Leaving School issue 10

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 July 2017 | ISSUE # 10 The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.

Mark Twain AARON O'CONNOR | COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN

JESSICA GREETHAM | FASHION DESIGNER

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

Pablo Picasso SOPHIE ARTHUR | HEAVY TRUCK DRIVER

DANIEL WHYTE | COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Optimism is a happiness magnet.

If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.

Mary Lou Retton

JOSH McKAY | AGRI FINANCE SPECIALIST

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

AMRITA LAL | BRAND SPECIALIST

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10 / JULY 2017

05 FOREWORD | NIGEL LATTA

28 FEATURE | FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

06 MARKETING | AMRITA LAL

30 AGRICULTURE | ROBERT GREGORY

08 APPRENTICE PLUMBER | GAVIN WILDING

31 AGRIBUSINESS | DANIELLE SCOTT

11 BACHELOR OF LAWS | PHOEBE HARROP

32 MARKETING | REBECCA LEE

12 RETAIL MANAGEMENT | JESS HEADIFEN

34 DEFENCE FORCE | JAMES COPSEY

15 AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE | JOSH McKAY

36 COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN | AARON O’CONNOR

16 ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE | HARMONY COURT

37 HEAVY TRUCK DRIVER | SOPHIE ARTHUR

18 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT | ELLA BLAKE

38 FEATURE | KIWISAVER

20 FEATURE | EMPLOYMENT ADVICE

40 FASHION DESIGNER | JESSICA GREETHAM

22 COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER | DANIEL WHYTE

41 FEATURE | EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

24 NOTICEBOARD | KEY DATES AND EVENTS…

42 FEATURE | FINANCIAL ADVICE

26 FEATURE | FEELING RESTED

43 FEATURE | YOUR FIRST CAR

27 PHARMACIST | ROSIE KEYS

44 FEATURE | JOBS IN FOCUS

The clinical psychologist and TV host has some advice for school leavers.

Using Commerce as the vehicle to a career in brand marketing.

MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Nigel Latta, Peter White, Robyn Yousef, Suzi Phillips SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell PAGINATION & LAYOUT HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER PMP Limited, Auckland PHOTOGRAPHY Conor Devitt, Gabrielle Drummond, Megan Graham, Monique Twichel, Robert McTague, Marty Melville, Suzi Phillips, Alan Stevens PUBLISHER

Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: +64-9-486 6966 E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz W: LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ ISSN 2463-3380 (Print) ISSN 2463-3399 (Online)

CONTENTS

Learning a broad range of skills that are with you for life.

Change the way you see the world and engage in critical thinking.

Working at The Warehouse and aiming for Regional Manager.

Land yourself in the backbone of the New Zealand economy.

Following a hunch leads to a rewarding, well-paid trade.

Inspired by OE to undertake on-job training in hospitality.

Outlining the rights and entitlements you have in the workforce.

Life experience, hard work, an interest in computers and dogged determination led to a new career.

All the dates, deadlines, hints and tips you need to know for the remainder of this year.

Getting enough sleep is critical to the proper functioning of your brain and body.

A role that combines health care and problem solving.

3

Outlining how to apply for financial support in 2018 from StudyLink.

Beef + Lamb scholarship aids undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Travelling around and helping farmers grow their businesses.

Keeping options open and seizing opportunities leads to an unlikely career.

Inspired by family to a life in the skies with the Airforce.

Multiple Apprentice of the Year Award winner aims for the top.

Open countryside, music and scenery – a day in the life of a truck driver.

Start forming saving habits now, and you’ll be watching your money grow.

Crafting an interest into a fully formed career in fashion.

How to use your CV to illustrate that you have the skills employers are seeking.

Get to know the ins and outs of credit cards and how they can affect your financial health.

Helping you with what to look out for when purchasing your first vehicle.

Job profiles, statistics and insights for roles in horticulture and trade.

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.

AVAILABLE FREE ONLINE www.leavingschool.co.nz

Scan me with your smartphone

FOREWORD

IT’S AN AWESOME TIME TO BE YOU SET YOUR OWN COURSE

written by NIGEL LATTA

THE WORLD IS CHANGING. NOW, THAT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING AN ELF WOULD SAY AT THE START OF A PETER JACKSON MOVIE, BUT IT’S TRUE JUST THE SAME. TO BE FAIR, THE WORLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHANGING AND IT ALWAYS WILL, BUT THE CHANGES WE’RE SEEING NOW ARE COMING SO FAST NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHAT’S GOING TO BE HAPPENING MORE THAN A FEW YEARS OUT. These are exciting times to be young and beginning your own journey out into the world. There are possibilities in front of you that were still just ideas in science-fiction movies when I was leaving school.

There are some practical things to think about as you head off into this new world. It’s best to keep your subjects general at this point (science, maths and English will all give you the most flexibility), and be cautious about choosing the kind of paths that may have worked for your parents.

My schoolmates who became lawyers and accountants have had long careers, your schoolmates who take those paths probably won’t.

THE BIG SKILLS YOUR WORLD WILL NEED WILL BE PEOPLE WHO CAN COLLABORATE, WORK CREATIVELY, SOLVE PROBLEMS AND WHO ARE GOOD WITH PEOPLE. IF YOU WORK ON DEVELOPING THOSE SKILLS THEN YOUR FUTURE WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BE BRIGHT. Machine learning and automation will transform both what we do for careers, and how we do them. The big skills your world will need will be people who can collaborate, work creatively, solve problems and who are good with people.

If you work on developing those skills then your future will almost certainly be bright. And that holds just as much for people who are heading off into the trades and apprenticeships as it does for people who want to be software developers and entrepreneurs.

Don’t blindly follow everyone else or let other people make your decisions.

Get informed and set your own course. Whatever you do, one thing that’s certain is that your work will evolve and change constantly. You need to be

5

DO SOMETHING AWESOME WITH YOUR LIFE, WHATEVER THAT MIGHT MEAN FOR YOU. WE ONLY GET ONE GO AT BEING HUMAN, SO MAKE YOURS COUNT. SPEND YOUR LIFE DOING SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU EXCITED, THAT FILLS YOU UP AND THAT ADDS TO THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. open to that change, to learn constantly and to stay informed about how technology is changing the world around you. Expect to pivot multiple times in your life.

But the advice I think is most important – and the thing I have said to my own kids – is do something awesome with your life, whatever that might mean for you. We only get one go at being human, so make yours count. Spend your life doing something that makes you excited, that fills you up and that adds to the lives of the people around you. Don’t worry if you don’t have any idea what that is yet, I didn’t when I was your age. It takes a while to figure all that out. But you will. All you have to do is be curious and open, and sooner or later you’ll find your thing.

The opportunities in front of you are vast, dynamic and ever-growing. You’ve timed it well, this is a fantastic time to be young.

So well done you, now go find your piece of it.

NIGEL LATTA is a Clinical Psychologist, an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to psychology and broadcaster.

His TV projects include acclaimed series such as Beyond the Darklands, The Hard Stuff with Nigel Latta and this year’s What Next.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

MARKETING

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN COMBINING CREATIVITY WITH ANALYTICS

HAVE YOU HEARD OF MOCCONA AND BELL TEA? THESE ARE JUST TWO OF THE BRANDS AMRITA LAL AND THE BRAND MARKETING TEAM AT JACOB DOUWE EGBERTS MANAGE.

6

“I have worked on launching new products, market research, data and trends, consumer promotions, public relations, advertising, events, social media – the list goes on.”

Amrita Lal It’s a job the 27-year-old marketing graduate is loving. “I enjoy all the cool different projects I get to work on because I get to manage things from start to finish and can combine my creative flair with analytics.

“I have worked on launching new products, market research, data and trends, consumer promotions, public relations, advertising, events, social media – the list goes on. ” Amrita, who has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and Master of Commerce from the University of Auckland, realised in her second year at university that she wanted to major in Marketing.

In Year 13 at Marist College in Auckland she took economics, calculus, statistics, biology, business studies and religious education. While she acknowledges that “any subjects would be useful because there is a real creative side and a real numbers side” to marketing, economics, math subjects and business studies set her up well for

a commerce degree. A knowledge of accounting would have been handy too, she says, but wasn’t essential. “Choosing subjects is about following what you love first.”

While she was studying, Amrita had a part-time retail job and several marketing internships – something she found useful when it came to finding fulltime work.

She also took every opportunity she could to be involved in activities that challenged her and pushed her outside her comfort zone. She was a member of the Management Consulting Club, took part in the Microsoft Imagine Cup, carried out summer research and joined the Women’s Mentoring Programme.

Amrita says marketing is a super versatile qualification to have. “You can get into advertising, branding, market research, sales, customer solutions, media, digital marketing, business, management, web, product management, data analysis, public

relations… the list is never-ending. That’s the great thing about marketing – there is always so much to do and learn!”

She has seven gems of advice to offer: ■ Have fun, enjoy yourself and make friends.

■ Take the time to find out what you love doing, know why you love it and give it all you’ve got.

■ Try new things, and seek opportunities that will challenge you and push you outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens.

■ Try to get some work experience under your belt.

■ Remind yourself that success won’t come easily; it is about putting in the effort, planning and persisting.

■ Learn gratitude and patience; they will take you far.

■ During the tough times it is really important to surround yourself with people who see the best in you and want you to succeed; people that encourage you and love you.

KEY FACTS ■ AMRITA LAL HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE (HONOURS) AND MASTER OF COMMERCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ IN YEAR 13, SHE TOOK ECONOMICS, CALCULUS, STATISTICS, BIOLOGY, BUSINESS STUDIES AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. ■ AMRITA SAYS ECONOMICS, THE MATH SUBJECTS AND BUSINESS STUDIES SET HER UP WELL FOR STUDYING COMMERCE.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

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

Hit the ground running with an undergraduate scholarship of up to $20,000 and a hall of residence place from New Zealand’s leading university*.

Terms and conditions apply. Find out more at auckland.ac.nz/schoolleaverscholarships *QS World University Rankings 2017

PLUMBING AND GASFITTING APPRENTICE 8

GET PAID WHILE QUALIFYING

PLUMBING AND GASFITTING

written by PETER WHITE photograph by MARTY MELVILLE

WHAT GAVIN WILDING LOVES MOST ABOUT PLUMBING IS HOW YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND FIND WORK. EVERYONE NEEDS A PLUMBER, HE SAYS. The 27-year-old has nearly finished his plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship with Mana Plumbing on the Kapiti Coast as part of the Masterlink programme.

Masterlink connects top-quality apprentices with successful New Zealand plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing businesses.

Gavin says being part of Masterlink has been great and has made a big difference, the benefits include the fact they pay their apprentices even while they are on block courses and cover all their training fees. They match apprentices with local businesses for on-job work experience and provide a mentor for each apprentice.

“Masterlink employs the apprentice and takes the pressure off my boss. They do all the paper work for my apprenticeship and charge me out to Mana Plumbing.

“If your boss runs out of work Masterlink places you with someone else who will take you on. So you are pretty much guaranteed work, which is really good.”

Gavin loves how the skills you learn as a plumber are yours for life. “Once you learn it no one can take that away from you. It is sought after wherever you are and is a really good skill to have. It is not just the plumbing stuff – you get a broad range of skills.

“Once you learn it no one can take that away from you. It is sought after wherever you are and is a really good skill to have.

It is not just the plumbing stuff – you get a broad range of skills.”

“You are dealing with all sorts of people on site like landscapers, asphalt layers and so get a good understanding of how everything works.”

Being an apprentice plumber is a diverse role with many new challenges, which makes the job interesting.

“We do a lot of new builds, specs for building companies, drains, vanities, showers, toilets, kitchens, gas hobs, fire places, hot-water systems, solar power on the roof – all sorts of stuff.”

Gavin went to Paraparaumu College and in Year 13 took the core subjects of English and maths, plus statistics, biology and metal technology.

When he was at school, he always wanted to be a plumber but with a mini recession occurring, he had to bide his time doing other work before an opportunity came up.

“I never saw uni as a place for me. My dad was a tradesman and it just always seemed to be the next step. I passed Level 3 NCEA at school but I was always a hands-on learner really.

Gavin Wilding “After leaving school I did a bit of painting and then got into cladding houses for a plastering company but it was never what I wanted to do. It got to a stage where I wanted more of a challenge so I tried again for plumbing.

“A family friend knew someone who was looking for an apprentice and went from there. I put my name forward at Masterlink and then met the Mana team.

They liked me and gave me the job. I was rapt.

“I have been moving my way up ever since really.”

KEY FACTS ■ GAVIN WILDING IS COMPLETING HIS PLUMBING AND GASFITTING APPRENTICESHIP WITH MANA PLUMBING AS PART OF THE MASTERLINK PROGRAMME. ■ HE SAYS BEING WITH MASTERLINK HAS BEEN GREAT AND HAS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO HIS APPRENTICESHIP.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

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

#loveplumbing

WE KNOW CHOOSING A CAREER PATH CAN BE A LITTLE DAUNTING... YOU PROBABLY HAVE SOME BIG QUESTIONS? AND NOT MANY ANSWERS. 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

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 and retail supply chain; 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

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by CONOR DEVITT

DO YOU HAVE A CURIOUS MIND? LAW CHANGES HOW YOU SEE THE WORLD

PHOEBE HARROP BELIEVES ALL THE YEAR 13 SUBJECTS SHE TOOK AT NEW PLYMOUTH GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL (ENGLISH, ART HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, SPANISH AND MUSIC) WERE “USEFUL IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER” FOR STUDYING HER CONJOINED DEGREE IN LAWS AND ARTS. “I’m a big believer in how different kinds of study expand the way you approach problem-solving.

