Leaving School issue 16

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 AUGUST 2019 | ISSUE # 16

TERI FONG / FOUNDATION STUDENT SEE PAGE 8

SAM KEAST / SENIOR GIS ANALYST SEE PAGE 9

KENDALL FLUTEY / ENTREPRENEUR SEE PAGE 13

Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.

Michelle Obama

ADAM POMANA / STUDIO ENGINEER SEE PAGE 16

GLORIA LEE / ELECTRICAL ENGINEER SEE PAGE 31

ANDREW SOMERFIELD / SHEPHERD SEE PAGE 22

CEDRIC FOLAUMOETUI / CARPENTER SEE PAGE 34

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

CASSIDY REPIA / AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHER SEE PAGE 37

WE T WAN R U O Y N O I S S A P Know what you want to do after school?

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CONTENTS

05 FOREWORD | SOPHIE PASCOE

30 MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER | BRITTANY GLANFIELD

06 ACCOUNTANT | MAIARA VIEIRA ZALTRON

31 ELECTRICAL ENGINEER | GLORIA LEE

08 FOUNDATION STUDENT | TERI FONG

32 PLUMBER | CARLOS CRAWFORD

09 GIS ANALYST | SAM KEAST

33 HARVEST FORESTER | GEORGIA PAULSON

10 ELECTRICIAN | JAMES LITCHFIELD

34 CARPENTER | CEDRIC FOLAUMOETUI

13 ENTREPRENEUR | KENDALL FLUTEY

36 MARINE SYSTEMS ENGINEER | KEEGAN MacNEIL

14 STUDYLINK

37 AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHER | CASSIDY REPIA

16 STUDIO ENGINEER | ADAM POMANA

38 FILMMAKER | COREY FLEMING

19 CIVIL ENGINEER | MICHELLE FARRELL

40 MEDICAL IMAGING | ROY McQUINLAN

20 GRAPHIC DESIGNER | EMMA MARRIOTT

41 PILOT | ALEX NELSON

22 SHEPHERD | ANDREW SOMERFIELD

42 TOP 10 PAYING JOBS

24 NOTICEBOARD

43 HALLS OF RESIDENCE

26 FARM BUSINESS MANAGER | ALICE ALLSOP

44 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

28 AGRIBUSINESS | CAMERON RAVENWOOD

45 CV PREPARATION

29 PIG BREEDER | JONATHAN AUSTIN

46 JOBS IN FOCUS

New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian offers words of advice.

From dreaming of a degree to successful accountant.

MANAGING EDITOR

The worth of a foundation programme in preparing for university.

Oliver Lee

SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Campbell Burnes, Sara Carbery, Steve Hart, NZ Defence Careers, Sophie Pascoe, Janet Tuck, Peter White PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Brimblecombe, Anushka Harrison, Charlie Harvey, Geoff Horrell, iStock, Stefan Lipsey, Marty Melville, NZ Defence Force, Peter McDermott, Peter Nikolaison, Alan Stevens, Shaun Tunny, Logan West PAGINATION HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER Ovato, Auckland PUBLISHER

Are you fond of geography? Consider a career in the spatial industry.

CEO wholly recommends starting up your own business.

Get to grips with what help StudyLink can offer you.

If the radio industry appeals, read this studio engineer’s advice.

A late but worthwhile switch to engineering pays off.

Creativity, inspiration, storytelling and visual problem-solving.

All the important dates, websites and tips you need to know.

Do you have a love of both the animals and the outdoors?

COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

A chance to study fulltime, train and earn all at once.

Discover how this student merged electrical engineering with the Navy.

This apprentice illustrates how following your intuition works out.

In the forestry industry you can go between the office and the forest.

Apprentice carpenter reaping rewards of his leaps of faith.

It was a bright idea to earn while learning.

This junior shepherd traded in a lifestyle block for a farm.

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

This go-getter is intent on re-shaping the farming industry.

Those with knowledge and skills in pig farming are in demand.

Find out what propelled this apprentice toward marine systems engineering.

Taking advantage of provided opportunities proves its worth.

Freelance filmmaker greatly enjoyed his film studies.

Medical imaging technology offers great flexibility.

This flight instructor is living out his childhood dream.

The ten jobs in New Zealand that pay the most money.

Are you considering studying away from home?

How to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Get your CV up-to-scratch and land the interview.

Profiles and insightful statistics on nine fascinating jobs.

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.

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Scan me with your smartphone

FOREWORD

MY ADVICE TO MYSELF – AND to YOU – IS TO TRY TO take EACH DAY AT A TIME and BELIEVE YOU’LL FIND the THE ANSWER. AND ABOVE ALL, make sure you MAKE the decision that’s right for you, not for anyone else.

5

SOPHIE PASCOE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPEEDO

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN JOURNEY

TAKE EACH DAY AS IT COMES

by SOPHIE PASCOE

When I was in high school, I had a dream to be the best in the world.

It is something I constantly strived for and have been fortunate to achieve, and what I still strive for each day. Swimming is my passion and I feel lucky that being a professional athlete became my first career and that I have represented New Zealand on the world stage.

This may seem strange to you looking in from the outside but, despite this career success, I’m where most of you are now: identifying my passions outside of the pool and feeling excited about what my future holds.

Swimming has been a huge part of my life since before I started high school and currently, I’m focused on Tokyo 2020. I want to retain my titles, but as a professional athlete I’m aware there will one day be a life after swimming and have always put a conscious effort into asking myself what my passions are and how can they be part of my future too.

While my friends were focusing on NCEA, deciding which university to apply for and what they wanted to study, I was committed to sport.

