of people completing an apprenticeship.

Statistics: In 2014, 10,475 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: Apprentices, unqualified or inexperienced painters start on the minimum wage or apprentice training wage.

With experience, a painting trades worker earn up to $25–$30 an hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF TRAINING

D GOO

POO R LOW

POO R

H HIG

Varies

H HIG

LOW

D GOO D GOO

POO R

H HIG

LOW

POO R

JOB PROSPECTS

D GOO

None

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

TRADES IN FOCUS

LOW

POO R

LENGTH OF TRAINING

45

PAINTING TRADES WORKER

LOW

CAFÉ / RESTAURANT MANAGER

Varies

H HIG

BUILDER’S LABOURER

D GOO

Also known as: building and construction labourer, building labourer, construction site labourer, labourer, plumber’s assistant Builder’s labourers help construct buildings, and erect scaffolding. They operate machinery, such as concrete breakers, and move equipment and materials and clean up the work site. Labourers dig trenches, lay pipes, pour and finish concrete and also help demolish buildings.

There are no specific entry requirements to become a builder’s labourer, and most skills are learnt on-the-job. Some employers have training programmes that will facilitate you to gain skills in specific areas, such as operating heavy machinery.

MEDIUM Builder’s labourers must be safety conscious, hardworking and adaptable. They need to be able to follow instructions, and work well with a wide variety of people. Being observant and having an eye for detail are also skills required.

Chances of getting a job as a builder’s labourer are good, especially in Auckland and Christchurch.

INCOME There is a strong residential building sector and increasing demand in the commercial (non-residential) building sector.

AVERAGE Also, turnover of workers tends to be high, so positions become available often.

Statistics: In 2014, 12,554 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: None.

Pay scale: $15–$18 per hour.

H HIG

Also known as: caterer, food and beverage manager, fast food manager, duty manager Café/restaurant managers hire, train and supervise staff. They ensure all regulations (health, safety, liquor licence) are followed, and that customer service is at a high level. They organise supply purchases, keep stock records, budget and plan rosters, and undertake marketing and promotion.

While there are no specific entry requirements for this role, experience and business management skills are regularly expected. On-the-job training and courses are available, for example, ServiceIQ offers the National Diploma in Hospitality – Operational Management (Level 5).

MEDIUM However, if the establishment you work at sells alcohol, you also need to be at least 20 years old and hold a Manager’s Certificate and a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ).

Café/restaurant managers need to be skilled at customer service, communication and managing and leading people.

INCOME They should also be motivated, organised, friendly and helpful. Opportunities for café/restaurant managers are good AVERAGE because people tend to stay in the role for a short time, creating regular vacancies. The occupation is large and growing, and spending in cafés and restaurants is increasing.

Statistics: In 2014, 14,823 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: Duty managers earn $16–$20 an hour; general managers earn $18–$24 an hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

3–4 years

| WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

D GOO

LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

POO R LOW

POO R

Varies

H HIG

LOW

D GOO

POO R

2–4 years

H HIG

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

D GOO

POO R

LOW

PERSONAL CARE PLUMBER ASSISTANT PERSONAL HOTEL SERVICE CARE ASSISTANT MANAGER

Also known as: cafeteria cook, fast food cook, takeaway food cook Cooks prepare raw ingredients for menu items, cook food quickly and efficiently and arrange food on plates or wrap it to be taken away. They give instructions, demonstrate cooking methods to others, create new recipes and plan menus, and order food supplies, organise deliveries and restock shelves.

Entry requirements for cooks vary depending on the employer. Some cafés and bars only employ fully qualified chefs as cooks, MEDIUM others employ people who have done shorter training courses and train them on-the-job.

Cooks should pay attention to detail, be quick, efficient and customer focused. Being adaptable and creative, able to multitask and maintain concentration, work well under pressure and deal with high-stress environments are attributes INCOME all required in this role.

AVERAGE As hospitality is a large industry, and vacancies for cooks arise often, your chances of obtaining work as a cook are improved if you have relevant qualifications or experience, as employers report difficulty finding skilled cooks.

Statistics: In 2014, 7756 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 2 years.