For example, understanding scientific reasoning helped me with structuring legal arguments, and my legal dissertation drew on biology and ethics.”

Phoebe was interested in studying a professional course (Law) that would give her a clear career path, but also leave her with a lot of options after university. “I thought (rightly, it turns out!) that it would be a challenging and interesting degree, which would change how I saw the world.”

Originally keen to study Genetics alongside Law, Phoebe quickly realised studying both Health Sciences and Law was going to be full-on. “After one day of classes I switched to Arts, which allowed me to pick up a lot of interesting classes, including Spanish, Psychology, Art History and History.”

Phoebe (26) chose to study at the University of Otago, which she believes “offers the best university experience in New Zealand: living on campus with 20,000 other students, the tradition of going into residential colleges in first year, down-to-earth people studying a wide range of subjects, incredible landscapes on the doorstep, fantastic teaching and a fun way of life… It’s a wicked first place to live away from home.”

Phoebe spent a semester during her fourth year studying at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain, completing courses in Spanish Literature and Art History towards her Arts degree.

“I would recommend a university exchange to anyone.

It’s such a great opportunity to experience life in another city and, in my case, provides invaluable exposure to another language; a chance to put all that study into practice!”

In her final year at university, Phoebe went along to a presentation by Bain & Company, a management consulting firm – and was hooked.

Despite not having any specific experience, she ended up getting a job in their Melbourne office; she is still working for them three years on but is now in their London office.

Phoebe’s job involves working with clients to understand strategic problems they have, for example: whether a particular company the clients are considering acquiring is a good investment; how changes in government policy are likely to

affect their business; how to make their supply chain more sustainable. She then works in a team to develop a strategy that will help the clients tackle the problem.

The direction Phoebe has taken is proof that a law degree opens up many career paths, of which legal practice is only one. “It’s a globally respected qualification, which makes it easier to apply for jobs overseas. I’d recommend legal study for anyone who has a curious mind, is interested in how society functions and gets a kick out of ambiguity.”

BACHELOR OF LAWS

11

““It’s a globally respected qualification, which makes it easier to apply for jobs overseas.

I’d recommend legal study for anyone who has a curious mind, is interested in how society functions and gets a kick out of ambiguity.”

— Phoebe Harrop

KEY FACTS ■ PHOEBE HARROP HAS A BACHELOR OF LAWS AND A BACHELOR OF ARTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ SHE WORKS IN THE LONDON OFFICE OF BAIN & COMPANY, A MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM. ■ PHOEBE SAYS ALL HER YEAR 13 SUBJECTS, ENGLISH, ART HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, SPANISH AND MUSIC, WERE USEFUL IN HER TERTIARY STUDIES.

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

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

RETAIL MANAGEMENT 12

HEADING FOR THE TOP

RUNNING STORES SMOOTHLY AND EFFICIENTLY

written by ROBYN YOUSEF photograph by ALAN STEVENS

JESS HEADIFEN’S FRIENDS OFTEN CALL HER A “WORKAHOLIC” BECAUSE SHE IS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT HER WORK AS ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER AT THE WAREHOUSE IN SILVERDALE. AND, AT 25 YEARS OF AGE, SHE IS VERY DETERMINED TO GROW HER CAREER. “I love working for The Warehouse as they always put their people and customers first and I want to be a Regional Manager one day,” she explains.

Jess moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom when she was 13, starting Orewa College in Year 8.

“I actually loved school, but struggled to decide on a career. As a result, I tried to keep my options open when it came to selecting the subjects I was going study. I wanted to make sure that I didn't put all my eggs in one basket.

“I studied art design and photography (my favourite subjects), business, maths, English and sports. Now I use almost every skill that I learnt at college – maybe apart from trigonometry.

“I use my creative skills that I learnt in art design to help me merchandise and create displays. While I use maths for store budgets and department sales, as well as Excel when I’m planning a stock take. ” While she was unsure of her working future when at school, Jess realises now that the early signs of an interest in retail were there. One of the youngest students in her year with a part-time job, she worked at a chemist in Orewa aged 14. Two years later, she decided on a change and started at The Warehouse in March 2008.

For the past 18 months, Jess has been Assistant Store Manager in two different stores – Whangaparaoa and Silverdale.

She’s been at Silverdale for the last two months and her role there is to ensure that her areas of

responsibility run smoothly and efficiently, and that all team members are set up to competently do their roles. Jess also takes over the running of the store when the Store Manager is absent.

“The Warehouse is a massive New Zealand company that is part of The Warehouse Group, there are so many opportunities across different brands with over 220 locations to work in. You can pursue a career in stores to become a Store Manager, or a career in finance, technology/digital, product design or buying at our support office. And there are great training opportunities along the way, i.e. the Future Leaders Programme or the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to do a Bachelor in Retail and Business Management, which The Warehouse Group launched in partnership with Massey University.

RETAIL MANAGEMENT

“I use my creative skills that I learnt in art design to help me merchandise and create displays. While I use maths for store budgets and department sales, as well as Excel when I’m planning a stock take .”

Jess Headifen “Try to challenge yourself at school because you never know where you may end up once your school years are over. You will be surprised at what skills you take with you when you leave school,” Jess advises school leavers.

13

And she advises students to get a part-time job while still at school. “This will teach you how to be social with all age groups, genders and cultures and teach you how to be responsible for something else other than school work.

“The Warehouse offers a gateway programme called Red Shirts in Schools throughout most colleges – offering students work once a week for 10 weeks learning about retail as well as other part-time and casual roles you can apply for.”

KEY FACTS ■ JESS HEADIFEN IS ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER AT THE WAREHOUSE IN SILVERDALE, AUCKLAND. ■ SHE STUDIED ART DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY, BUSINESS, MATHS, ENGLISH AND SPORTS AT SCHOOL, AND SAYS ALL OF THESE SUBJECTS HAVE BEEN USEFUL FOR HER CAREER IN RETAIL MANAGEMENT. ■ JESS SAYS THAT WITHIN THE WAREHOUSE GROUP THERE ARE MANY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS DIFFERENT BRANDS WITH OVER 220 LOCATIONS TO WORK IN.

CAREERS

For more information on career opportunities with The Warehouse Group, visit www.thewarehousecareers.co.nz

Together we're helping New Zealand to flourish

Be part of our mission to change retail and NZ for the better.

Are you part of retail’s next generation?

The future of retail will undoubtedly mix real-world stores with innovative digital spaces, as customers demand faster, easier ways to shop. But at its heart, retail will still be about people helping people – store managers, buyers, product designers, developers, e-commerce managers, fulfilment experts and data scientists working together to deliver the shopping experiences of the future.

SUPPORT

Join us

#retailcareers

There are many exciting careers available within sheep and beef farming and the wider red meat sector. Many people gain work on a farm directly after leaving school. Others choose to study first at a university, polytechnic or a cadet farm. The variety of positions and types of work within, and directly related to sheep and beef farming is huge.

Lincoln University A specialist agricultural university in the South Island offering diplomas and degrees in agricultural commerce and science, plus the related fields.

www.lincoln.ac.nz Ph 0800 10 60 10

Telford A live-in agricultural training centre (South Island) that delivers agricultural qualifications from level 2 to diploma.

www.telford.ac.nz Ph 0800 835 367 (0800 TELFORD)

Smedley Station A full production sheep and beef station providing training for farm cadets. Trainees complete a National Certificate in Rural Servicing Level 4, as well as learning stock management and shepherding.

www.smedley.ac.nz Ph 06 8565725

Massey University Offering specialist agricultural courses including degrees and diplomas in agribusiness and science and the related fields of environment and resource management and veterinarian training.

www.massey.ac.nz Ph 0800 MASSEY

Aoraki Polytechnic

Whenua Kura

Based in the South Island and offering sheep and beef national certificates to level 4 and a Diploma in Agriculture.

A partnership between Lincoln University and Ngai Tahu facilitating delivery of agriculture qualifications from level 3 to diploma.

www.aoraki.ac.nc Ph 0800 426 725

Waiariki Polytechnic Offering sheep and beef national certificates to level 4 and a Diploma in Agriculture.

www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz Ph 0800 524 8248 (0800 KAI TAHU)

Otago Polytechnic (Central Campus)

www.waiariki.ac.nz 0800 924 274 (0800 WAIARIKI)

Based in Cromwell, Otago Polytechnic provides agricultural training to level 4 including a specialised high country sheep and beef programme.

Otiwhiti Station

www.central.op.ac.nz Ph 0800 765 9276

A specialised sheep and beef live-in training farm delivering qualifications in Agriculture to levels 3 and 4.

www.otiwhitistation.co.nz Ph 0508 872 466

Waipaoa Station Waipaoa Cadet Farm is a live-in farm training operation delivering qualifications in agriculture from level 2 to 4.

www.waipaoa.co.nz Ph 06 862 1988

Taratahi A specialised live-in agricultural training centre delivering agricultural qualifications from level 2 to diploma.

www.taratahi.ac.nz Ph 0800 827 2824 (0800 TARATAHI)

Direct to farm employment It is often possible to gain employment on a sheep and beef farm directly from school. Vacancies are advertised in local papers and the following websites: •

Agri-people website

•

Federated Farmers job website

•

Trademe job website

•

Seek job website.

Primary ITO offers training and learning while you work at levels 2, 3 and 4, and a full diploma. This training is arranged in conjunction with the farm manager or owner and delivered in block courses off site, combined with on job training and assessment.

www.primaryito.ac.nz Ph 0800 20 80 20

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by GABRIELLE DRUMMOND

AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE

GETTING AHEAD WITH RURAL BUSINESS JOSH McKAY’S ADVICE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN AGRICULTURE IS: APPLY FOR AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS YOU CAN. JOSH RECEIVED A BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DURATION OF HIS BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE (UP TO $5000 PER YEAR), SOMETHING HE IS IMMENSELY GRATEFUL FOR. “Both Massey and Lincoln have scholarship databases where you can search and apply for scholarships,” he says.

“Believe me they take the pressure off your finances and will save you thousands in the long run!”

Josh grew up in East Taratahi, next to his grandfather’s 120-hectare property, and attended Rathkeale College in Masterton.

After studying English, statistics, geography, agriculture and biology in his final year, Josh enrolled at Lincoln University to study Agricultural Commerce.

“I guess the opportunity to be a part of the sector that is the backbone of the economy, lots of job opportunities when you finish and the ability to work with or alongside the best rural people in the world fuelled my passion for study towards the degree.”

Josh describes his time at Lincoln as the best years of his life, to date.

“It is a self-motivating time in your life whereby everything is up to you, and no one but you. If you want to drink beer every night you can. If you want to study every night you can.

“But in fairness you need to know when to knuckle down, lay off the beer and do some study for tests, assignments

JOSH TALKS WITH A CLIENT ABOUT CREDIFLEX’S LATEST INTEREST RATES.

AGRICULTURE

15

or exams. I guess it’s all a balancing act – a fun, entertaining one!”

While at Lincoln, Josh and the rest of the students in the Commerce faculty received an email asking if anyone was interested in applying for a PMSA (Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia) to study in Indonesia.

“I thought this sounds a bit of alright, chucked my CV in and got accepted.

I was lucky enough to be a part of a group of 20 from New Zealand to head to Indonesia for six weeks and learn about foreign agribusiness and trade!”

Josh is currently working in the lower North Island based out of Greytown, as a finance specialist for Crediflex New Zealand. His job involves organising finance and smart lending solutions for business growth and success.

Ten years down the track, Josh (21) would like to own and run a small finishing farm while continuing to work in the rural business finance and solutions sector.

EVERY YEAR BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND SUPPORTS 30 TERTIARY STUDENTS COMPLETING AGRICULTURAL QUALIFICATIONS. THEIR ANNUAL LEADERSHIP, SCHOOLS AND FARM TRAINEE PROGRAMMES ALSO DIRECTLY BENEFIT APPROXIMATELY 4500 INDUSTRY PEOPLE. MORE THAN 34,000 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ALSO ATTEND AGRICULTURAL CAREER INFORMATION EVENTS AND AGRIBUSINESS CURRICULUM IS BEING DEVELOPED FOR MANY MORE SCHOOLS BY BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND AND ITS PARTNERS.

KEY FACTS ■ JOSH McKAY HAS A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. ■ IN YEAR 13, HE STUDIED ENGLISH, STATISTICS, GEOGRAPHY, AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY. ■ JOSH RECEIVED AN ANNUAL $5000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM BEEF+LAMB NEW ZEALAND FOR THE DURATION OF HIS STUDY.

For more information on careers in agriculture, visit www.getahead.co.nz For more information on scholarships offered by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, visit www.beeflambnz.com/scholarships

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE 16

EARN AND LEARN

ELECTRICIANS: WELL-PAID AND IN DEMAND

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by ALAN STEVENS

BECOMING AN ELECTRICIAN WASN’T SOMETHING HARMONY COURT HAD EVER CONSIDERED UNTIL SHE HEARD AN AD FOR ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS ON THE RADIO ONE DAY AND THOUGHT SHE’D GIVE IT A GO. IT’S A SPUR OF THE MOMENT DECISION THE 24-YEAR-OLD IS VERY HAPPY SHE MADE. “Since I started my apprenticeship, there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t enjoyed it.”