At 26, I’m feeling excited about the future. My advice to myself – and to you – is to try to take each day at a time and believe you’ll find the answer.

And above all, make sure you make the decision that’s right for you, not for anyone else.

Also, try not to compare yourself to others. It may feel like your friends and classmates know what they’re doing and have it all sorted, but everyone is on their own journey.

Finally, surround yourself with good, supportive people who want the best for you.

When I was in my last year at Lincoln High School, I was training hard and travelling the world competing. With the help of my teachers and family, I achieved NCEA Level 2 as I juggled my final year of school with intense training and international competitions. I had had a taste of glory winning three gold

medals in Beijing at just 15 years old and wanted to keep challenging myself to achieve and be the best as I aimed for my second Paralympic Games.

I’ve continued with some sort of study to keep my brain active and balance my life outside sport. In recent years I got a diploma in makeup and I’m part-way through a business and management diploma through the Open Polytechnic – I’m trying different things outside of my comfort zone but which relate back to different passions I have outside of the pool too.

People often ask me what my greatest achievement is. It’s not the fact I’ve won medals or broken world records, it’s that I’ve made a positive out of what most people would consider a negative. I haven’t let my disability define me, and I’ve made the people around me proud. I’m incredibly proud of what I have achieved and proud of the fact I’m committed to creating a legacy that isn’t just for me.

I’ve discovered that learning and growing doesn’t stop the day you leave school.

Every day I find out more and more about myself as an athlete and as a person and I’m looking forward to discovering what the next chapter of my life one day holds.

Hopefully you are too.

Sophie Pascoe Sophie Pascoe has represented New Zealand at three Summer Paralymic Games from 2008, winning a total of nine gold medals and six silver medals, making her New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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ACCOUNTANT

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

6

IT ALL ADDS UP WITH ACCOUNTING writer SARA CARBERY

Eleven years ago, MAIARA VIEIRA ZALTRON arrived in New Zealand and in her words, with only “a few dollars in my pocket and no English at all”. Her dream was to get a degree, but in her home country of Brazil, a good quality university education was too expensive.

On arriving in Auckland, Maiara took a three-month English course and worked as a housekeeper in an inner-city hotel.

“I remember crossing the University of Auckland campus and thinking, ‘If I could ever attend the number one university in New Zealand…’

I dreamed for about six years until I had the courage to enrol in the Business School foundation course.”

After completing the course, Maiara was admitted to the University of Auckland Business School and graduated two years ago with a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Economics. In her final year, she secured a graduate position in BDO Auckland’s audit team, and in February she relocated to Melbourne to work for KPMG Australia as an accountant in their audit, assurance and risk consulting division.

“My job involves performing financial statement audits for clients,” explains Maiara.

Of the courses she took at university, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and critical thinking have proven the most useful in her career so far.

ACCOUNTING IS THE CORE OF MY profession AND ECONOMICS HELPS ME UNDERSTAND THE ENVIRONMENT OF MY CLIENTS AND HOW CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY CAN CREATE AN AUDIT RISK. MAIARA VIEIRA ZALTRON

“Accounting is the core of my profession and economics helps me understand the environment of my

clients and how changes in the economy can create an audit risk.

Critical thinking is the backbone

of audit; every day I need to apply professional scepticism and I believe this subject helped me to get ahead in the field.”

In the short-term, Maiara’s goal is to complete the Chartered Accountant programme, which she is halfway through. Her long-term ambition is to move into forensic accounting and become involved in fraud investigation.

If you know you’d like to study business but aren’t sure what area you want to work in when you graduate, Maiara says not to worry.

In the first year of a BCom, you study core courses that give you a taste for several different areas, such as marketing, accounting, finance and management, and you can choose your majors after this.

She recommends taking accounting, economics and any business-related subjects available at your school.

“Also, get your head around independent learning; university is very different to school. At university, you have to take responsibility for your learning.

“If you are having difficulty, you need to be proactive in seeking help from the lecturers.

“They have an open-door policy and are always happy to assist but they won’t be coming to every student to check if there is an issue.”

Maiara is “forever grateful” for her time at the University of Auckland.

“It changed my life forever, opened up so many great opportunities and changed the way I see life and the world”.

KEY FACTS ■ MAIARA VIEIRA ZALTRON HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE WITH MAJORS IN ACCOUNTING AND ECONOMICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ SHE WORKS IN MELBOURNE FOR KPMG AUSTRALIA AS AN ACCOUNTANT IN THEIR AUDIT, ASSURANCE AND RISK CONSULTING DIVISION. ■ MAIARA IS CURRENTLY COMPLETING THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT PROGRAMME AND SHE AIMS TO MOVE INTO FORENSIC ACCOUNTING.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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

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FOUNDATION STUDIES 8

MANAGING THE PATHWAY TO UNI

FOUNDATION STUDIES

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST

TERI FONG is in the perfect position to offer advice on university. As a school’s adviser with the University of Auckland, she is responsible for building strong relationships with high schools, and providing advice, guidance and support to students.

“Growing up in the Pacific as an Asian immigrant fuelled my interest in studying social sciences. My experience sparked my drive to want to analyse and question the behaviour of society as a whole and think about what I could do to help shape and influence future societies,”Teri explains.

She says one of the challenges of her job is addressing the preconceived idea that university is just for ‘excellence credit’ students.

Of the subjects she took in high school, English and the social sciences (History and Geography) have proven most useful.

“University is open to anyone who has an interest in further learning and who isn’t afraid to explore new ideas, to self-manage and to put in the hard work.”