JOB PROSPECTS Pay scale: Junior cooks earn an average of $15 an hour; senior cooks earn an average of $19 an hour.

3–4 years

H HIG

Also known as: hotel/motel manager, hotel operations manager, hotel manager, motel manager Hotel service managers hire, train and supervise staff, they plan budgets and keep accounts, market the hotel (or motel) and ensure that health and safety regulations are met. They serve customers food and beverages, take client bookings for rooms and clean rooms and the grounds.

There are no specific entry requirements for this role, as training and skills are usually on-the-job. In certain hotel general manager roles, such as those at larger establishments, preferred requirements are a degree in business studies or hotel management, MEDIUM or a marketing degree.

For a hotel operations or service manager, it is recommended you gain a National Certificate in Hospitality (Operational Management) or a degree in hospitality management. Some hotel/motel managers complete hospitality or tourism courses offered by various training providers, or do work-based training.

INCOME Hotel service managers need to have excellent people and customer service skills, be able to relate to people from a wide AVERAGE range of cultures, be able to accept criticism, have good leadership skills and be able to remain calm in emergencies.

Statistics: In 2014, 7017 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: Hotel managers may earn $38,000–$200,000 a year.

JOB PROSPECTS Motel managers may earn $45,000–$90,000.

COOK

D GOO

Also known as: plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer; gasfitter; drainlayer Plumbers install and maintain hot water and heating systems. They install, join and seal pipes and fittings, install and repair roofing pipes and spouting, and install fixtures such as gas stoves, toilets, basins and septic tanks.

To become a qualified plumber, you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain National Certificates (Level 4) in Plumbing and/or Gasfitting (this usually takes four years) and/or Drainlaying (this usually takes two years). The Skills Organisation oversees plumber, MEDIUM gasfitter and drainlayer apprenticeships. You must also be registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

Plumbers need to be patient, accurate and have an eye for detail. They should be skilled in using and caring for equipment, safety conscious, be good at communicating, organised and skilled at problem solving.

INCOME Opportunities for work for experienced plumbers, and of securing an apprenticeship, are good. There is a lack of apprentices training in this role.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 7084 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 2–4 years.

Pay scale: Apprentices may begin on the minimum wage or minimum training wage; newly licensed plumbers earn $25 per hour; licensed and experienced plumbers earn $28–$35 per hour.

JOB PROSPECTS The average income is $52,000–$79,000 per year.

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Varies

H HIG

LOW

POO R

LOW

BAR ATTENDANT HAIRDRESSER

46

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TRADES IN FOCUS

Also known as: barber, hair artist, hair stylist Hairdressers consult with clients about the style, cut, colour they want done, and cut, blow-wave, colour, style and wash hair. They may shave or trim beards and moustaches, and sell haircare products.

To become a hairdresser you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing – Professional Stylist (Level 4), while to become a barber you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Commercial MEDIUM Barbering (Level 4).

Hairdressers need to be skilled at communicating and listening. They should be organised, able to follow instructions and be accurate with an eye for detail. Being friendly and polite are also attributes expected of hairdressers.

Hairdressers and barbers who are fully qualified and experienced have the best opportunity of finding employment, while INCOME for those who are inexperienced or unqualified, chances of finding work are poor as apprenticeships are limited and highly AVERAGE competitive. You stand your best chance of securing an apprenticeship if you have studied at a hairdressing or barber school, been on a hairdressing course with Gateway and have previous customer service experience.

Statistics: In 2015, 10,685 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Poor. Length of training: 3–4 years.

JOB PROSPECTS Pay scale: $31,000–$50,000 per year.

H HIG

Also known as: Bartender Bar attendants take drink orders, make and serve beverages to customers and take payment. They check identification for proof of legal drinking age, help to prepare and serve food, operate gaming machines and clean the bar, tidy, and wash dishes.

While you generally must be 18 years old to work as a bar attendant, there are no specific entry requirements for this role as training is done on-the-job; such as working towards a National Certificate in Hospitality (Food and Beverage) (Level 3).

MEDIUM Bar attendants should be honest, mature, polite and friendly. They should be good at maths, and be able to use their initiative. Being adaptable, able to work under pressure, empathetic and confident are also attributes required in this role.