While working fulltime with Leck Electrical, Harmony has done her apprenticeship through etco* (The Electrical Training Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of Master Electricians that provides employment and training for the electrical industry.

Throughout all stages of training – a series of assignments, assessments and examinations – the etco* system provides apprentices with extensive instruction, supervision and support.

Apprentices start earning from the outset, in a trade where qualified electricians are well paid.

“I chose etco* because they made the process easy,” says Harmony. “They organised everything – I just had to show up at my host company’s office.”

They receive mentoring and a combination of practical and theoretical training from etco* tutors and coordinators, who are all experienced electricians.

All up, her apprenticeship will take three-and-a-half years. It has involved fulltime work, one night-class per week, four exams per year “ and a few assignments along the way”.

Harmony admits she has found some of the book work challenging, “But that’s only because I wasn’t much of a studier during school. I do enjoy it and it’s nice to earn and learn.”

At the end of this year, she will graduate as a qualified electrician into a well-paid industry that is in high demand.

The electrical industry not only provides job security, but a range of career options and even travel, as New Zealand qualifications are recognised in most countries.

Harmony would one day like to own and run her own company, but in the meantime, she’s enjoying working on a variety of domestic and commercial jobs, learning the ropes alongside experienced electricians.

Growing up in Whangarei, Harmony went to Pompallier Catholic College, where she took PE, workshop, science, maths, religious education

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

■ HARMONY COURT IS AN APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN, SHE WORKS FULLTIME FOR LECK ELECTRICAL AND IS COMPLETING HER APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH ETCO*.

■ HER APPRENTICESHIP HAS INVOLVED FULLTIME WORK, ONE NIGHT-CLASS PER WEEK, FOUR EXAMS EVERY YEAR AND ASSIGNMENTS. ■ HARMONY SAYS SCIENCE, MATHS AND WORKSHOP HAVE BEEN THE MOST USEFUL NCEA SUBJECTS IN HER APPRENTICESHIP.

What will you do after etco*?

Registered Electrician

University student

Business owner

Once you’ve completed your electrical apprenticeship with etco*, your potential is limited only by your own ambition.

Find out how to make it happen.

etco.co.nz 0800 275 3826

energising careers

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE

and English in her final year (Year 12).

Of these subjects, Harmony says science, maths and workshop have been the most useful.

If you thrive on accepting and overcoming manual and intellectual challenges, are a problem solver, don’t mind hard work and are interested in constantly improving your knowledge and keeping abreast of new technologies, becoming an electrician could be the perfect career choice.

IF YOU THRIVE ON ACCEPTING AND OVERCOMING MANUAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, ARE A PROBLEM SOLVER, DON’T MIND HARD WORK AND ARE INTERESTED IN CONSTANTLY IMPROVING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND KEEPING ABREAST OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES, BECOMING AN ELECTRICIAN COULD BE THE PERFECT CAREER CHOICE.

17

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 18

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by MARTY MELVILLE

CAREER IN HOSPITALITY

ON-JOB TRAINING: FLEXIBILITY AND SUPPORT ELLA BLAKE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF TRYING A VARIETY OF THINGS BEFORE FINDING WHAT YOU LOVE. AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL SHE WENT TO WHITIREIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE AND COMPLETED A YEAR IN COMMERCIAL DANCE, THEN DID ONE YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY BEFORE DECIDING SHE REALLY WANTED TO TRAVEL. It was while working in hospitality in London for two years that Ella found her calling. “I realised that I loved the job and the people you get to work with and meet, so I figured I would try and make it a career.”

On returning to New Zealand, Ella was “lucky enough” to get a ServiceIQ scholarship to study Operations Management while working fulltime at the Bolton Hotel in Wellington.

“It was the perfect option for my working situation – on-job training was both flexible and supportive,” she says.

“It takes a lot of time management but is definitely doable. It was great being able to study what was so close to what I was doing in my fulltime role.”

Ella loves the fast-paced environment of hospitality and the fact that every day is different. At Bolton Hotel, she has just moved from the role of Front Office Manager to Marketing and Business Development Manager. “It has been a pretty steep learning curve but it’s great to see another side of the business.”

Ella grew up in Pukerua Bay on the Kapiti Coast, and in Year 13 at St Mary’s College in Wellington, she took art, information technology, art history, English and classics.

Information technology and English have turned out to be the most useful subjects for her chosen career.

“Being able to work with technology and write has helped a lot in my current role. I also think creating portfolios in art and IT was great in helping me

learn about time management and the stages of starting through to completing large projects.”

Ella (25) believes the future is looking bright for those in her industry. “Hospitality is booming and there is more opportunity than ever to make a career out of a service sector role. The great thing about hospitality is that there are so many options to change and move into different areas.”

Her advice is to take your time choosing what you want to do straight after school.

“On-job training or fulltime study are both as great as each other. For me, on-job training worked well with getting experience at the same time as learning. Being able to apply what I was learning to what I am doing in my role helped me develop my own skills faster.”

“For me, on-job training worked well with getting experience at the same time as learning. Being able to apply what I was learning to what I am doing in my role helped me develop my own skills faster.”

Ella Blake KEY FACTS ■ ELLA BLAKE WORKS AS MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT THE BOLTON HOTEL IN WELLINGTON. ■ SHE SECURED A SERVICEIQ SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT, COMPLETING ON-JOB TRAINING WHILE WORKING FULLTIME. ■ ELLA TOOK ART, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ART HISTORY, ENGLISH AND CLASSICS IN YEAR 13.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more information on hospitality training and apprenticeships, visit www.serviceiq.org.nz/training/ hospitality/

Starting a job?

Make sure you’re treated fairly.

Know your employment rights – Learn more from our free online employment learning modules.

Go to www.employment.elearning.ac.nz

EMPLOYMENT

YOUR FIRST JOB

20

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS . . .

written by DIANA CLEMENT illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

IT’S YOUR FIRST JOB. AND YOU’RE PROBABLY VERY GRATEFUL. BUT ARE YOU BEING TREATED APPROPRIATELY BY YOUR EMPLOYER? Sometimes employers don’t know the laws themselves or take advantage of young and vulnerable workers. Ruth Luketina, a careers adviser at Mangere College, sees it with her students from time to time and the school runs workshops to help them understand the world of work.

YOUR RIGHTS Employers can’t just treat you as they wish. You have certain rights that can’t be breached, no matter what your employer thinks.

Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage if you’re aged 16 and over. Currently that is $15.75 an hour. Your employer must keep accurate records of your hours and pay.

You must be given breaks or be paid for not getting them. And you must be given holiday pay, which can be added to your pay each week if you’re a casual or fixed-term employee. You’re entitled to paid public holidays or time-and-a-half pay if you work those days. After six months of employment you can also take up to five days of sick leave a year.

Other basic rights include bereavement and parental leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, equal pay, a safe workplace, consultation over change and restructuring, and free mediation if problems come up at work.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS – AN ABSOLUTE MUST If you are employed you must be given an employment agreement, this is the case even for a part-time job. If not, your employer can be fined $1000.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

While big businesses usually go by the book, smaller ones don’t always understand the law. Your employment agreement needs to outline your wages, public holiday rates, annual holiday allowances, whether your job is fixed term or permanent, and what happens if the business is transferred or sold.

When you get your employment agreement, read it over and discuss it with your family, teachers or union.

You could also call Employment New Zealand’s helpline on 0800 20 90 20 to discuss

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

anything you don’t understand, says Stuart Lumsden, Acting National Operations Manager of the Labour Inspectorate.

GOOD FAITH – WHAT IS IT? Both you and your employer are required to treat each other with “good faith”.

This means not being misleading or deceptive and being responsive and communicative.

Before making major decisions that affect you, your employer must spell

out the details and give you proper opportunity to comment.

What’s more, to take disciplinary action against you, your employer must be acting in good faith, have good reason and also follow a fair process.

This is a large concept and covers a number of other factors – you can find out more at https://www. employment.govt.nz/resolvingproblems/must-do/good-faith It’s a two-way process and you also must act in good faith.

The job of unions is to protect workers, resolve workplace issues, negotiate wage increases, advocate for you and look into suspected breaches of workplace and discrimination laws. There are many unions, such as E tū for service and food workers, and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation. You will pay a small fee out of your wages to belong. It is money well spent, especially if you have problems at work. All employees have the right to decide whether to join a union and your employer can’t stop you or discriminate against you for doing so.

HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT Sadly young employees sometimes find themselves sexually or racially harassed by their superiors or colleagues. One of Ruth Luketina’s students was harassed by her supervisor to go out with him.

The advances were unwanted, but she had no idea what to do and feared she would lose her job. Ruth advised her to go to the supervisor’s boss to resolve the problem, which worked. Bullying is another issue in workplaces. It’s not covered by the Human Rights Act or Employment Relations Act, but you can still take a personal grievance claim against your employer under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. SAYING “NO” – WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS? All too often Ruth’s students are asked to work too many shifts or during school hours. You do have a legal right to say no to work and your employer can’t fire you or disadvantage you for doing this. The exception to this rule may be if your employment agreement has what’s called an availability clause, which means you’ve agreed to be available at certain hours over and above your regular shifts. Students aged under 16 can’t be asked to work during school hours or after 10 pm or before 6 am any day. Also employers can’t cancel shifts unless you’re given a reasonable period of notice or, failing that, compensation (pay).

90-DAY TRIAL PERIOD AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU When you first start a job you may be given a 90-day trial period. During this time you can be dismissed but you must be given notice. Written in your employment agreement will be

the amount of notice required, and notice must be given within the trial period. If you ask for a reason, the employer must provide you with one. You still have all your other minimum employment rights, such as minimum wages, sick leave and paid holidays – you just can’t complain about unjustified dismissal if your work finishes within this period. At the end of the trial period you become a permanent member of staff.

RESOLVING PROBLEMS AT WORK It’s almost inevitable that you’ll have some sort of problem at work during

your working life. Most problems can be solved easily.

If things do go wrong and you need help, contact your union or Employment New Zealand on 0800 20 90 20. Trained members of staff answer the 0800 number and can advise you on what to do to resolve the problem.

If that doesn’t work and you aren’t a union member you can often get advice from local Community Law Centres or through a private employment lawyer.

There are also employment lawyers who offer a “no win no fee” service.

They earn money by taking a chunk of your pay-out if you win.

If employment disputes can’t be solved through mediation you can complain to the Employment Relations Authority and if that fails the Employment Court.

The Human Rights Review Tribunal can deal with breaches of human rights and privacy in the workplace.

FINALLY If you can keep the relationship professional but be assertive about your rights, it’s more likely that you can continue working once the problem has been resolved, which is a win-win for everyone involved.

I don't see why I can't use my fidget spinner when I'm working... why do I have to wait for work breaks?

LEARN MORE… As Leaving School went to print, the Government launched educational modules that can be accessed from the homepage of www.employment.elearning.ac.nz If you have an issue, check out those modules says Stuart Lumsden. They cover employment agreements, annual leave/holidays, other leave such as parental leave, pay and wages, working arrangements and hours of work.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

EMPLOYMENT

UNIONS AND WHAT THEY DO…

21

w

COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER 22

BE ON TOP OF YOUR GAME LEARN TO THINK LIKE A COMPUTER

written by PETER WHITE photograph by MEGAN GRAHAM

DANIEL WHYTE, AGED 28, TOOK A DIFFERENT PATH THAN MOST STUDENTS TO GET INTO TERTIARY EDUCATION AND A CAREER IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT. He had studied English, maths, calculus, statistics, drama and physical education in Year 13 at Central Southland College in Winton but he was not sure what he wanted to do after school.

So he went out and experienced different aspects of life before he settled on becoming a computer software developer.

“I was definitely into computers at school and they really helped point me in the right direction but it was a while before I decided to get a career in that field,” he says.

Daniel says having wider life experience has definitely helped him.

“I was always of the mind that you have to try lots of things before you settle on one thing. The first thing I did was join the military and give that a go.

I decided that wasn’t for me so I decided I would

START YOUR CAREER

@ SIT

With over 200 courses In 33 subject areas, from Certificate to Masters, SIT has an option for you.

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

Daniel suffered from back problems so signed up for the three-year Bachelor of Information Technology, focusing on computer programming, at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

“When I was at SIT that really defined my future.

If you are into computers it is pretty silly not to get into that degree, which was the message I really got from everyone. They open the doors and they really want you to succeed. The course is something that you only get out of what you put in. You have to try really hard but if you work hard you will get good things out of it.”

He says the course gave him the skills and the know-how to be successful.

Daniel works for Invercargill company Digital Stock, which specialises in mobile apps, business productivity, custom-built software and helping businesses optimise their processes.

“

COMPUTERS DON’T THINK LIKE HUMANS. THEY ARE VERY BASIC AND SINGLE-MINDED SO YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO THINK LIKE A COMPUTER THINKS. IT IS AN EVOLVING PLATFORM AND EVERYTHING CHANGES EVERY DAY.

”

Daniel Whyte He used his initiative to get to know the directors, “There were two guys who came into SIT one day and told us what they were doing around town.

I got to know them and went to heaps of events they were running.

“They started getting bigger clients and they didn’t have a job for me but said if I hang out with them eventually they would have one for me.”

Two months into his second year at SIT Daniel was offered a part-time job, which he did alongside completing his studies.