“Both English and the social sciences equip students with research and problem-solving skills, analytical ability, a flexible and adaptable approach to learning, critical thinking and evaluation, the ability to work to deadlines, creativity, team-working, self-management and effective communication skills – all skills that will serve students no matter where they want to take their careers.”

Born and raised in Fiji, Teri (23) completed her schooling to Year 12 in Suva, where she took History, English, Geography, Maths and Chinese (Mandarin) in her final year. Knowing she wanted to attend the University of Auckland, Teri moved to New Zealand and completed an accelerated University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies at UP Education.

“UP Education places importance on facilitating a young person’s growth, not just as a student but as an independent functioning adult, which made my transition into the University of Auckland a seamless one.”

Teri graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Gender Studies and Politics/ International Relations.

Her choice of major was vastly influenced by her background.

MY experience sparked my drive to want to analyse and question the BEHAVIOUR OF SOCIETY AS A WHOLE AND THINK ABOUT WHAT I COULD DO TO HELP SHAPE AND INFLUENCE FUTURE SOCIETIES. TERI FONG

If you’re thinking of going to university, Teri says don’t worry about making hard career decisions now.

Your first year at university will allow you to be flexible and change your mind, numerous times.

“University is a time for you to create yourself and be the best version of yourself. So, go explore and have fun doing it!”

KEY FACTS ■ TERI FONG HAS A UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATION STUDIES FROM UP EDUCATION AND A BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH A DOUBLE MAJOR IN GENDER STUDIES AND POLITICS/ INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ SHE WORKS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND AS A SCHOOL’S ADVISER. ■ IN HER STUDIES, TERI HAS FOUND ENGLISH, GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY TO BE THE MOST USEFUL OF HER SCHOOL SUBJECTS. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

For more information on University Foundation Studies through UP Education, visit www.up.education

WORK IN THE SPATIAL INDUSTRY writer SARA CARBERY // photographer MARTY MELVILLE

SAM KEAST describes Geography as “the swiss army knife of subjects” and says, without a doubt, it has been the most useful subject for his study and career.

“It helped me build a solid foundation of knowledge about multiple disciplines (physics, chemistry, geology, anthropology, etc.), which I can bring to any 9 problem I encounter.”

Sam (29) works as a Senior GIS Analyst at the Ministry of Social Development. His job involves creating maps and web applications to help the Ministry understand where New Zealand’s most vulnerable people are living and what type of services they need to help them.

“I like that at the end of each day I’ve tried to make someone’s life better,” says Sam. “Every day has a new problem to solve, and it’s really satisfying to know I’m making a difference for people across the country.”

With his sights originally set on becoming a diplomat, Sam went to Victoria University in Wellington aiming to get a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations. But in his second year, when he picked up a paper in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Science, he changed tack and hasn’t looked back.

“GIS is a nifty way of modelling and visualising geographic relationships between features in the real world,” Sam explains. “Using a computer, you can map geological formations that could indicate tectonic activity, work out the time it takes to drive to your nearest supermarket, or the potential flooding zones of a tsunami in New Zealand.

“People make all sorts of decisions in life based on location information, and GIS is an effective visual way of being able to help people make better decisions.”

As well as Geography, Sam studied English, Statistics, PE and Biology in Year 13 at Dannevirke High School. Interestingly, during his four years at university, he found the most difficult papers – the ones that challenged him the most – were the most satisfying. “I didn’t get an A in the GIS papers, but I really enjoyed them!”

Sam is the acting chair for the Emerging Spatial Professionals group, which helps newcomers into the GIS industry meet like-minded people, share tips and tricks, and learn more about the latest advances in the GIS field.

For those interested in a career in GIS, Sam has this advice to offer: “A GIS analyst can be technical and IT-centric, statistical-minded and analytical, or a compelling storyteller using maps. Whatever part interests you the most should be the part you focus on learning.”

Sam, who is deaf (he has a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other), says he’d love to use GIS to plan out sustainable cities across New Zealand, the rest of the world “and hopefully one day even a Martian colony!”

SENIOR GIS ANALYST

ADVANCING IN THE GIS FIELD

9

PEOPLE MAKE ALL SORTS OF DECISIONS IN LIFE BASED ON LOCATION INFORMATION, AND GIS IS AN EFFECTIVE VISUAL WAY OF BEING ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE MAKE BETTER DECISIONS. SAM KEAST

KEY KEYFACTS FACTS ■ SAM KEAST WORKS AS A SENIOR GIS ANALYST AT THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN WELLINGTON. ■ HE STUDIED GEOGRAPHY, ENGLISH, STATISTICS, PE AND BIOLOGY IN YEAR 13 AT DANNEVIRKE HIGH SCHOOL. ■ SAM SAYS THAT GEOGRAPHY HAS UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN THE MOST USEFUL SUBJECT FOR HIS TERTIARY STUDIES AND CAREER.

For more information on studying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with various tertiary providers, visit www.linz.govt.nz/studying-gis For more information on Land Information New Zealand, visit www.linz.govt.nz and to learn more about the Spatial Industries Business Association, visit www.siba.org.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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writer PETER WHITE // photographer STEFAN LIPSEY

ELECTRICIAN

THIS IS A BRIGHT IDEA

10

CONSIDER THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY Finishing his apprenticeship is just the start of a long-term career in the electrical industry for JAMES LITCHFIELD. The 21-year-old qualified electrician from Hamilton is excited about what the future holds for him, with a potential move to electrical engineering one of his main goals.

James says there is so much scope in the industry for bright young workers once they finish their apprenticeship.

“In high school I wanted to go down the electrical engineering path but I didn’t do that and got an electrical apprenticeship instead. I am going to work towards that electrical engineer goal with the company I am in now.