INCOME As vacancies arise often and hospitality is a large industry, chances of securing a job as a bar attendant are good, AVERAGE particularly for those with previous experience.

Statistics: In 2014, 6624 New Zealanders did this job.

Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

JOB PROSPECTS Pay scale: $16 per hour.

2 years

POO R

3–4 years

H HIG

LOW

D GOO D GOO

POO R

4–6 years

H HIG

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #7

LENGTH OF TRAINING

Varies

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TRADES IN FOCUS

LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING LENGTH OF TRAINING

LENGTH OF TRAINING

LOW

POO R LOW LOW

D GOO

LOW

H HIG

POO R

POO R

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS

Also known as: engineering machinist, metal machine setter, metal turner Fitters study and interpret engineering drawings and instructions, select materials and working methods, and measure materials and operate machinery to cut and shape them. They check measurements, weld materials together and test finished products.

While there are no specific entry requirements, most employers prefer you to have completed, or be willing to complete, an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4), with a strand in Machining.

MEDIUM Fitters should be accurate, patient, responsible and safety conscious. An ability to follow instructions, make good judgements and be skilled in communication are also attributes expected of fitters.

This role appears on Immigration New Zealand’s immediate skill shortage list. Demand for fitters is good as there is a INCOME shortage of skilled workers in the role.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 14,388 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: Varies.

Pay scale: Apprentices and those with two years’ experience earn $30,000–$40,000 per year; Those with two to five years’ experience earn $40,000–$60,000 per year; JOB PROSPECTS Those in a senior or supervisory position earn up to $80,000 per year.

FITTER

Also known as: Civil engineering technologist, coastal engineer, earthquake engineer, fire protection engineer, geotechnical engineer, hydraulics engineer, roading engineer, structural engineer, transport engineer, water resources engineer Civil engineers plan and design structures such as roads, drainage systems and buildings. They work out whether structures will be able to withstand the loads placed on them. They prepare reports, working drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and evaluate the cost efficiency of a project. Civil engineers supervise construction to ensure structures are built correctly.

MEDIUM You can qualify as a civil engineer by either becoming a professional engineer or becoming an engineering technologist.

A professional engineer has a four-year degree in engineering (such as, Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering Honours). An engineering technologist has a three-year degree in engineering (such as, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology).

Civil engineers need to be skilled at analysing and interpreting information. There is a shortage of civil engineers in New Zealand INCOME and this role appears on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 12,507 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: Graduates earn $50,000–$60,000 per year; mid-level civil engineers earn $65,000–$95,000 per year; senior civil engineers who work as team leaders or managers earn $85,000–$200,000 per year.

JOB PROSPECTS The average income for a civil engineer is $95,000 per year.

D GOO

Social workers support people in crisis, talk with them and help them make decisions. They help people with accommodation and benefits, advise them of their rights and responsibilities, write reports and case notes, and use the law to ensure people are held accountable for their offences.

Registered social workers must be deemed a “fit and proper person” by the Social Workers Registration Board, amongst other requirements, and hold a recognised qualification, such as: Bachelor of Social Work or Applied Social Work; an approved two-year master’s degree; a Bachelor of Applied Bicultural Social Work. A full list of recognised social work qualifications is on the Board’s website.

MEDIUM Social workers need to be excellent communicators, able to relate to a wide range of people of all ages and cultures, be good decision-makers and have excellent problem solving skills. Being understanding, empathetic, honest and patient are also attributes expected in this role.

INCOME There is high turnover of social workers and rising demand for experienced social workers.

AVERAGE Statistics: In 2014, 12,167 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 4–6 years.

Pay scale: At DHBs and CYF, qualified social workers can earn around $44,000–$66,000 per year.

Practice leaders can earn $73,600–$99,600 per year.

Senior social workers or those with additional responsibilities earn $59,000–$100,000 per year.

JOB PROSPECTS

H HIG

Also known as: building and construction manager, building site manager, construction site manager, construction site supervisor, site manager.

Construction project managers ensure construction work meets all requirements and is completed on time, keep records of staff and accounts, hire workers and apprentices and liaise with subcontractors. They also estimate prices, put in tenders, consult with building professionals, council, architects and clients.