He loves his job, particularly the problem-solving aspect of it.

“Computers don’t think like humans. They are very basic and single-minded so you have to learn to think like a computer thinks. It is an evolving platform and everything changes every day.

“You have to be on top of your game and keep up with the world otherwise you will get left behind quite quickly.”

His message to school leavers is clear.

“If you love your job and do the extra hours it definitely pays off.”

KEY FACTS ■ DANIEL WHYTE HAS A BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FROM SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HE WORKS FOR INVERCARGILL COMPANY DIGITAL STOCK. ■ IN YEAR 13 DANIEL STUDIED ENGLISH, MATHS, CALCULUS, STATISTICS, DRAMA AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

For more information on studying Information Technology through SIT, visit www.sit.ac.nz

0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz

COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

work with my hands and became a builder for seven years.”

23

IMPORTANT NOTICES 24

GOT A TRADE WEEK 21–27 AUGUST

NOTICEBOARD KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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 information-laden and exciting things you can go along to – www.gotatrade.co.nz

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 Do Good Jobs – www.dogoodjobs.co.nz Work and Income – www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz

SECONDARY SCHOOL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 2017 /2018 OPEN DAYS Term 3 holiday: 29 Sept–16 Oct 2017 Term 4 holiday: 14 Dec–29 Jan/ 7 Feb 2018 (earliest/latest) Term 1 holiday: 13 April–30 April 2018 Term 2 holiday: 7 July–22 July 2018 Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz

University open days are a fantastic way of getting to know more about your proposed courses of study, the university itself, meet fellow students and become familiar with the campus. If you’re choosing between several tertiary providers, you may find open days help you make your choice.

Lincoln University and the Universities of Otago, Waikato and Canterbury have already had their open days for 2017.

The following institutes have their open days upcoming: Tertiary provider

Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams.

Pope John XXIII

Date

Website

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Manawatu Campus Wed 2 August www.massey.ac.nz Auckland Campus Sat 12 August Wellington Campus Fri 1 September VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON Fri 1 September www.victoria.ac.nz UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Sat 2 September www.auckland.ac.nz

AUT UNIVERSITY

Sat 2 September www.aut.ac.nz

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

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 LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.

Brené Brown

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

NCEA Examinations 9 November to 1 December Cambridge Examinations 3 October to 18 November

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.

Oprah Winfrey

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

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

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

There are 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics situated throughout New Zealand offering a wide range of tertiary education.

Visit www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-

partners/about-educationipis as dolorest quatiam illent elia organisations/itps-in-new-zealand quidi to conseque as exces et alis dolorest, vid veleson aut volupta for more information courses esecupt aecupidenis. and semester dates for 2017/18.

FEELING DOWN?

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 Saturday 16 December 2017. www.studylink.govt.nz

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

Need to talk? Free text to 5626

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

Confucius

25

VOLUNTEERING

INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT LOANS

SCHOLARSHIPS

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

EXAM DATES

Volunteering can provide you with opportunities to develop your skills in new and interesting ways as well as providing valuable real-world experiences – all important attributes to your CV when applying for your first job! For more information, visit: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/ volunteers/finding-volunteer-roles/ r s fo tion r op 10-13 aree nd c Years dy a udents 8 u st o st ISSUE # ide t ool | e gu ry sch r 2016 A fre conda Octobe se

A fre e gui high de to stud scho ol st y and c uden aree May ts Ye r opti 2017 | issu ars 11 ons fo -13 r e #9 OR VEY Y SUR

ELL

TIT

way only eat The gr to dois to love. work t you do wha eve Jobs

AN N | QU

GS

ITLIN

– JUD

GH

ISTE

RED

NUR

SE MAT

T BAR

HAM

CS

t up a Look ars and t st the down a not feet. ing your Hawk

RY GO GRE

| ELE CTR ONI

LLIN

HO

VIA OLI

E (EQ NC CIE RIS L | AG HIL

n ephe – St

EN ALL

S | REG

GES

lso

– Ne

E

TIC

VE

OM | AUT

HOD

SEL

L | DAI

RY FAR

MER

WWW

ER

urch

ill

MONIQ

– 27 Au EEK gu

UE SOU

THE

Y | POL

ICE

www visit . . . st .got atra de.c o.nz

OFF

ICE

R

A McC ART

NEY

NZ HOOL .NZ INGSC L.CO LEAV INGSCHOO .LEAV OTI

TH

X SMI

ALE ION CAT

TEC

INE

ELIZ

REN

N APP

ICIA

HN

EDU

SAM

lways le It a possib .G Th ne OT A is year’s s im T seem l it’s dondela 21 RADE W unti n Ma

N CIA HNI M TEC | FAR

OD HO ILD LY CH T | EAR GH KNI IE Mc ELL

E) UIN

ENG

A pe th ssimist evere difficul sees y an opport ty in the optimist unity; op ever portun sees – Sir Wi y diffic ity in ul nsto n Ch ty.

CA

– St

Le ye arn fr for tosterday, om day, live impotomorro hope fo w rt to st ant th . The r op qu ing is – Albe estio not rt Ein ning stein .

A SIM

NA

N LOU

RGA

MO RK

’ CLE

| LAW

| ATH

LET

E–

TRA CK

WWW LEAVINGS C .LEAVI NGSC HOOLNZ HOOL .CO.NZ & FIEL

D

MIC

HAE

L BEN

NET

T | HVA C APP

REN

TIC

E

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

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FEELING RESTED

26

written by SARA CARBERY

illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

GET MORE SLEEP

BOOST YOUR MARKS AND YOUR MOOD YOU MIGHT THINK SLEEPING IS A WASTE OF TIME BUT ALONGSIDE A HEALTHY DIET AND REGULAR EXERCISE, GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR HEALTH. Not getting enough good quality sleep can make you moody, more susceptible to illness, more accident-prone, and can mean you don’t perform as well at school and in other areas of your life.

If you’re aged between 14 and 17, you need a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night; ideally 9–10 hours. If you get up at 6.30 am for school, this means you need to be asleep by 10.30 pm at the absolute latest.

On weekends it’s okay to go to bed later and sleep in a bit, say the experts, as long as you don’t change your bedtime by more than two hours. (For example, if you usually go to bed at 10 pm on weeknights, try to get to bed no later than midnight on the weekend.)

To a certain extent you’re battling against nature when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. As we go through puberty, our brains begin producing the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin on a delayed schedule, which can make it difficult for teenagers to feel tired before 11 pm.

But there are other things that can push the time we go to bed out later than is healthy.

Working too late (homework or job) is one of them, but the biggie is staring at screens (laptop, TV, phone) at night.

As well as being stimulating, electronic devices emit a bright blue light that affects melatonin levels. So turn off your devices at least one hour before bed, dim your screen as much as possible and download a free software program (such as f.lux) that decreases blue light.

TIPS FOR IMPROVING SLEEP ■ Turn off all devices at least one hour before bed. Read a book or listen to music instead.

■ Have a regular bedtime routine, like shower, teeth, bed.

■ If you are going to bed too late, change this gradually by going to bed 30 minutes earlier and getting up 30 minutes earlier.

■ Don’t have any distractions near your bed, including any kind of screen.

■ Have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, including on the weekends (+/- 2 hours).

■ Turn off your phone or put it in another room so you’re not tempted to check it.

■ Avoid stimulants such as energy drinks, coffee and tea in the afternoon/evening.

■ Being active throughout the day can help you sleep. Spending time in the sun can also help.

DID YOU KNOW? ■ WE SPEND ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF OUR LIVES ASLEEP. (BUT IT’S NOT A WASTE OF TIME!) ■ IF YOU ARE AWAKE FOR 17 HOURS (SAY 6 AM TO 11 PM), YOUR REACTION TIMES AND ABILITY TO THINK ARE THE SAME AS IF YOU HAD A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL OF .05.

■ TEENAGERS NEED MORE SLEEP THAN ADULTS. YOUR BODY AND BRAIN NEEDS ABOUT 9–10 HOURS A NIGHT IN ORDER TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more information on how to get a good night’s sleep and its importance, visit www.sleepfoundation.org

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by ROBERT McTAGUE

IMPROVING WELLBEING

A MIX OF HEALTHCARE AND PROBLEM SOLVING ROSIE KEYS HAS ALWAYS LOVED THE BUZZ OF BUSY PHARMACIES AND REMEMBERS BEING INTERESTED IN MEDICINES AS A CHILD. “WHETHER IT WAS THE BRIGHT COLOURED PILLS, OR JUST KNOWING THEY WOULD MAKE ME FEEL BETTER I’M NOT SURE!” A decade and a half on, the 23-year-old is working as a pharmacist in her hometown of Timaru.

“It is rewarding helping people in the community where I grew up, and living in a smaller centre gives me an opportunity to be more involved in a patient’s health.”

As the experts on medicines, pharmacists are essential members of a healthcare team. They have the skills and knowledge to help patients understand and use their medicines in the most appropriate way.

They are responsible for optimising medication use and may also be involved in the development and manufacture of medicines.

Rosie describes pharmacy as “the perfect mix of healthcare and problem solving”.

“My job revolves around the people who walk through our front door, helping them with prescriptions, medicine enquiries and general health questions or complaints.

“Knowing that somebody can trust you with something as important as their health is massively satisfying, and it is fantastic to be able to have the right knowledge to share with patients.”

Rosie knew in Year 10 that she wanted to study pharmacy and chose her NCEA

“I knew I wanted to have a job that helped people every day and healthcare was an obvious choice.

I love talking to people, and knowing I can make a difference to their health and wellbeing is extremely satisfying.”

Rosie Keys options accordingly. In her final year at Craighead Diocesan School, Rosie

took Level 3 statistics, English, chemistry, biology, and Level 2 physics.

“Science is a major focus, and a good understanding is a necessity for both Health Sciences’ first year and a Pharmacy degree. Biology is extremely relevant as a big part of my job is figuring out what conditions might be affecting the patient in front of me.”

Proximity to home and the reputation of the university both played a part in Rosie’s decision to study at the University of Otago.

“Dunedin was such a fantastic place and a real experience.”

While most pharmacists work in community and hospital pharmacies, many also work in primary healthcare environments (with general practitioners), government organisations, industry, medical writing and academia. Opportunities for pharmacists are constantly growing as the healthcare sector changes to meet the needs of communities.

Rosie has found a career she loves, and her advice to school leavers is to do the same. “Make sure you are doing something you love.

“I knew I wanted to have a job that helped people every day and healthcare was an obvious choice. I love talking to people, and knowing I can make a difference to their health and wellbeing is extremely satisfying.”

PHARMACIST

27

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

ROSIE KEYS HAS A BACHELOR OF PHARMACY FROM ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO.

IN YEAR 13, SHE TOOK LEVEL 3 STATISTICS, ENGLISH, CHEMISTRY, ■ BIOLOGY AND LEVEL 2 PHYSICS. ROSIE SAYS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE ■ IS VERY IMPORTANT IN HER ROLE.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

STUDYLINK ASSISTANCE TEXT 28

NEED HELP PAYING FOR STUDY? A GUIDE TO WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PLANNING TO START TERTIARY STUDY NEXT YEAR? 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.

As well as paying Student Allowances and Student Loans, we also have tools to help with budgeting and can help you understand the sort of costs you might have while studying.

STUDENT ALLOWANCE This is a weekly payment to help with living expenses that you don’t have to pay back.

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

STUDENT LOAN The Student Loan is there to help with study costs. You do have to pay this back once you’re earning over a certain amount. If you’re a full-time student you may be able to get a loan for: ■ compulsory course fees ■ course-related costs ■ living costs.

WORKING OUT WHAT YOU CAN GET There are a lot of things we look at when working out if you’re able to get a Student Allowance and Student Loan, using the eligibility tool on our website is the best way to check out what support you may be able to get.

JUST START BY SIGNING UP If you’re thinking about study, sign up to get our ‘starting out’ emails.

This way you won’t miss out on important information, like when you need to apply and documents you need to send.

Sign up at www.studylink.govt.nz WHEN TO APPLY You don’t need to wait till you get your NCEA results in January to apply!

In fact, we encourage first time applicants to apply by 16 December, so everything will be sorted by the time your study starts.

Over 180,000 students are expected to apply for financial support in 2018. You want to be at the front of the queue. Don’t worry if things change. You can always update details in your application, like your education provider or course, if you need to later. And you can withdraw your application at any point.

So, get started today at www.studylink.govt.nz

1. Apply by 16 December at www.studylink.govt.nz

2. We’ll check the information you give us and get things underway.

You don’t need to do anything at this point unless you hear from us.

3. You’ll get a letter telling you what to do next.

Read, sign and return it (if required) and provide any documents we have asked for.

4. Use MyStudyLink to track your application.

You can view and update your details, get your mail, and apply for course-related costs (once you’ve returned the contract).

5. We’ll check your details with your education provider.

You need to make sure you’re fully enrolled before this can happen.

29

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

7. YOUR PAYMENTS START. The earliest your payments can start is in the second week of your course.

KEY FACTS ■ STUDYLINK’S ELIGIBILITY TOOL WILL TELL YOU WHAT ASSISTANCE YOU’RE ABLE TO GET. ■ SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMAILS FROM STUDYLINK ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS. ■ YOU NEED TO APPLY TO STUDYLINK BY 16 DECEMBER — DO NOT WAIT FOR YOUR NCEA RESULTS.