“That is a good thing about being in the electrical industry. You can start as an apprentice and can work your way up to things like electrical engineering as you progress through your career.

Or you can do houses or the big commercial buildings or the industrial side of things like factories and process control and the automation of machines.

“So there are three main sectors and within them you can progress your way up and become the manager of a company or even start your own business. The electrical industry is so diverse.”

Since graduating James works for Kiwi Control Systems Ltd in Hamilton on major industrial jobs with some large corporate clients.

After leaving school, James enrolled with The Electrical Training Company (Etco) who place apprentices with electrical companies and contractors and

supports them through their group apprenticeship scheme.

“You have to first sit a test at the beginning to make sure you are going to be all right and then do a starter course in Auckland for two weeks. You are employed by Etco and they will hand you out to different companies to gain all the different experience you need to be able to complete your apprenticeship.

“You have your own coordinator who will do all that for you. It helps you get through your apprenticeship in three-and-a-half years and the variety of experience means you can choose once you’re qualified what sort of path you want to take.”

James went to Hamilton Boys’ High School and took English, Maths, Physics, Electronics and PE in Year 13.

His advice for school leavers wanting to get into the electrical trade is to go get some work experience first and then get in touch with Etco.

“So, the best advice I can give is to give it a go for a couple of days and then decide if it is what you want to do.

“Find a local sparky and ask them if you can have a ride along with them. Just do some work experience and see what you like and what you don’t.

And then, like James, you could approach Etco for an apprenticeship – and an opportunity-filled future could be yours too.

KEY FACTS ■ JAMES LITCHFIELD IS A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, COMPLETING HIS ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL TRAINING COMPANY (Etco).

■ SINCE GRADUATING HE WORKS FOR KIWI CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD IN HAMILTON. ■ JAMES RECOMMENDS THOSE INTERESTED IN A SIMILAR CAREER APPROACH A LOCAL ELECTRICIAN AND GET SOME WORK EXPERIENCE.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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

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Otago.

95% of our graduates go directly into work or further study.

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MKT-BW0368-0719

TO GET THERE, START HERE

PURSUING YOUR PASSION IS KEY writer SARA CARBERY

Although she has been out of high school for over 10 years, this year’s University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year, KENDALL FLUTEY, remembers what approaching the end of school felt like.

She also has a brother in Year 13, and they talk a bit about what he wants to do next year.

“There’s so much pressure at this age to make the right decision about your future, and to make things worse there are so many options,” says the 28-year-old. “I like to remind my brother it’s not so much about making one right decision now, it’s about continuing to make decisions along the way until things feel right.”

Kendall was recognised for her creation of Banqer, an online programme that helps young New Zealanders develop financial literacy skills. But she’s the first to admit she didn’t find a job that suited her immediately.

“After four years of university, I quit the job I’d been working towards after only six months and felt like a failure. I had to quit again before I found what was truly right for me.”

After leaving Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch at the end of Year 13, Kendall went to the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and a Master of Entrepreneurship, before co-founding Banqer in 2014.

In her last year of high school, she took a variety of subjects including English, Economics, Accounting, Graphics, and a bit of PE and Māori.

“I’d finished Level 3 Maths in Year 12, which I hated at the time, but it made Year 13 a lot better and meant I could be a bit more diverse in what I studied.”

Kendall says all her subjects were useful in her university studies and in her current role as CEO of a tech start-up.

“Even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time, every subject will impart something – if not the explicit subject itself, maybe things like perseverance, patience and time management.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

LAUNCHING A TECH START-UP

13

EVEN IF IT DOESN’T FE EL LIKE IT AT THe TIME, every subject WILL IMPART SOMETHING – if not THe Explicit subject it self, MAYBE THINGS LIKE PERSERVE RANCE, patience and time managem ent.

KENDALL FLUTE

Y

“The best thing my subjects taught me was how important it is to pursue something you’re passionate about. When you don’t enjoy something, it’s much harder to succeed in it.”

Kendall believes the best way to get experience in business is to run a business.

“For many people this is pretty daunting, but you can take steps towards this if you don’t want to dive in headfirst.”

Kendall worked at a petrol station while at university, initially pumping petrol. “But I was curious and asked questions and by the end of my time at university I was essentially managing the back office of the petrol station and the attached mechanics business and got to set up a rental-car arm from scratch.”

The good news is that it has never been easier – or cheaper – to start a business. “I’d encourage all business students to give it a go. You’ll have spare time at university, use it wisely.”

KEY FACTS ■ KENDALL FLUTEY HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE, A GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND A MASTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO. ■ SHE CO-FOUNDED BANQER IN 2014, AN ONLINE PROGRAMME THAT HELPS YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS DEVELOP FINANCIAL LITERACY SKILLS. ■ AS CEO AND 2019 KIWIBANK YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR, KENDALL BELIEVES STARTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS IS THE BEST WAY TO GET EXPERIENCE.

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

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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THINKING ABOUT FUTURE STUDY?

STUDYLINK

STUDYLINK ARE HERE TO HELP

14

If you’re PLANNING TO CARRY ON STUDYING after you’ve left school, you need to get up to speed on the ways StudyLink can help: from Student Allowances and Student Loans to tools to help you budget.

1. Sign up for StudyLink emails Thinking about life after school can be tough.

Will you study? Get a job? Learn a trade?

You don’t have to be going into study to get emails. Tell them your plans for life after school, even if you’re not sure, and they’ll send you information to help with your decisions.

Sign up today at www.studylink.govt.nz 2. Find out about the cost of study If you’re going to study, you’ll need to work out how much it’s going to cost and how you’ll pay for it. The StudyLink website has tools and calculators to help you out.