Construction project managers have extensive experience in the building construction industry. Companies look for construction managers with one of the following qualifications: a civil engineering degree; a building qualification; a construction management diploma; MEDIUM a quantity surveying qualification.

They should be safety conscious, able to work well under pressure and be skilled in communication and at managing and motivating workers. Being a good planner, well organised, able to work well under pressure and with a wide range of people are also attributes expected of construction project managers. There is increasing demand for construction project managers INCOME due to the post-earthquake rebuild in Canterbury, an improving commercial construction sector, large roading and infrastructure AVERAGE projects, and too few people training for the role.

2 Statistics: In 2014, 5094 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Good. Length of training: 2 years. years Pay scale: Construction site managers earn $75,000–$100,000 per year; project managers earn $85,000–$130,000; JOB PROSPECTS senior project managers, project directors and construction managers earn $110,000–$145,000.

PERSONAL CARE SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT

1 year

PERSONAL CARE CIVIL ENGINEER ASSISTANT

D GOO

REAL ESTATE AGENT

H HIG

Real estate agents talk with clients, research and calculate the value of properties, advertise properties for sale and arrange open homes.

They contact people to see if they want to sell their property, arrange open homes and organise and negotiate property sales and contracts.

To work as a real estate agent, you must be licensed with the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA). This requires you to have one of the following qualifications: National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) (Level 4); National Diploma in Real Estate (Agent) (Level 5); National Certificate in Real Estate (Branch Manager) (Level 5). Real estate agents must be over aged 18, and have a driver’s MEDIUM licence and own a vehicle.

Real estate agents need to be excellent at listening and communicating, skilled at selling and negotiating, be motivated, self-disciplined, positive and persistent. Attributes such as honesty, trustworthiness and an ability to keep information INCOME private are also expected in this role.

AVERAGE Chances of getting a job as a real estate agent are average. Opportunities for real estate agents are influenced by the volume of house sales and listings. Any growth depends on the future strength of the housing market.

Statistics: In 2014, 15,364 New Zealanders did this job. Job prospects: Average. Length of training: 1 year.

Pay scale: Average income is $83,000.

JOB PROSPECTS

47

IMPORTANT WEBSITES The following list of websites will hopefully assist you as you make plans for life after secondary school whether you plan further study at a polytechnic or university, take a Gap Year, start an apprenticeship or join the workforce.

Accountancy

BDO www.bdo.co.nz/careers CPA New Zealand www.cpaaustralia.com.au Chartered Accountants Australia + New Zealand www.charteredaccountantsanz.com PWC www.pwc.co.nz

AGRICULTURE / VETERINARY

Beef & Lamb New Zealand www.beeflambnz.com Dairy NZ www.dairynz.co.nz Fonterra Co-Op Group www.fonterra.com Get Ahead www.getahead.co.nz Growing NZ www.growingnz.org.nz New Zealand Veterinary Association www.nzva.org.nz Pathway in Agriculture www.pica.org.nz Primary ITO www.primaryito.ac.nz Young Farmers New Zealand www.youngfarmers.co.nz Ag ITO www.agito.ac.nz NZX Agri www.landyourdreamjob.co.nz Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre www.taratahi.ac.nz AgriPeople www.agripeople.co.nz

ARTS

Design & Arts College of New Zealand www.designandarts.ac.nz New Zealand School of Dance www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz New Zealand School of Music www.nzsm.ac.nz NICAI www.creative.auckland.ac.nz Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design www.whitecliffe.ac.nz University of Auckland – Faculty of Arts www.arts.auckland.ac.nz SAE Creative Media Institute www.auckland.sae.edu Toi Whakaari – New Zealand Drama School www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz

AVIATION

ns - Vector Set - Circle

@garrettgee

Aviation & Travel Training Group www.attg.co.nz CTC Aviation Training www.ctcaviation.com International Aviation Academy of New Zealand www.flighttraining.co.nz Massey University www.massey.ac.nz

Banks ASB www.asb.co.nz ANZ www.anz.co.nz BNZ www.bnz.co.nz Kiwibank www.kiwibank.co.nz The Co-operative Bank www.co-operativebank.co.nz Westpac www.westpac.co.nz