STUDYLINK ASSISTANCE TEXT

HOW TO APPLY – SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS TO PAYMENTS

For more information on applying for financial support with StudyLink, visit www.studylink.govt.nz

AGRICULTURE

30

written by PETER WHITE

AGRICULTURE STUDIES

INCORPORATING PRACTICAL FARM WORK ROBERT GREGORY BELIEVES THE BACHELOR OF COMMERCE (AGRICULTURE) FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY CAN OPEN DOORS TO A WHOLE WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES. “The core of it is all-round farm management and farm financials and all the physical aspects of farming. It is quite cool. I think it is an awesome degree if you want to go farming,” the 22-year-old from Gore says.

“I liked that you could tailor it to whatever angle you wanted because they let you mix your papers up as long as they have some cohesion. I had a strong interest in financials so did heaps of finance papers.”

The degree has a strong practical aspect, which Robert liked.

“You had to do a combined 36-weeks of practical work over the three years in different farm systems of cropping, sheep and also dairy. I did beef and sheep in North Canterbury and near home, and a cropping place in North Otago.

“It gives you heaps of opportunities to get into different systems so you don’t have a single, narrow-minded focus.”

Robert added a further year of study to his three-year degree, to qualify with a Master of Management in Agribusiness.

He is grateful for the annual $5000 scholarship from Beef + Lamb New Zealand for the duration of his undergraduate and postgraduate study, which was dependent on his achieving a B+ average grade.

"The scholarship helps you heaps. They have networking events throughout the year. That was the most important part – getting to know people in the industry.

“In my final year I went to the Beef + Lamb farm council conference last year and it was great to meet so many people for future reference.”

Robert says the agriculture degree creates opportunities and not just in farming-related careers.

The agriculture degree creates opportunities and not just in farming-related careers. “It opens up more doors than you think.”

Robert Gregory “It opens up more doors than you think. There are roles in banking, any sort of consultancy, fertiliser company reps, all that sort of thing.”

Robert attended St Peter’s College in Gore. In Year 13 he took English, maths, religious education plus university papers in accounting and economics.

Growing up in rural Southland he was immersed in agriculture from an early age.

“I have always lived in the country and worked on a farm property about five minutes up the road from our place in Gore. They had a 650-hectare sheep and beef and mixed cropping property.

“I worked there part-time from when I was 12 right the way through school. I started off doing odd jobs and then gradually got into tractor work. I like the responsibility they gave me, which you can get with agriculture early on once you prove yourself.

“Being outside and having a real variety of jobs is really good and what I got out of that. I was always doing something different. It was quite fun.”

Robert recently finished eight months working as an Intern Analyst on a research project at Craigmore Sustainables, which included doing 19 separate dairy farm budgets.

KEY FACTS ■ ROBERT GREGORY HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE (AGRICULTURE) AND A MASTER OF MANAGEMENT IN AGRIBUSINESS FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. ■ HE RECEIVED AN ANNUAL $5000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND FOR THE DURATION OF HIS UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE STUDY.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more information on careers in agriculture, visit www.getahead.co.nz For more information on scholarships offered by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, visit www.beeflambnz.com/scholarships

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by MONIQUE DINSDALE

GROWING FARMERS’ BUSINESSES GETTING AHEAD WITH AGRIBUSINESS

LIKE MANY OF US, DANIELLE SCOTT DIDN’T KNOW WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO WHEN SHE LEFT SCHOOL, SO SHE TOOK A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS TO KEEP HER OPTIONS OPEN. In her final year at Dargaville High School, Danielle took graphics, art history, art, English and agriculture, alongside some practical gateway courses, such as shearing and fencing.

With graphics and art being two of her favourite subjects, Danielle had architecture in mind at one point, but she wasn’t keen on moving to a big city to study.

Growing up on a 600-hectare beef farm in Northland, she knew she enjoyed the physical side of farming (“I was always helping Mum with stock work or Dad with the machinery work”), so at the end of Year 13, Danielle moved to Masterton to do a one-year Level 3 Certificate in Agriculture at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre.

Taking away the award for best sheep and beef student, and the top fencing award in her year, Danielle landed a fulltime job working as a shepherd on a 1600-hectare station in the Wairarapa.

While there, she studied for her Level 4 Certificate in Agriculture (Sheep and Beef) extramurally.

“Through doing the course and working on a station I recognised the increasing importance of business and analytical skills in becoming a successful farmer,” she says. Seeking to combine her practical background in farming with an agribusiness degree, Danielle enrolled in a Bachelor of Agriculture Science at Massey University.

Danielle says studying agriculture at high school helped with her studies, as did the gateway courses.

In hindsight, statistics, economics and science would have been helpful too, and she recommends taking these subjects if you’re interested in following a similar path.

She also recommends getting some practical experience before embarking on study.

AGRICULTURE

31

Through doing the course and working on a station I recognised the increasing importance of business and analytical skills in becoming a successful farmer.”

Danielle Scott “It helps you tie everything together when you go to university. It also allowed me to easily find casual work. Some students with little experience struggle to find work and often have to work unpaid.”

Working before and during her studies enabled Danielle to save enough money to get through university without a student loan.

Being awarded a Beef + Lamb NZ scholarship in her final year helped finances immensely too.

Practical work experience also taught Danielle about budgets (“The drivers around farm productivity”); something she’s finding useful in her current role.

Based in Whangarei, Danielle (23) has a 12-month agribusiness graduate position with the BNZ. “It involves going out with a number of the rural bank managers and getting as much exposure to different enterprises and production systems as possible.

“I love doing budgets and talking to farmers about their business and how to grow their business.”

KEY FACTS

For more information on careers in agriculture, visit www.getahead.co.nz For more information on scholarships offered by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, visit www.beeflambnz.com/scholarships

DANIELLE SCOTT HAS BOTH A LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN ■

AGRICULTURE FROM TARATAHI AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTRE.

SHE ALSO HAS A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCE ■ FROM MASSEY UNIVERSITY. IN HER FINAL YEAR OF STUDY, DANIELLE WAS AWARDED ■ A BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIP.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

GLOBAL MARKETING

MARKETING

BENEFITS OF KEEPING YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

32

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by ALAN STEVENS

“IT’S A LOT TO DO WITH LUCK,” SAYS REBECCA LEE, WHEN ASKED WHAT THE SECRET TO FINDING THE PERFECT CAREER IS. “If I hadn’t changed from Burnside High School to Hagley Community College [in Year 11], I would have never taken psychology; if I hadn’t taken psychology I might not have considered studying medicine when I realised I didn’t want to be an architect.

“I really struggled that first semester at uni after quickly realising that, although I was interested in science, I didn’t really enjoy studying it all that much and I couldn’t see myself as a doctor. Otago was amazing and supportive, encouraging me to try other subjects to see if something else took my fancy.

students the chance to get experience and earn a salary, while continuing to earn points towards their degree. Rebecca loved every minute of her 12 months with healthcare company Bupa.

“If I hadn’t decided to try Health Sciences to get into medicine I might have never gone to the University of Otago; and if I had never enrolled at Otago I might have never realised my passion for Marketing.

“I remember attending my first Marketing class and thinking, ‘How on earth did I not realise this is what I wanted to do sooner!’”

Not one to turn her back on opportunity, Rebecca also took part in the university’s exchange programme, moving to Poland for six months to study. While there, she travelled around Europe, and got some more marketing experience working for a Polish healthcare company.

“It was a strange combination of luck and keeping my options open that led to me finding the career I didn’t even realise I would love!” she says.

Rebecca changed her degree four times during her first year at university before deciding on a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology.

Rebecca loved her time in Dunedin, saying, “University isn’t just about sitting in the library, going to lectures and taking exams. It is about growing up and figuring out who you are, where you want to be and what on earth you are going to do for the rest of your life.”

In her third year she applied for the university’s internship programme, which offers business

“I was a real marketer for a year, and I didn’t even have a degree yet!”

All of this has led the 24-year-old to her current role at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, an Auckland-based company that designs, develops, builds and markets medical devices that are sold worldwide.

As Associate Product Manager for Respiratory and

Rebecca Lee KEY FACTS ■ REBECCA LEE HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE, MAJORING IN MARKETING AND A MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ SHE WORKS AS ASSOCIATE PRODUCT MANAGER FOR RESPIRATORY AND ACUTE CARE AT FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE. ■ REBECCA’S ADVICE TO OTHERS IS, “KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN!”

Children are our future, is teaching them yours?

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

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

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) is the benchmark qualification sought by early childhood service employers and our reputation is second to none. 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 2017 for study beginning February 2018.

GO TO Piki mai ki runga i tō mātou waka.

Tukua mai tō tono.

ecnz.ac.nz TO FIND OUT MORE

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

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

MARKETING

“University isn’t just about sitting in the library, going to lectures and taking exams. It is about growing up and figuring out who you are, where you want to be and what on earth you are going to do for the rest of your life.”

Acute Care, Rebecca’s job is to look after certain products from a marketing perspective, globally.

It’s a long way from studying graphics, statistics, English, philosophy, psychology, animation, calculus and photography in Year 13, with her heart set on getting into architecture.

Unsurprisingly, Rebecca’s advice to others is, “Keep your options open!”

While she chose her Year 13 subjects with architecture in mind, Rebecca says an understanding of statistics came in handy throughout her commerce degree, and was also useful for her Psychology studies.

She was glad she took English too.

“As a Marketing major, I had to express my ideas fairly well on paper so I definitely used what I learnt about how to structure an essay from high school.”

33

MED BOOKFORCE DEFENCE BOLD

written by SUZI PHILLIPS

photograph by SUZI PHILLIPS

FIXATED ON AVIATION

PROPELLED TOWARD AN AIR FORCE CAREER JAMES COPSEY IS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES. HE HAS ALWAYS KNOWN WHAT HE WANTED TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL – PURSUE A CAREER IN THE AIRFORCE. (majoring in History), planning for the possibility he might not get into the Airforce.

34

At the end of the year, he applied again for the Airforce, preferably as a pilot but also open to other opportunities.

He made it onto the Reserve Pilot candidate list, but decided he preferred to start in an area that was less intense.

He was accepted as an Air Warfare Specialist (AWS) trainee.

“I did my 15 weeks basic training course at Base Woodbourne near Blenheim. The course there includes the basics, like cleanliness and tidiness, as well as formation marching, physical training and other life-skills,” he says.

James, now 21, has two grandfathers keen on aviation who inspired him toward this career right from when he was a young child.

“I’ve always been interested in planes and aviation – my grandfather, then Sergeant Ralph Copsey, started in Bomber Command with the RAF in World War Two and flew Short Stirlings (a big four-engine bomber). I grew up hearing the family stories of his exploits from my father.

“And Mum’s father, Colin Whale, was an accountant for the RAF, who was passionate about the Airforce and aviation,” says James. “He let me play on his flight simulator programme and we flew in a DC3 out of Ardmore.

“I could see that a career in the military offered amazing travel experiences, friends for life and a different lifestyle – and those opportunities intrigued me,” he says.

“A career in aviation was my best option, offering both training and life-skills.”

James grew up in Auckland and attended Western Springs College from 2010 to 2014. In Year 13, he took English, calculus, physics, history and art design.

“I took physics and calculus because I knew they would help me get into the Airforce,” he says.

At the end of Year 13, he won two $500 scholarships (in history and art design), which helped towards the cost of university studies.

After leaving high school, James applied to be a pilot and made it through to the last stage of selection, but was told he needed more life experience.

He completed a year at the University of Auckland in 2015, starting a conjoint degree in Law and Arts

In his AWS training role with 5 Squadron, he operates a sensor on the P3 Orions that fly out of Base Auckland at Whenuapai.

“There are a lot of tools onboard the P3s and the sensor that includes radar and cameras is operated via computer using joysticks, and is part of the tactical equipment on the plane used during maritime patrols,” says James.

James completes his first year of AWS training in October and hopes to get a deployment to the Middle East with 5 Squadron.

He says life as a trainee AWS includes intense periods of flight training and a variety of other duties when they are not flying or in the classroom.

“I can try out for a pilot position later, but I’m not sure I will do that as there are also lots of opportunities to work my way up the ranks as an AWS,” says James. “I’ve worked hard to get here and a career in the Airforce is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

KEY FACTS ■ NAME JAMESHAS COPSEY A DEGREE IS AN AIR FROM WARFARE THE SPECIALIST TRAINEE IN THE TERTIARY ROYAL NEW INSTITUTION. ZEALAND AIRFORCE. ■ HE NAME COMPLETED TOOK COURSES THE 15 AND WEEK-LONG COURSES. BASIC TRAINING COURSE AT BLENHEIM. OF A LARGE SECURITY FIRM IN ■ BASE NAMEWOODBOURNE WORKS IN THENEAR JOB DESIGNATION NAME IN COUNTRY. ■ COMPANY JAMES WORKS WITH 5 SQUADRON, OPERATING A SENSOR ON P3 ORIONS OUT OF BASE AUCKLAND IN WHENUAPAI.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For Formore moreinformation informationononcareer opportunities with Plumbing career opportunities with theWorld visit www.plumbingworld.ac.nz/careers New Zealand Defence Force, with further details on plumbing visitfor www.mypurpose.mil.nz apprenticeships with ATT, visit www.att.org.nz

MED BOOK BOLD COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN 36

A CAREER IN COLLISION REPAIR AN AMBITION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS

written by SARA CARBERY photograph by ALAN STEVENS

WHEN IT COMES TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE PANEL BEATING INDUSTRY (OR COLLISION REPAIR AS IT’S OFFICIALLY KNOWN), 26-YEAR-OLD AARON O’CONNOR IS A SHINING EXAMPLE. Aaron was awarded a State Insurance-sponsored apprenticeship in 2013, and the following year was named the insurance company’s Apprentice of the Year. This year, he received the Golden Hammer Award for the Apprentice of the Year at the Collision Repair Association’s annual conference in Melbourne.