Visit www.studylink.govt.nz 3. Check if you can get fees-free study Whether you’re thinking about doing a degree or an apprenticeship, if you’re studying for the first time you may be able to get fees-free study.

To check, go to www.feesfree.govt.nz

4. Help with other costs If you can get fees-free you may not need a Student Loan for your course fees, but you may still need to apply for a loan if you need courserelated costs or living costs. You may also be able to get a Student Allowance to help with your living expenses.

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

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

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

Use StudyLink’s eligibility test to work out what kind of help you could get while you’re studying.

Visit www.studylink.govt.nz 5. Set up a RealMe® verified identity Using your RealMe verified identity when you apply for your Student Allowance and Loan means you won’t need to send proof of your identity.

Find out more at www.realme.govt.nz 6. Apply by December 16 at www.studylink.govt.nz You don’t need to wait ‘til you get your NCEA results in January to apply!

It’s best to apply by 16 December to make sure you’re sorted when your study starts.

Don’t worry if things change. You can update your application details, like your education provider or course, or withdraw your application at any time.

NOT SURE WHAT’S NEXT? Here are some other places to go for ideas.

WORKING OR TAKING A GAP YEAR: www.careers.govt.nz LEARNING A TRADE AND DOING AN APPRENTICESHIP: www.careers.govt.nz GET A FRESH START WITH THE LIMITED SERVICE VOLUNTEER (LSV) COURSE: www.workandincome.govt.nz/LSV GET PAID WHILE YOU TRAIN TO DO A JOB YOU LOVE WITH MANA IN MAHI: www.workandincome.govt.nz/ manainmahijobs

KEY FACTS ■ SIGN UP FOR EMAILS FROM STUDYLINK FOR HELPFUL INFORMATION. ■ CHECK IF YOU CAN GET FEES-FREE AT www.feesfree.govt.nz ■ DO STUDYLINK’S ELIGIBILITY TEST TO SEE TEST TOWHAT SEE WHAT HELP HELP YOU CAN YOUGET. CAN GET ■ APPLY TO. STUDYLINK BY 16 DECEMBER — DON’T WAIT ■ APPLY TO STUDYLINK

BY FOR YOUR NCEA RESULTS. 16 DECEMBER — DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR NCEA RESULTS.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

Are you thinking about...

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO FULL PAGE ADVERT We’re here to help you along the way.

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STUDIO ENGINEER

writer CAMPBELL BURNES

16

// photographer ALAN STEVENS

RECORDING, MIXING, PRODUCING WORKING IN THE RADIO INDUSTRY ADAM POMANA has come late into his work in radio, but it looks like he is onto a winner in a competitive industry.

The 29-year-old is working in Auckland as a studio engineer for NZME, producing radio advertisements for the company’s stable of stations.

But he has a long and broad employment history that has helped him get here, including working as a DJ, electrician, bank consultant, deputy registrar, live sound engineer, radio drive-show co-host and radio producer.

Adam has come a long way from his school days at Wellington’s Upper Hutt College where he never had a clearly defined career path.

“I left school before the end of Year 13 to get a job because I was ready for a new challenge. My first fulltime role was delivering food in the city. I knew deep down at the time that I wanted to do a trade, so I did an apprenticeship as an electrician until I had to change roles after hurting my shoulder badly,” he says.

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“I get to work in the field I love and be creative daily. One of the biggest rewards is I get to share my work with others on the airwaves and that’s very rewarding.

understanding the physics of what was going on helped me problem-solve better when recording bands and other audio tasks.

“My advice for people wanting to get into radio is put yourself out there and look and take whatever opportunities come your way. This may mean you intern for free to begin with on a smaller or local station but what you can learn in this time is invaluable.

“These situations really are the best way to learn and it may mean you have to give up some sleep but if this is what you want to get into it’s all worth it. Taking a course in audio really helps speed up the learning curve too.”

ADAM POMANA

One of his MAINZ tutors helped land him his current job, where he produces radio advertisements. This work includes recording voiceovers and mixing music and sound effects for radio play.

Adam did the core subjects at school, plus electronics, which have all proved helpful.

But he says getting into extracurricular activities, such as bands or school productions, are most useful.

KEY FACTS For more information on radio studies through the Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz

■ ADAM POMANA WORKS AS A STUDIO ENGINEER FOR NZME, PRODUCING RADIO ADVERTISEMENTS. ■ HE STUDIED AT THE AUCKLAND CAMPUS OF THE MUSIC AND AUDIO INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND (MAINZ). IT OFFERS A RANGE OF PROGRAMMES DESIGNED WITH THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN MIND. ■ ADAM RECOMMENDS INTERNING AT SMALLER OR LOCAL STATIONS AND ALSO ENGAGING IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS.

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STUDIO ENGINEER

Adam’s love of the electronic music scene landed him at MAINZ – the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand – a faculty of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). He quit his fulltime job and moved to Auckland, a scary but exciting prospect.

“The course was a mixture of theory and practical learning. All of this is needed so anything you learn is applicable to use later on. It went from classes in physics to music production to audio engineering and recording. I’m not a person who learns well from reading about things. I learn more from the practical side but what I found with this course was that it was done so each led into the other.

“Understanding the physics of what was going on helped me problem-solve better when recording bands and other audio tasks. The amount of one-on-one time from the tutors was what helped the most. They really are experts in their field and it was in that practical time that you were able to have those moments when it all made sense and really progress,” he says.

17

Whoever said the sky’s the limit obviously doesn’t work in STEM.