Career Guidance

Careers Expo www.careersexpo.org.nz Careers New Zealand www.careers.govt.nz CDANZ www.cdanz.org.nz

Corrections / Fire Defence / Justice Department of Corrections www.corrections.govt.nz New Zealand Fire Service www.fire.org.nz New Zealand Police Recruitment www.newcops.co.nz Department of Defence www.army.mil.nz

Education

New Zealand School of Education www.nzse.ac.nz Educational Organisations www.nzqa.govt.nz Vocational Pathways www.youthguarantee. net.nz/vocational-pathways

Employment Allied Work Force www.awf.co.nz MyJobSpace www.myjobspace.co.nz Student Job Search www.sjs.co.nz TradeMe www.trademe.co.nz/jobs Work and Income www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz

Engineering New Zealand Diploma in Engineering www.engineer.org.nz IPENZ www.ipenz.nz

Fashion - Design New Zealand Fashion Tech www.nzfashiontech.ac.nz Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design www.whitecliffe.ac.nz

Gap Year

Social Media Icons - Vector Set - Circle

Airways New Zealand www.airways.co.nz Air New Zealand Aviation Institute www.aviationinstitute.co.nz

by @garrettgee

Lattitude www.lattitude.org.nz Outward Bound www.outwardbound.co.nz Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.co.nz

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ

Government Departments Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment www.mbie.govt.nz Ministry of Justice www.justice.govt.nz Ministry of Social Development www.msd.govt.nz Ministry of Science & Innovation www.msi.govt.nz Ministry of Health www.health.govt.nz Ministry of Education www.education.govt.nz ACC www.acc.co.nz Ministry of the Environment www.mfe.govt.nz Ministry of Primary Industries www.mpi.govt.nz Ministry of Transport www.transport.govt.nz Creative New Zealand www.creativenz.govt.nz Ministry for Culture and Heritage www.mch.govt.nz Employment Relations www.dol.govt.nz/er

Hair and Beauty

Cut Above Academy www.cutabove.ac.nz Elite International School of Beauty www.elitebeautyschool.co.nz Hito (hairdressing) www.hito.org.nz Intueri Education Group www.intueri.co.nz Premier Hairdressing Academy www.hairdressing.org.nz Rodney Wayne New Zealand Ltd www.rodneywayne.co.nz Servilles Academy www.servilles.com/academy

HOSPITALITY

Auckland Hotel & Chefs Training School www.ahcts.co.nz The Professional Hospitality Academy (NSIA) www.nsia.co.nz

Industry Training OrganiSations

Apprenticeship Training Trust www.att.org.nz Boating ITO www.nzmarine.com Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation www.bcito.org.nz Careerforce www.careerforce.org.nz Connexis www.esito.org.nz ETCO www.etco.co.nz Funeral Services Training Trust www.fstt.org.nz Infrastructure ITO www.infrastructureito.org.nz Master Link www.masterlink.co.nz Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) www.mito.org.nz New Zealand Industry Training Organisation www.nzito.co.nz New Zealand Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation www.nzmarine.com Pharmacy ITO www.pito.org.nz Primary ITO www.primaryito.ac.nz

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ServiceIQ www.serviceiq.org.nz Skill Active www.skillsactive.org.nz The Skills Organisation www.skills.org.nz

Health Promotion Agency www.depression.org.nz SPARX www.sparx.org.nz Youthline www.youthline.co.nz The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz

Open Polytechnic www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz Otago Polytechnic www.op.ac.nz Southern Institute of Technology www.sit.ac.nz Tai Poutini Polytechnic www.tpp.ac.nz UNITEC www.unitec.ac.nz Universal College of Learning (UCOL) www.ucol.ac.nz Waiariki Institute of Technology www.waiariki.ac.nz Waikato Institute of Technology www.wintec.ac.nz Wellington Institute of Technology www.weltec.ac.nz Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki www.witt.ac.nz Whitireia Community Polytechnic www.whitireia.ac.nz

New Zealand Universities

PRIVATE TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS

AUT University www.aut.ac.nz Lincoln University www.lincoln.ac.nz Massey University www.massey.ac.nz The University of Auckland www.auckland.ac.nz The University of Waikato www.waikato.ac.nz University of Canterbury www.canterbury.ac.nz University of Otago www.otago.ac.nz Victoria University of Wellington www.victoria.ac.nz