Having left Auckland’s Glenfield College halfway through Year 11, Aaron began his career as a groomer at RJ Don Panelbeaters, where he quickly became hooked on his new profession. “It just seemed like my place to be, building and fixing things,” he remembers.

Welding, in particular, appealed to Aaron. “It just looked so fascinating. I love working with my hands, so being able to be creative and working with metals to make things from scratch is awesome. Doing a

cut and weld, and seeing everything fit perfectly is such a good feeling. It’s almost like art.”

After showing he was willing to listen and passionate about learning the trade, Aaron was offered a MITO apprenticeship.

“All it really involves is a bit of book work to enhance yourself as a panel beater and fill any gaps you might have while learning on the job,” he says.

“The workload was minimal and the support from MITO has been given in abundance.

“Getting paid to learn is an awesome bonus as well,” he adds.

Aaron completed his MITO apprenticeship, and is now fully qualified with a National Certificate in Automotive Body (Levels 3 and 4) with strands in collision repair. He is also a certified structural welder.

His job title at RJ Don Panelbeaters is Collision Repair Technician. That means, “We fix cars that have been in accidents,” Aaron explains. “Some cars require large pulling arms to straighten steel. Panels may need to be cut off and a new one welded on.

I couldn’t tell you how many bumpers I’ve sanded, but I like the big crashes, the structural jobs.”

As far as high school subjects go, Aaron says a background in maths, science and automotive studies would be useful to have if you’re considering a career in collision repair.

Long-term, Aaron would like to travel with his work.

“I would love to also work in the high performance side of cars,” he says. Since beginning in the industry, cars have become a hobby as well, and in his free time Aaron spends many hours working on his labour of love – building a 1992 Skyline R33, complete with turbo.

Neil Pritchard, General Manager of the Collision Repair Association, says collision repair techs and refinish (spray painting) techs are in a lot of demand.

“It is a fascinating high-tech industry as cars are increasingly demanding to repair.

“Exotic materials make repairing cars a model-specific business and technicians need to keep up-to-speed with new techniques,” says Neil. “The prospects for keen young men and women are excellent.”

KEY FACTS ■ AARONHAS O’CONNOR ISFROM A FULLY QUALIFIED COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN ■ NAME A DEGREE THE AT RJ DONINSTITUTION. PANELBEATERS IN AUCKLAND. TERTIARY ■ COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP ■ HE NAME TOOK COURSES AND COURSES.THROUGH MITO, IS A CERTIFIED STRUCTURAL WELDER AND HAS A NATIONAL IN AUTOMOTIVE ■ NAME WORKS IN THE JOB DESIGNATION OF ACERTIFICATE LARGE SECURITY FIRM IN BODY (LEVELS 3 AND 4) WITH STRANDS IN COLLISION REPAIR. COMPANY NAME IN COUNTRY. ■ AARON SAYS A BACKGROUND IN MATHS, SCIENCE AND AUTOMOTIVE STUDIES WOULD BE USEFUL FOR A CAREER IN COLLISION REPAIR. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more information on career automotive industry apprenticeships opportunities with Plumbing World and training through MITO, visit on-the-job www.plumbingworld.ac.nz/careers visit withwww.mito.org.nz for further details on plumbing apprenticeships with ATT, visit www.att.org.nz

VARIETY, MUSIC, SCENERY AND CHALLENGES

written by ROBYN YOUSEF photograph by ALAN STEVENS

SOPHIE ARTHUR IS ALWAYS FASTIDIOUS ABOUT HER MAKE-UP AND KEEPING HER NAILS PERFECTLY PAINTED. HER BOOTS ARE STEEL-CAPPED, BUT THEY ARE PINK AND TEAMED WITH NEON-PINK SOCKS. SHE’S A TRUCK DRIVER DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN A FEMININE IDENTITY. Sophie (27) has a Class 5 truck licence, drives for Regal Haulage NZ Ltd in Hamilton and loves the challenge and variety every day brings.

She offers her personal experience saying, “I did get teased by some men. But most were really genuine and helped me through. Now I see more and more women on the road driving trucks.”

Her outlook on employment in the trucking industry is that “employers like to employ females because generally we respect the gear, keep our trucks clean and tidy and often have better people skills than the males.”

Sophie grew up in the picturesque Worcester Park countryside in Surrey, England, before moving to New Zealand with her parents nearly eight years ago.

Her education was all based in London. Sophie went to Epsom and Ewell High School studying English, history, geography, science and art, as well as a tourism and travel course.

Following that she did a one-year course at North Scott College to obtain a Diploma in Animal Care.

She believes her travel studies helped with her driving career.

Before she was 17, Sophie’s entire life centred on her passion for horses.

She got her driver licence as soon as it was legally possible and while she doesn’t remember a particular interest in trucks, she does recall wanting to drive “some of the big flash horse trucks.”

After leaving school, her career was mostly focused on horses too. She worked as a horse-riding

instructor and groom at Wimbledon Village in London for two years. In New Zealand, Sophie went on to work for horse breeders, trainers and on stud farms before starting her truck driving career.

“I started on a tractor and trailer working on silage and maize. My employer encouraged me to sit my Class 4 licence and I was then driving a three-metre wide transporter.”

In February 2016, Sophie passed her Class 4 licence and in February this year, she sat and passed her Class 5 licence.

“I didn’t mind the practical side of the driving tests, but the theory was more stressful,” she says.

Currently, she is working on moving loads of fertiliser and palm kernel feed for stock in her job with Regal Haulage. She finds the physical side of the job easy to handle.

“The other day I drove from Hamilton to New Plymouth for the first time. It was great – had my music on and all this beautiful scenery to enjoy.

I love this job and it pays well. It really is a great job for girls just out of school. I suggest they just start at the bottom as I did and work their way up.

“It’s a job that can be worked around raising a family and those who are really passionate about their career can work towards owning their own truck – or even a fleet of trucks.”

HEAVY TRUCK DRIVER

A CAREER IN HEAVY TRUCKS

37

KEY FACTS

For more information on careers in truck driving, visit

www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/our-industries/transport and-logistics/goods-service-2

http://occupationoutlook.mbie.govt.nz/service-industries/drivers

www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/transport-and-logistics/transport logistics/heavy-truck-driver

www.rtfnz.co.nz/new-zealand-road-transport/careers-in-trucking

SOPHIE ARTHUR WORKS AS A TRUCK DRIVER FOR ■ REGAL HAULAGE NZ LTD IN HAMILTON, SHE HAS A CLASS 5 TRUCK LICENCE. SHE SAYS THE JOB BRINGS CHALLENGES AND ■ VARIETY TO EVERY WORKING DAY. SOPHIE SAYS THOSE LOOKING TO ADVANCE THEIR ■ CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY CAN WORK TOWARDS OWNING A TRUCK, OR EVEN A FLEET OF TRUCKS. LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

KIWISAVER

YOU CAN READ (AND DOWNLOAD) THE LEAVING SCHOOL MAGAZINE ONLINE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW

38

GROW YOUR MONEY

USE KIWISAVER AND START WINNING

by DIANA CLEMENT

DO YOU WANT TO BE A FINANCIAL WINNER? BELIEVE IT OR NOT IF YOU START SAVING A LITTLE INTO KIWISAVER EACH WEEK OR MONTH YOU’LL BE SET FOR LIFE.

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

How is that the case? It’s not much. If you’re a student you’re probably not earning a lot. So three per cent of your wages is quite a small amount.

If you can get yourself into the habit of saving that money and keep the momentum up, you’re going to be well placed in the future. That’s because money invested now and not touched will grow and grow and grow. One way to ensure you have the cash for your three per cent contribution is to arrange for it to come out of your wages before you see it. You won’t miss it.

OTHER SMART, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DOING IT We know you won’t listen to your parents or professionals. But listen to Lynn Lai, founder of SaVy.org.nz, which is totally FOR YOUTH,

BY YOUTH. Lynn has not long graduated from university and finds KiwiSaver to be a good passive way to save for retirement or your first home. “The employer contributions help too,” she says.

Even though they know nothing, ask your parents when they started saving. You’ll find that those who put a little away from day one are the ones that can afford nice homes, take trips without borrowing and aren’t stressing where the next dollar is coming from.

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME You might hear that homes are unaffordable right now. KiwiSaver can help with that. You can withdraw your contributions, your employer’s contributions, government tax credits and any investment growth when you want to buy your first home.

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

YOU GET FREE MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT For every dollar you invest in KiwiSaver the government chucks in another fifty cents. The most you can get for free in one year is $521

illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

DRAFT SIDEBAR 39

but that’s not to be sneezed at. Over a lifetime of saving, the annual $521 tax credit adds up to an awful lot.

According to the folks at Sorted.org.nz, over your working life those tax credits would grow to around $35,940 in today’s money.

IT TEACHES YOU GOOD HABITS Savers have less stress in their lives. That’s because when a saver really needs something (not wants), the money is there.

What’s more, savers learn to delay gratification until they can afford something.

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

KEY FACTS ■ FOR EVERY ONE DOLLAR YOU INVEST IN KIWISAVER THE GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES FIFTY CENTS, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $521 PER YEAR.

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

FINE ARTS FASHION DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTO MEDIA

■ OVER YOUR WORKING LIFE, THE $521 ANNUAL TAX CREDIT WOULD GROW TO AROUND $35,940 IN TODAY’S MONEY.

REGISTER 2017 Open Days PHOTO MEDIA FINE ARTS FASHION DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN

For more information on KiwiSaver, visit www.kiwisaver.govt.nz whitecliffe.ac.nz LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

Wednesday 9 August Thursday 10 August Wednesday 16 August Thursday 17 August ANTHONY MAUINATU

■ YOU CAN WITHDRAW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, YOUR EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTIONS AND ANY INVESTMENT GROWTH WHEN YOU WANT TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME.

FASHION DESIGN

40

written by SARA CARBERY

photograph by ALAN STEVENS

A FITTING INTEREST IN FASHION

KEEN ON A CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT

IT HAS BEEN A FASCINATING, FASHION-FILLED JOURNEY FOR 23-YEAR-OLD JESSICA GREETHAM – FROM LEARNING TO KNIT AT THE AGE OF NINE TO STARTING HER OWN LABEL IN MAY, WHICH SPECIALISES IN BEAUTIFUL, HAND-KNITTED GARMENTS. “It’s about reminiscing about the jumpers your grandma used to knit you, but with a contemporary and timeless aesthetic,” Jessica says of her new venture.

It’s a fitting description, as it was her grandmother – a dressmaker, avid crocheter and knitter – who sparked Jessica’s interest in fashion. This interest is reflected in the subjects she studied in Year 13 at Massey High School: art history, fabric (textiles/sewing), art and design, media studies and drama.

During her final year at school, Jessica interned for designer Misty Lang in the holidays. “After spending my school holidays catching the train every day from Henderson to Newmarket, I realised that I loved being in the creative environment and wanted to study fashion.”

Armed with a good portfolio and a clear passion for her chosen course of study, Jessica applied to Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design to study Fashion Design. It was a course she loved. “Being in the studios was such an incredible environment – you could bounce ideas off other like-minded people.”

Three of Jessica’s Year 13 subjects, in particular, helped with her studies.

“Fabric was definitively useful for studying fashion design as you learnt the basic sewing skills needed for the

first year of uni. I also found art history very helpful as well as it provided another source of inspiration when it came to designing! Art and design helped with the graphic design and marketing side of business – our brief in Year 13 was to think of a business and design the branding and promotional content for it.”

While at Whitecliffe, Jessica travelled to India for six weeks to learn about the process of garment manufacturing and to research sustainable fashion (as part of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia).

During that same year, she was chosen to travel to Vietnam to design and make a capsule collection, in collaboration with a Vietnamese fashion student.

She also did work experience during New Zealand Fashion Week and interned for Lonely Hearts, Lucy McIntosh and Amber Whitecliffe.

Amber Whitecliffe offered Jessica a fulltime job as Retail and Workroom Manager as soon as she graduated – a role she keenly accepted.

“I still work for Amber Whitecliffe and I work on my label when I get home and on my days off. It keeps me really busy but I love it.”

Jessica’s advice is, “Work hard and the results will show! But don’t forget to have fun at the same time.”

KEY FACTS ■ JESSICA GREETHAM STUDIED FASHION DESIGN AT WHITECLIFFE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND DESIGN. ■ DURING HER STUDIES, SHE WENT TO INDIA AS PART OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S SCHOLARSHIP FOR ASIA. ■ JESSICA ALSO WENT TO VIETNAM TO DESIGN AND MAKE A CAPSULE COLLECTION IN COLLABORATION WITH A VIETNAMESE FASHION STUDENT.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more information on studying fashion design through Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, visit www.whitecliffe.ac.nz To see more of Jessica’s work, visit www.jessicagreetham.com

written by CAREERS.GOVT.NZ

SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS

MAKING YOURSELF MORE EMPLOYABLE HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT, ‘WHAT IS THAT MAGICAL POWER SOME PEOPLE HAVE THAT GETS THEM A JOB?’ WELL, THE ANSWER ISN’T MAGIC – THESE JOB SEEKERS CAN DEMONSTRATE THEY HAVE THE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR.