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LIFE CHANGING SWITCH TO CIVIL ENGINEERING writer SARA CARBERY // photographer ALAN STEVENS It was a photograph of a digger at work next to a river that sparked MICHELLE FARRELL’s interest in engineering On her way to enrol for her second year of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Canterbury, the then-Classics and English student took a shortcut through the Engineering School only to be waylaid by a brochure for natural resources engineering and that career-changing photo of a digger.

“I liked the idea of being involved in the environmental side of construction, plus I liked the look of the challenge of the papers, so I ended up enrolling in a Bachelor of Engineering that day instead,” says Michelle.

Although making the switch wasn’t quite as straightforward as that! At first, she was told it wasn’t an option as she hadn’t taken Calculus or Physics in high school. “I begged them, so they said to line up to have an interview with the Dean of Engineering.”

After queueing for four hours to see him and begging again, the Dean eventually gave in and said Michelle could give it a go.

She admits it was hard work at first, particularly catching up on maths, but Michelle passed her first ‘intermediate’ year and hasn’t looked back since.

Now 40, Michelle runs her own consultancy, NZ Civil, in Hamilton. Her job as a civil engineer involves overseeing civil construction projects (“I’m the link between the contractors doing the work and the client getting the work done”), stormwater design to help minimise flooding caused by development, and environmental management – helping contractors work to consent conditions and get resource consents for their work.

“I love the variety of work, the constant challenges and pressures and being part of significant projects that may have long-term impacts,” says Michelle.

“I also like the link between being onsite and being in an office and I like travelling around the countryside for work.”

I LOVE THE VARIETY OF WORK, THE CONSTANT CHALLENGES AND PRESSURES AND BEING PART OF SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS THAT MAY HAVE LONG-term impacts.

MICHELLE FARRELL

Michelle grew up in Northland and attended St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland on a maths scholarship for most of high school. In her final year, at Christchurch Girls’ High School, she took Classical Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Maths with Statistics and English (a useful subject as engineers have to be effective communicators).

Outside of work, Michelle promotes STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and was involved in the Rocket Challenge this year, making and launching water rockets with 10-year-olds.

If you’re thinking of becoming an engineer, Michelle’s advice is, “Don’t be afraid of working hard because it absolutely pays off.

“Be proud of enjoying Maths and Science, as the job opportunities that come from those subjects

have to be some of the best that there are. And definitely take Calculus and Physics in your final high-school years!”

HOW TO GET THERE

A future in engineering starts at school. Most engineering careers start with a strong knowledge of Maths and Physics, so studying these subjects at school will help. Engineering pathways range from certificates and diplomas to a three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology or a four-year Bachelor of Engineering. There are also many opportunities for postgraduate study.

KEY FACTS ■ MICHELLE FARRELL HAS A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY. ■ SHE RUNS HER OWN CONSULTANCY, NZ CIVIL, IN HAMILTON. HER ROLE AS A CIVIL ENGINEER INCLUDES OVERSEEING CIVIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

For more information on a career in engineering, visit www.wonderproject.nz and www.engineeringnz.org

■ MICHELLE RECOMMENDS TAKING CALCULUS AND PHYSICS, AS WELL AS ENGLISH. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

CIVIL ENGINEER

DRAWN TOTHE CHALLENGE

19

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 20

SOLVING PROBLEMS VISUALLY

GRAPHIC DESIGN IS CREATIVE STORYTELLING writer SARA CARBERY

// photographer ANUSHKA HARRISON

“I love that I get to spend all day working at making things beautiful and solving problems visually,” says graphic designer EMMA MARRIOTT. A graduate of Whitecliffe College, the 23-year-old works as a junior designer at Richards Partners, a branding and strategy studio in central Auckland.

Working alongside senior designers, Emma develops brand identities for clients. This includes logos, websites, publications and various other print collateral, such as posters and business cards.

“I feel fortunate to be part of the team at Richards Partners. They are a talented bunch and also just good people. I have learnt a huge amount from them.”

Growing up on a small farm about 20 minutes from Thames, Emma took Art, Fabric, English, Statistics and Chemistry in Year 13 at Thames High School.

When she originally enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe, Emma planned to major

IT’S AbouT TELLING SOMEONE ELSE’S STORY RATHER THAN JUST YOUR OWN. it’s a service to others and one in which you GET to be creative at the same time.

EMMA MARRIOTT

in Fine Arts and become a painter. But after giving Graphic Design a go in her first year, she changed direction and majored in Graphic Design.

“Graphic Design really appealed. It’s about telling someone else’s story rather than just your own,” she says. “It’s a service to others, and one in which you get to be creative at the same time.”

The small size of the college was part of what drew Emma to Whitecliffe.

“When I attended the open day, it had a really good, friendly atmosphere, rather than a large, imposing institute. Being a college devoted to the arts, it also seemed exciting to study in such a creative environment.”

Emma says the lecturers are committed to developing students’ individual creative practice and the small class sizes means you can build strong relationships with your peers.

“We were able to help each other out and have a good time while we were at it.”

Career wise, Whitecliffe students develop links to the industry through guest lecturers and an internship in a commercial environment, such as a publishing house or design studio.

k t

KEY FACTS ■ EMMA MARRIOTT HAS A BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS MAJORING IN GRAPHIC DESIGN FROM WHITECLIFFE COLLEGE. ■ SHE WORKS AS A JUNIOR DESIGNER AT RICHARDS PARTNERS, A BRANDING AND STRATEGY STUDIO IN CENTRAL AUCKLAND. ■ EMMA TOOK ART, FABRIC, ENGLISH, STATISTICS AND CHEMISTRY IN YEAR 13 AT THAMES HIGH SCHOOL.