Academy Group (NZ) Limited www.academy.ac.nz Auckland Hotel & Chefs Training School www.ahcts.co.nz Cornell Institute of Business & Technology (CIBT) www.cornell.ac.nz Le Cordon Bleu www.lecordonbleu.co.nz The Culinary Institute www.qegroup.co.nz

Science / Innovation

PERSONAL FINANCE / BUDGETING SERVICES

Callaghan Innovation www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz Future InTech www.futureintech.org.nz Plant & Food Research www.plantandfood.co.nz Science New Zealand Inc. www.sciencenewzealand.org The New Zealand Institute of Food Science www.nzifst.org.nz

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Information Technology Training Institute www.itti.ac.nz

Maori Education

Te Wananga O Aotearoa www.twoa.ac.nz Te Wananga O Raukawa www.wananga.com

Mental Health

Commission for Financial Capability www.cffc.org.nz Kiwi Saver www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver Ministry of Social Development www.familyservices.govt.nz NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services www.familybudgeting.org.nz The Kiwi Guide to Money www.sorted.co.nz

Pharmacy

Academy New Zealand www.pharmacy.school.nz

Physiotheraphy NZ College of Physiotherapy www.physiotherapy.org.nz

Polytechnics

Student Loans / Grants

Study Link www.studylink.govt.nz

Teaching Post Primary Teachers Association www.ppta.org.nz Teach First NZ www.teachfirstnz.org Teach NZ www.teachnz.govt.nz Early Childhood of New Zealand www.ecnz.ac.nz

Ara Institute of Canterbury www.ara.ac.nz Bay of Plenty Polytechnic www.boppoly.ac.nz Eastern Institute of Technology www.eit.ac.nz SCHOLARSHIPS Manukau Institute of Technology Careers NZ www.careers.govt.nz ns - Vector Set - Circle Social Media Icons - Vector Set - Circle www.manukau.ac.nz @garrettgee byGenerosity @garrettgee New Zealand Nelson Marlborough Institute of www.generosity.org.nz/giv-me Technology www.nmit.ac.nz Maori Education Trust North Tec www.northtec.ac.nz www.maorieducation.org.nz

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ

Te Puni Kōkiri www.tpk.govt.nz/en Te Tapuae o Rehua www.tetapuae.co.nz Kia Ora Hauora www.kiaorahauora.co.nz Universities New Zealand www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/scholarships

OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST

Computer Power Plus www.computerpowerplus.ac.nz Countdown www.countdown.co.nz Cromwell College www.cromwell.school.nz Downer www.downercareers.co.nz ESR www.esr.cri.nz E tū www.etu.nz GNS Science www.gns.cri.nz Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) www.icnz.org.nz Landcare Research www.landcareresearch.co.nz MAINZ www.mainz.ac.nz NIWA www.niwa.co.nz New World www.newworld.co.nz/careers New Zealand School of Education (NZSE) www.nzse.ac.nz New Zealand School of Food & Wine www.foodandwine.co.nz New Zealand Society of Actuaries www.actuaries.org.nz New Zealand Tertiary College www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz New Zealand Institute of Agriculture & Horticultural Science Inc www.agscience.org.nz New Zealand Institute of Architects Inc www.nzia.co.nz New Zealand Institute of Education www.nzie.ac.nz The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors www.nziqs.co.nz New Zealand Institute of Science and Technology (NZIST) www.nzist.ac.nz New Zealand Institute of Sport www.nzis.co.nz The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors www.surveyors.org.nz New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA) www.nzma.ac.nz NZ Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (Inc) www.nzimrt.co.nz Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) www.pihms.ac.nz Plumbing World www.plumbingworld.co.nz Professional Bar and Restaurant School (PBRS) www.pbrs.ac.nz Queenstown Resort College www.queenstownresortcollege.com Real Me www.realme.govt.nz Studyit www.studyit.org.nz Talley’s www.talleysdeepseacareer.co.nz

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I AM A CHALLENGER I AM THE NEW NEW ZEALAND

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