41

The world of work is rapidly changing. While new jobs will be created in the future, others will disappear or become automated. Employers seek workers who have the skills, confidence and the ability to adapt to new technologies and other market opportunities.

The good news is that you will have many of these skills already. These skills can be learned in daily life by doing work experience or volunteer work, playing sport, helping your family, taking up a hobby or taking part in school and community activities.

WHAT ARE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS? Employability skills, or soft skills, are the personal qualities and attitudes you have that make you ready for work, such as getting to work on time or following instructions. Employers tell us they need young people to be work-ready – if you have the right attitude, the technical skills can be taught.

SEVEN EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT Employability skills include: 1. Positive attitude A positive attitude is not just about being “bubbly”. It means showing that you’ll happily do the work asked of you, and you’ll stay upbeat when the work gets hard.

2. Communication Good communication skills are when you follow instructions well and ask questions when you’re confused. Being able to explain things clearly is a bonus for employers.

3. Teamwork Playing or working well with others is not just a bonus on the rugby field or when doing a group school project, it’s something employers value.

4. Self-management Getting to work on time and dressed appropriately is just one part of self-management. Others include not getting angry at others when you’re frustrated and managing stress. These are top skills that will get you a job.

5. Willingness to learn Learning doesn’t stop once you leave school. Employers want to know that you can learn new technologies or new skills. Being keen to learn is a good bet for getting a job.

6. Thinking skills Employers rate thinking skills the highest when looking at your CV. Do you like to solve problems? Can you make a good decision? Do you think before you act?

7. Resilience Have you got grit? When something knocks you down, do you get back up

EMPLOYABILITY TOOLS

again? This is resilience. Employers need you to have this skill to cope when things go wrong at work.

SHOW OFF YOUR EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS ON YOUR CV Include employability skills in the skills list, work history, interests and achievement sections of your CV to wow employers.

■ Skills list Bullet point up to five employability skills on your CV, with an example of how you got them.

■ Work history List volunteer work or paid work experience in your work history in a way that showcases your skills.

■ Interests and achievements sections What you do in your spare time is a powerful indicator to employers of your range of skills.

Remember, if you can show these skills on your CV you are on the right track to getting an employer interested in you.

For more information on employability skills and creating your CV, visit www.careers.govt.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FINANCIAL ADVICE 42

THE BIG BAD WOLF

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF DEBT

written by DIANA CLEMENT illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

CONGRATULATIONS. YOU’VE COME OF AGE AND GOT YOUR FIRST CREDIT CARD AND OVERDRAFT. BUT, DON’T FLATTER YOURSELF – BANKS LOVE TO SHOWER STUDENTS WITH EASY MONEY, AND IT’S NOT BECAUSE THEY VIEW YOU AS AN ADULT. The bank is the big bad wolf dressed in the red coat of credit-card kindness. Giving you a credit card and an overdraft is a business decision; they know that sooner or later you’ll have a job paying higher than the average and they’ll make interest out of you.

The reality is that credit cards, overdrafts, loans, hire purchases and store cards are dangerous for your long-term financial health.

If you get into the habit of maxing them out now you may struggle financially for the rest of your life.

INTEREST CHARGES KEEP YOU DROWNING IN DEBT While your student loan and overdraft might be interest free, credit cards aren’t. Credit card statements are worded in a way that it looks like you only need to make the minimum payment each month. If you do that, you’ll be paying around 20 per cent interest on everything you buy. Ouch.

Soon you’ll be paying interest on interest, and start to sink. Finally the balance turns into tens of thousands of dollars. It happens.

YOU SPEND MORE ON PLASTIC THAN IN CASH Numerous behavioural economics studies have found that it’s psychologically easier to spend on a plastic card than in cash. Chatterjee and Rose’s 2011 article Do Payment Mechanisms Change the Way Consumers Perceive Products? published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the emotional pain of handing over cash makes you spend less than you would when paying with plastic.

BANKS WANT YOU TO DEVELOP BAD HABITS If you get used to putting things on credit in your student years you’re more likely to continue to live that way when you graduate. Banks know that. They also like the interest that students pay month-in month-out on their credit cards. It’s worth remembering that credit cards do help you

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

“

THE REALITY IS THAT CREDIT CARDS, OVERDRAFTS, LOANS, HIRE PURCHASES AND STORE CARDS ARE DANGEROUS FOR YOUR LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HEALTH.

”

establish a credit history. But use them sparingly and get in the habit of paying off the full balance.

NOT EVERYONE CARRIES A BALANCE It has become socially acceptable to have debt, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Before the 1980s, credit cards were virtually unheard of in New Zealand, even then they were used to cover emergencies.

Over the years Kiwis have evolved to think of their credit limit as their own money and that carrying a balance is the norm. Normal or not, it’s an expensive way to live.

THEY INCREASE YOUR LIMIT Banks often increase your credit limit without asking your permission – the fine print allows that to happen. The banks know that given a larger

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

limit you’ll be tempted to spend more. Most students do and they pay for their lapses later.

Now you’re an adult you’re free to do what you like without parents and teachers controlling your move.

If, however, you let debt take over your life you’ll simply have a new master – the lenders.

Just say no.

For budgeting advice or financial assistance contact Student Services or the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services, visit familybudgeting.org.nz

7 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR

written by DIANA CLEMENT illustration by STUDIOSTOKS

ONE OF THE GREAT RITES OF PASSAGE IN LIFE IS BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR. MANY SCHOOL LEAVERS DREAM OF THE FREEDOM IT WILL PROVIDE. Most young Kiwis start out with a bit of an old banger, as the chances are you can’t afford a Ferrari. The downside is that purchasing and running a car is fraught with potential problems.

If you don’t want your first car repossessed by the previous owner’s bank or falling to bits five minutes down the road, here is all the basic knowledge you need for when it comes time to buy and insure a reliable car.

FACT OF LIFE 1 The overall cost of owning a car is way more than the initial purchase. You need to pay for: petrol, parts (such as fluids, tyres, brake pads and windscreen wipers), warrant of fitness, car registration, insurance road mileage (for diesels) and servicing.

FACT OF LIFE 2 Get your car checked by a mechanic before buying it. Don’t be the sucker who buys a lemon from that really nice guy at the car fair. A mechanical inspection from VTNZ starts from $110 but could save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.

If you’re buying from a car fair there may be a mechanic who does onsite inspections.

FACT OF LIFE 3 Bargaining is expected when you buy a car.

Don’t be shy.

FACT OF LIFE 4 If the car’s previous owner still owes money on it to a finance company, or has outstanding fines on it, it could be repossessed and you will be left with nothing to show for your money. Get a Vehicle Information Report from www.motorweb.co.nz The report will also tell you if the car’s speedo has been wound back, if the person selling is the registered owner, if the car has been reported stolen, or if it was a flood-damaged import.

FACT OF LIFE 5 You will need insurance. Drive your car through a level crossing and derail the train and you could

“IF THE CAR YOU BUY

VEHICLE OWNERSHIP

THE FACTS OF LIFE

43

TURNS OUT TO BE A LEMON, YOU HAVE RIGHTS. IF YOU PURCHASED FROM A PROFESSIONAL TRADER VIA TRADE ME, A CAR YARD, OR EVEN AT A CAR FAIR, YOU’RE COVERED

BY THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT AND THE FAIR TRADING ACT.

”

be paying the bill for the rest of your life. Even a little ding in a late-model car can cost thousands to repair.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be liable. If you can’t afford full comprehensive insurance, get third-party insurance.

This covers the damage to other people’s cars and property, such as that fence you just crashed through. Third-party insurance costs the equivalent of one cup of coffee a week.

FACT OF LIFE 7 Don’t drink and drive. This isn’t about moralising.

A conviction could invalidate your insurance and stop you getting a job in the future.

If you’re under 20 years old, the drink drive limit is zero. (That’s zero blood alcohol concentration.)

Lots of teens get caught drink driving the morning after a big night as they still have alcohol in their system.

Safe driving!

FACT OF LIFE 6 If the car you buy turns out to be a lemon, you have rights. If you purchased from a professional trader via Trade Me, a car yard, or even at a car fair, you’re covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. Also, you can complain to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Disputes Tribunal.

If you bought it privately you can still claim compensation through the Disputes Tribunal.

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

For more assistance when purchasing your first car, visit www.trademe.co.nz www.rightcar.govt.nz www.aa.co.nz www.dogandlemon.com www.autotrader.co.nz

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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

JOBS IN FOCUS

JOBS IN FOCUS

A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME FASCINATING VOCATIONS

44

HORTICULTURE Listed alphabetically, here are a variety of jobs from the horticulture sector – an area of rapid growth and development in New Zealand.

THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHICH PATH TO TAKE AFTER SCHOOL. HAVE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING JOBS AND LEARN ABOUT THE RELEVANT FACTORS FOR EACH POSITION.

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: arboriculturist, elective arborist, municipal arborist, tree surgeon.

Arborists identify, inspect, maintain, prune, plant and transplant trees, including those in parks, on people's personal property, and those around power lines. They also plan and carry out pest and disease management, including spraying, and consult with clients on tree maintenance and removal.

To work as an arborist, an arboricultural qualification is needed. A National Certificate in Horticulture – Arboriculture (Level 4 advanced) is the minimum qualification preferred by employers. Although some companies take on trainees and allow them to become qualified while working.

Arborists need to have knowledge of horticulture including plant and soil biology, tree species identification, and pest and disease control. Skill in planting, pruning and landscaping is also essential, as is an understanding of arboricultural practices, such as tree climbing and transplanting.

Chances of getting a job are good due to a shortage of people in this role.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: Trainees begin on minimum wage. Trainees with some experience, $18 an hour.

With five years’ experience, $18–$24 an hour. Highly skilled arborists, $30 an hour.

H HIG

ARBORIST

Here you’ll find profiles of varied and interesting jobs from the horticulture sector and a selection of the most popular trades by job volume – from crop manager to mechanic to winemaker. Each job profile includes detailed descriptors, job prospects and some insightful statistics.

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

CROP GARDENER MANAGER

INCOME

H HIG

Gardeners plant and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers in public or private gardens and parks. They also grow plants from seeds and cuttings, select and buy plants, and control plant pests and diseases. Discussing gardening requirements with clients, doing landscaping and basic construction work, and maintaining gardening equipment are also requirements of the role.

While there are no specific entry requirements, experience or a National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) may be useful.

Gardeners need to have knowledge of planting, pruning, spraying and fertilising. The ability to identify plants and pests, knowledge of plant pest and weed control and having practical skills such as the ability to operate power tools are also essential elements.

Chances of getting a job are average due to high competition for jobs.

Job prospects: Average. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: T rainees and assistants begin on minimum wage.

Experienced gardeners, $30 an hour.

MEDIUM

D GOO

Also known as: crop farmer, field crop grower, flower grower, fruit or nut grower, grape grower, horticultural contractor, mixed crop farmer, vegetable grower, orchardist.

Crop managers plan and manage food plant production on farms and in orchards, vineyards and hothouses. They decide what crops will be grown and develop a planting schedule, prepare land for planting, plant seeds and crops, and monitor their growth. They also ensure crops are well watered, fertilised and pruned, organise the harvesting, grading and packing of crops, and arrange for their sale and transport.

There are no specific entry requirements. However, experience or a qualification such as a certificate or diploma in horticulture, or a Bachelor of AgriScience is recommended.

Crop managers need to have knowledge of growing and harvesting a variety of crops, and of crop diseases, weeds, pests and how to control them. An understanding of weather conditions, soil and crop rotation, cultivation and harvesting methods, food safety, quality control and market certification are also required.

Chances of getting a job are good as there is a shortage of workers.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: $50,000–$100,000.

H HIG

CROP MANAGER

LENGTH OF STUDY

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

Please note: The occupations listed have been colour coded to their predominant industry sector colours using the Vocational Pathway colour chart.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: greenkeeper, sports turf manager, racecourse groundsperson.

Groundspeople are in charge of the turf (grass), tracks and pitches at sports fields, golf courses, public areas, schools and racecourses. They mow, irrigate, control weeds and pests, and repair grassed areas. They also sow grass seed or lay turf, operate and maintain irrigation and drainage systems and mowing equipment and machinery, and prepare and mark out sports fields.

While there are no specific entry qualifications, you can do an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Sports Turf Management through the Primary Industry Training Organisation.

Groundspeople need to have an understanding of soil and plant science and care, knowledge of landscaping techniques, weather forecasting, and pest and disease-control methods.

Opportunities for groundspeople are good as grounds need to be maintained, and vacancies arise regularly.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: T rainees start on minimum wage. Two years’ plus experience, $60,000.

Head groundsperson, $60,000–$100,000. In managerial roles, $100,000.

H HIG

GROUNDSPERSON

LENGTH OF STUDY

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: nursery worker.

Nursery growers prepare soil mixes and composts, grow plants from seeds and various types of cuttings, and operate and maintain irrigation systems. They may also water, feed, prune, pot and label plants, sell plants in a garden centre, control weeds, and spray plants to control pests and diseases. Driving bobcats, fork-lifts and delivery trucks may also be required.