For more information on studying Graphic Design through Whitecliffe College, visit www.whitecliffe.ac.nz

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Students are also encouraged to do freelance work, organise their own exhibitions and enter competitions.

If you’re interested in a similar career and Graphic Design is offered as a subject at your school, Emma’s advice is to take it. Otherwise, any of the arts subjects will be helpful, as will English.

“Mostly it’s important to practise being creative,” she says. “It’s a similar process no matter what media you’re using.

“Genuinely enjoying what you’re doing will get you a long way too, as this will come across through your work.

“Graphic design is a fantastic industry to be in,” says Emma. “Designers are constantly working at new ways to visualise things and it’s exciting to be part of that.”

21

JUNIOR SHEPHERD

FARMING’S IDEAL TRAINING GROUND

22

AN 856-HECTARE CAMPUS writer PETER WHITE

// photographer GEOFF HORRELL

Starting a new career in farming is a dream come true for ANDREW SOMERFIELD. The 20-year-old grew up on a lifestyle block in Tauranga and is loving life as a junior shepherd at Riverslea Farm near Te Anau in Southland.

Working on a farm has been his goal for as far back as he can remember.

In Year 13 at Tauranga Boys’ College he made the decision to enrol in a two-year course at Telford, part of the Southern Institute of Technology.

The Balclutha campus extends over 856 hectares of farmland. It was the ideal training ground for Andrew who loved every minute there.

He completed the practical and theory-based Certificate in Agriculture and followed that up last year with the Massey Diploma in Agriculture – Level 5.

At the start of this year he began working for Landcorp at Riverslea Farm as a junior shepherd on a sheep breeding and steer finishing farm. He has

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ANDREW SOMERFIELD

found Landcorp to be a great company to work for as they provide good opportunities for young shepherds and a safe working environment.

“I just love getting up in the morning and working outside with a team of dogs and all the animals,” Andrew says.

“It is just really nice here. You are always doing something and there are always challenges you have to work out and overcome. It keeps you on your toes.”

In Year 13 Andrew took English, Photography, Metal Technology, High Performance Sport and

Horticulture. He says what you take at school is not vitally important to a career in farming but the right approach is.

His advice to students is to do a course like he did at Telford to see if farming is what you want to do.

“You learn all the basics within a year and it gives you a heads-up for what you can look forward to.

What most people are looking for is someone who is dedicated and will do the job and not back out of any challenges.

“It is just simple stuff really. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the world to do it but you

have to have the right attitude really.”

Andrew says there are lots of rewards to be had from farming and the lifestyle is hard to beat.

“The key is you must not be afraid to work. I think that is one of the biggest things – to be willing to knuckle down and get the job done.

“There are lots of roles in farming where you can move your way up and get to see the country.

There are lots of opportunities so if you love the outdoors and are not too sure what to do, I reckon it is worth giving it a go.”

KEY FACTS ■ ANDREW SOMERFIELD HAS A CERTIFICATE IN AGRICULTURE AND DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE – LEVEL 5 FROM TELFORD. ■ HE WORKS AS A JUNIOR SHEPHERD AT RIVERSLEA FARM NEAR TE ANAU IN SOUTHLAND. ■ ANDREW RECOMMENDS COMPLETING A COURSE TO TRY OUT FARMING AND SEE IF IT IS THE CAREER YOU WISH TO PURSUE.

For more information on studying Agriculture at Telford through the Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz/telford

EXPAND YOUR STUDY OPTIONS AT TELFORD

While Telford continues to specialise in agricultural studies, it is now also broadening its course offering into these new areas

Proposed new programmes starting from Semester 2 (August) this year NZ Certificate in Organic Primary Production NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (He Pī Ka Pao)

NZ Diploma in Photography NZ Certificate in Project Management NZ Certificate in Interior Decor NZ Certificate in Landscape Construction NZ Certificate in Construction Trade skills - Carpentry

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

www.sit.ac.nz/Telford-Register-Interest

For more information call 0800 835 367

JUNIOR SHEPHERD

You are always doing something and there are always challenges you have to work out and overcome. It keeps you on your toes.

23

IMPORTANT NOTICES 16

JOB HUNTING

NOTICE BOARD

KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2019 /2020 Term 3 holiday: 27 Sept–14 Oct 2019 Term 4 holiday: 13 Dec 2019– 27 Jan/7 Feb 2020 (earliest/latest) Term 1 holiday: 10 Apr–27 Apr 2020 Term 2 holiday: 3 July–20 July 2020

JAMES LITCHFIELD ELECTRICIAN / SEE PAGE 10

Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.

Anne Frank

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

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

EXAM DATES 2019 NCEA Examinations Friday 8 November to Tuesday 3 December Cambridge Examinations November session held 1 October to 15 November

SCHOLARSHIPS There are thousands of scholarships available to students who are continuing with their studies.

Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.moneyhub.co.nz/ scholarships-nz and www.generosity.org.nz/giv-me MAIARA VIEIRA ZALTRON ACCOUNTANT / SEE PAGE 6

MICHELLE FARRELL CIVIL ENGINEER / SEE PAGE 19

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 #16

To persist with a goal, you must treasure the dream more than the costs of sacrifice to attain it.

Richelle E. Goodrich Visit www.keytolife.org.nz

Oprah Winfrey CAMERON RAVENWOOD AGRIBUSINESS / SEE PAGE 28

FEELING DOWN?