While there are no specific entry requirements to become a nursery grower, completing an apprenticeship through the Primary Industry Training Organisation will improve your chances of finding work.

Nursery growers need to have knowledge of plants, soil types, and pest, weed and disease control.

For those without a qualification, job opportunities for nursery growers are average. However for those with a qualification, opportunities are good.

Job prospects: Average. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: New workers, earn minimum wage. With two years’ plus experience, $18 an hour.

Experienced workers or team leaders, $22 an hour.

H HIG

NURSERY GROWER

LENGTH OF STUDY

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LOW

MEDIUM H HIG

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

PACKHOUSE WORKER

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: packhouse manager.

Packhouse workers grade, pack and store crops in horticultural packhouses. They assemble packaging and crates, stack fruit crates using fork-lifts, and ensure quality control procedures as well as food, health and safety regulations are followed.

There are no specific entry requirements to become a packhouse worker. Some employers support employees in doing an in-house training programme or gaining horticulture qualifications through the Primary Industry Training Organisation, or a local tertiary provider.

Packhouse workers need to have knowledge of fruit standards. They also need to be aware of health and safety laws, and food laws and processes, including technical specifications about crops.

Job opportunities for packhouse workers are good due to high seasonal demand and increasing fruit and vegetable production.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: New workers start on minimum wage.

With experience, earn up to $25 an hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LOW POO R

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

WINEMAKER

AVERAGE

H HIG

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

INCOME

D GOO

Also known as: oenologist Winemakers develop new wine styles and improve wine quality, process grapes to make wine, and control fermentation and adjust wines as needed. They also discuss fruit quality and quantity with viticulturists, record procedures and blends and inventories, market and sell wine, and maintain equipment and machinery.

While there are no set entry requirements, employers look for a degree, diploma or certificate in winemaking, a Bachelor of Science or some experience of working in the wine industry.

Winemakers need to have knowledge of different wine styles and varieties, wine-related science and laboratory skills, hygiene and sterilisation methods, and engineering and flow process technology.

Chances of getting a job as a winemaker are good for experienced winemakers but average for those entering the industry.

Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: C ellar hands earn $33,000–$48,000. Assistant winemakers earn $60,000.

Winemakers earn $93,000. Chief winemakers can earn $153,000.

MEDIUM H HIG

RANGER

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: fish and game warden, park ranger.

Rangers supervise, maintain, enhance and protect conservation areas such as forests, coasts, wetlands, national parks, maritime parks, regional parks, reserves, and sites of historical or cultural importance.

While there are no specific entry requirements a one-year National Certificate in Conservation (Trainee Ranger), a Bachelor of Science or relevant conservation or management course is useful. Rangers gain many of their skills on-the-job and by completing work-based training courses.

Rangers need to have tramping and hiking experience and knowledge, and skills in horticulture, pest control, and animal and bird-handling.

An understanding of legislation relevant to conservation work, as well as knowledge of New Zealand natural history, plants, animals, cultural issues and outdoor recreation are also essential.

Chances of getting a job as a ranger are average. Vacancies appear regularly but competition for jobs is strong.

Job prospects: Average. Length of training: None.

Pay scale: With entry-level qualifications and limited experience, $33,000. With experience, $42,000.

With a bachelor degree and some experience, $35,000–$47,000.

JOBS IN FOCUS

INCOME

D GOO

HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT

MEDIUM H HIG

Also known as: farm consultant, dairy consultant, agricultural consultant.

Horticultural consultants advise farmers and growers on how to improve the profitability, efficiency and sustainability of the farm. They advise on or oversee budgets, cashflow and production targets, assist farmers and growers in developing and implementing business plans, and research factors that affect crop production, pasture growth and animal breeding.

To become a horticultural consultant you will need to have a bachelor degree in agricultural or horticultural science, commerce, management, or natural resources and environmental studies.

Horticultural consultants need to have in-depth knowledge of the area they work in, including knowledge of systems management, competency in business planning and financial management and an understanding of production methods and how to apply these to real-life situations.

Chances of getting a job are good as there is a shortage of workers.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: W ith less than five years’ experience, $45,000–$80,000. With more than five years’ experience, $80,000–$150,000.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

45

LOW

INCOME AVERAGE

POO R

BUILDER

MEDIUM

D GOO

Also known as: building contractor, project builder.

Builders arrange building consents, construct, alter and repair buildings and discuss building plans or changes with architects, clients and other tradespeople. They calculate the amount of materials required and estimate the cost of jobs, hire and supervise tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers, and organise details of contracts.

A National Certificate in Carpentry or other building qualification is recommended for those wanting to work as builders. The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation oversees carpentry apprenticeships.

Builders need to have carpentry and building skills, knowledge of building methods and materials, maths skills, and be able to interpret drawings and architectural plans.

Chances of getting a job are good due to the current construction boom.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: Varies.

Pay scale: Varies according to skill, success and time spent working. The 2013 census has a rate of $50,600.

H HIG

JOB PROSPECTS

VARIES

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW POO R

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

MEDIUM H HIG

LOW

DAIRY FARMER ELECTRICIAN

LENGTH OF STUDY

D GOO

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT

JOB PROSPECTS

H HIG

Also known as: nursing support and care worker, home aide, hospital orderly, nurse aide, home care support worker.

Health care assistants provide assistance, support and care to people in a variety of health, welfare and community settings, and in their homes.

Depending on the setting, responsibilities could include taking patients’ electrocardiogram readings, helping with rehabilitation, assisting with tasks such as showering, cleaning and preparing meals, and transferring patients between wards and departments.

At least three years of secondary schooling is needed as an entry requirement for this role. Most employees provide on-job training, while some prefer you have (or be working toward) a relevant qualification.

Health care assistants need to have knowledge of basic patient care skills, hospital and health and safety procedures, first aid skills and proper lifting techniques.

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

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: Within DHBs, those starting out $35,000. With two years’ plus experience, $39,000–$45,000.

AVERAGE

D GOO

Also known as: electrical contractor, electrical fitter.

Electricians study and interpret wiring diagrams and floor plans, install electrical wiring and equipment, repair or replace electrical wiring, parts and equipment, and test electrical work for safety.

To be an electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering – Electrician for Registration (Level 4) or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply – Electrician (Level 4), and be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board and have a current practising licence.

Electricians need to have knowledge of electrical theory, laws, codes and standards of practice. They also need to know how to install electrical wiring and fixtures, and have knowledge of wiring diagrams, floor plans, basic maths and physics.

Chances of getting a job are good due to the construction boom and a shortage of workers.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: After an apprenticeship, $42,000. With two years’ experience, $52,000–$54,000. With three to five years’ experience, $55,000–$60,000. With six years’ plus experience, $63,000–$70,000. In specialist fields or self-employed, $80,000–$100,000.

INCOME

H HIG

Also known as: contract milker, dairy farm manager, dairy herd manager, sharemilker.

Most dairy farmers milk cows twice a day. They plan and manage the amount and type of food the cows eat, manage the health, breeding and mating of the herd, and the raising of calves. Carrying out general farm, equipment and vehicle maintenance, keeping financial and farming records, and organising the farm business plan are also tasks required in this role.

There are no specific entry requirements for dairy farmers, but training will help you with your career. A relevant training course in agriculture, dairy farming, agribusiness or farm management is recommended.

Dairy farmers need to have an understanding of animal welfare, good animal-handling skills, an understanding of pasture management and sustainable environmental management practices.

Chances of getting a job as a dairy farmer are good due to high demand for experienced dairy herd and farm managers.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: Assistant dairy herd managers average $46,000, dairy herd managers average $53,000, dairy farm managers average $67,000 and operations managers average $71,000.

MEDIUM

D GOO

Also known as: head chef, sous chef, commis chef, chef de partie.

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels, cafés and bars. They design, plan and price menus, train and supervise staff, adhere to health and safety standards and keep records of supplies.

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), or a one-year, fulltime National Certificate in Hospitality – Basic Cookery (at Level 3 or 4) through a training provider.

Chefs need to have food preparation, cooking and food presentation skills, and knowledge of budgeting and stock management. As well as knowledge of new developments in food nutrition, food technology and cooking methods.

Chances of getting a job are good as there is a shortage of workers.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: C ommis chefs earn $16–$18 per hour, chefs de partie earn $17–$20 per hour, and sous chefs earn $18–$25 per hour.

With five years’ experience, $64,000–$70,000. Senior roles and those with eight years’ plus experience, $94,000.

Head/executive chefs earn $22–$49 per hour.

H HIG

CHEF

46

POO R

JOBS IN FOCUS

TRADES BY VOLUME Listed alphabetically, here are some of New Zealand’s most popular trade jobs, as determined by job volume.

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

LOW

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LOW

MEDIUM H HIG

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

MECHANIC

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: car mechanic, diesel mechanic, heavy vehicle technician, light vehicle technician, motor mechanic, motorcycle technician, automotive technician.

Mechanics diagnose faults in vehicles, dismantle engines, parts or systems requiring attention, and rebuild, repair or replace any faulty parts or systems. They also service vehicles, carry out Warrant of Fitness checks and do performance modifications to vehicles.

To become a qualified automotive technician you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Motor Industry – Automotive Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (Level 4).

Mechanics need to have knowledge of vehicle engines, parts and systems and Warrant of Fitness regulations and safety standards.

Chances of getting a job are good due to strong demand for automotive services.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: A pprentices and those with less than two years’ experience, $20 an hour. Two to five years’ experience, $21–$30 an hour.

Senior mechanics and those with supervisory roles, $29–$37 an hour.

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: food and beverage attendant, front of house, restaurant worker, wait staff.

Wait staff set and prepare tables for customers, serve food and drinks, restock items and clear tables and clean the restaurant.

There are no specific entry requirements for wait staff as training is done on-the-job. While working, some wait staff work towards a New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Food and Beverage).

Wait staff need to have knowledge of the menu items and wine, have food and drink service skills, knowledge of food health and safety, and selling skills. They should also be friendly, helpful and polite, skilled at serving people and at remembering things, able to work well under pressure, and be quick, efficient, reliable and punctual.

Chances of getting a job are good as staff turnover is high.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: Start on minimum wage and earn up to $17 or more per hour.

H HIG

WAITER/ WAITRESS

MEDIUM H HIG

RETAIL SALES ASSISTANT

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: checkout operator, shop assistant, pharmacy assistant, customer service representative.

Retail sales assistants help customers pick out goods and collect payment for purchases, arrange credit or organise laybuys. They may also inform customers how to look after or use the products.

There are no specific requirements needed to enter the job, but retail sales assistants can work towards a qualification on the job, such as the National Certificate in Retail.

Retail sales assistants need to have sales skills and knowledge of the Consumer Guarantees Act. Cash handling and basic maths skills are required. They need to be good at customer service, dealing with the public and be friendly, polite and helpful.

Chances of getting work as a retail sales assistant are average, with regular vacancies but strong competition for the roles.

Job prospects: Average. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: Those starting out are paid minimum wage. With experience up to $45,000.

JOB PROSPECTS

NONE

LENGTH OF STUDY

LEAVING SCHOOL issue #10

JOBS IN FOCUS

POO R

JOB PROSPECTS

POO R

HEAVY TRUCK DRIVER

AVERAGE

H HIG

LABOURER

INCOME

D GOO

Also known as: construction site labourer, plumber’s assistant, building labourer.

Labourers help erect scaffolding, construct or demolish buildings, level ground, dig trenches and lay pipes or cables. They also make and maintain roads or pathways, pour and finish concrete and operate machinery.

There are no specific requirements to become a building and construction labourer, as you gain skills on the job.

Labourers need practical skills, an understanding of basic building methods and terms, knowledge of worksite safety rules and correct lifting techniques. They may also need to be able to operate heavy machinery or drive heavy vehicles. Being safety conscious, hard working, efficient and adaptable are also required attributes.

Chances of getting a job are good due to a construction boom.

Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None.

Pay scale: B etween minimum wage and $20 an hour, while skilled labourers can earn up to $26 an hour.

MEDIUM H HIG

Also known as: articulated truck driver, linehaul driver.

Heavy truck drivers drive trucks with or without trailers. They transport materials, livestock, machinery, liquids, general freight, and sometimes hazardous substances.

To be qualified, a Class 2 learner's licence is required first. To get this licence you must have held a full car licence for at least six months.

After this, you can work toward licences for other vehicle classes. National Certificates in Commercial Road Transport are available through MITO. Heavy truck drivers need to have excellent driving skills, basic knowledge of the mechanics of their truck, know how to secure loads, awareness of transport laws and related industry laws, knowledge of emergency procedures and how to handle hazardous conditions. An ability to use satellite tracking equipment and on-board computers is also required.

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

Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 1–2 years.

Pay scale: B etween $16–$25 per hour, however it varies greatly depending on industry, size of vehicle, region, employer and length of trip.

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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

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

New Zealand Universities 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

PERSONAL FINANCE / BUDGETING SERVICES 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

Otago Polytechnic www.op.ac.nz Southern Institute of Technology www.sit.ac.nz Tai Poutini Polytechnic www.tpp.ac.nz Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology www.toiohomai.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

PRIVATE TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS 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 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

Student Loans / Grants Study Link www.studylink.govt.nz

Academy New Zealand www.pharmacy.school.nz

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

Polytechnics

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

WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

Kick-start your career in business.

Study at New Zealand’s top 100 university*. *QS World University Rankings 2018

www.neverstop.ac.nz