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING

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

LIFELINE available 24/7 0800 543 354 free text 4357 www.lifeline.org.nz YOUTHLINE available 24/7 0800 376 633 or free text 234 www.youthline.co.nz WHAT’S UP Mon- Fri noon-11pm & Sat/Sun 3pm-11pm 0800 942 8787 www.whatsup.co.nz ALCOHOL DRUG HELPLINE 0800 787 797 available 24/7 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz

STUDENT ALLOWANCE AND LOANS If you are about to leave school and you’re looking at tertiary study, there’s going to be a lot to think about. If it’s anything to do with financial support while you’re studying, StudyLink can help and you need to apply by 16 December 2019.

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

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

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

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

17

ALEX NELSON PILOT / SEE PAGE 41

I was looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within.

It is there all elia ipis as dolorest quatiam illent quidi to conseque as exces et alis the time. dolorest, vid veles aut volupta Anna Freud esecupt aecupidenis.

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

VOLUNTEERING 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/

IMPORTANT NOTICES

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

Education is the way to move mountains, to build bridges, to change the world.

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.

John Powell GEORGIA PAULSON HARVEST FORESTER / SEE PAGE 33

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FARM BUSINESS MANAGER 26

A LOVE OF ANIMALS AND THE LAND GET INTO THE SCIENCE BEHIND FARMING

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer PETER McDERMOTT There’s a lot more to farming than meets the eye.

“Farming is a business, driven by a biological system,” says farm business manager, Alice Allsop.

“Understanding animal, plant and soil science is fundamental.

“On top of that you need to have some accounting knowledge and most of all enjoy working with people who love the land.”

Alice holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with First Class Honours from Lincoln University.

This three-year degree (four years with honours) integrates real-world examples into learning through case studies, field trips and tours.

Students are also required to undertake 28 weeks of industry-based work experience, spending at least 10 weeks on a dairy farm, and another 10 weeks on a sheep/beef farm.

“I loved it,” says Alice of her time at Lincoln.

“I met some of life’s best friends and got to visit other people’s farms all around New Zealand.

I loved learning about farming.”

After Lincoln, Alice went on to study a Post-Graduate Diploma in Animal Breeding and Management at the University of Sydney and for the past four years she has been working for Rimanui Farms. Her role as farm business manager involves working with the company’s farm managers on financial planning/budgeting, strategic planning, people management and monitoring farm operations.

“It is a great role because I get to work close to the action and be part of the decision making.”

Before joining Rimanui Farms, Alice worked for Landcorp Farming as a database administrator and, following that, as an animal breeding specialist at Focus Genetics.

“I have always loved the outdoors and animals,” says the 32-year-old. “Combining this with the

science behind farming has been the perfect career for me.”

In her final year at Otumoetai College in Tauranga, Alice took English, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry and Photography. Photography aside, all these subjects have proven useful for her study and career, including Statistics which Alice found challenging at school.

“Stats at high school didn’t seem that useful and was a challenge but once I got to uni I realised the

power of statistics in science and ended up doing it to level three.”

During her time at Lincoln, Alice was awarded a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship.

As well as providing financial support, Alice says it was reassuring to know Beef + Lamb was backing her (and other undergraduates who gained scholarships) to pursue a future in New Zealand agriculture.

I have always loved the outdoors and animals.

Combining this with the science behind farming has been the perfect career for me.

ALICE ALLSOP

KEY FACTS ■ ALICE ALLSOP HAS A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE WITH FIRST CLASS HONOURS FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY AND A POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. ■ SHE WORKS AS A FARM BUSINESS MANAGER FOR RIMANUI FARMS. ■ ALICE WAS AWARDED A BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIP WHILE STUDYING AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

For more information on studying Agricultural Science through Lincoln University, visit www.lincoln.ac.nz For more information on careers in agriculture, visit www.growingnz.org.nz

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

ARA Institute of Canterbury

Whenua Kura

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

Based in the South Island and offering a Diploma in Agriculture.

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

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.sit.ac.nz/Telford Ph 0800 83 53 67 (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 06 856 5725

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 (06 350 5701)

www.ara.ac.nz Ph 0800 24 24 76

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Offering New Zealand Certificates in Primary Industries and Agriculture and a Diploma in Agribusiness Management.

www.toiohomai.ac.nz Ph 0800 86 46 46

Otiwhiti Station 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

Southern Institute of Technology To make a start on an agricultural career, the Vocational Pathways Primary Industries programme offers a good opportunity to gain sound practical foundation skills and knowledge in agriculture.

www.sit.ac.nz/Courses Ph 0800 40 33 37 (03 211 2699)

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

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

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

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

AGRIBUSINESS

FARMING THESE DAYS IS ABOUT MORE THAN just FARMING. YOU’VE GOT to be A BUSINESSMAN AND be UP-TO-DATE WITH THE TECHNOLOGY. CAMERON RAVENWOOD

28

CREATING ALTERNATIVES FOR FARMERS

TAKING A BROADER VIEW

writer CAMPBELL BURNES // photographer PETER NIKOLAISON CAMERON RAVENWOOD has made a good fist of mixing study with business and looks well-placed to make his mark in the burgeoning world of sheep milk processing.

The 21-year-old graduated earlier this year with a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing from Lincoln University. He is currently doing a Masters of Global Agribusiness and Marketing, which he is hoping to knock off in under 12 months, as opposed to the usual 18 months.

This is a man moving fast who knows what he wants.

Cameron is the co-founder of Fernglen Farm, which he started up with his parents this year. It is a sheep milk processing company based in Wairarapa.

“People are a lot more conscious of the environment, and sheep have less of an environmental footprint (than cows). Plus, sheep milk is easier to digest,” he says.

Fernglen Farm is building momentum and Cameron emphasises the need for alternative options for farmers.

You could say farming is in Cameron’s blood and he knew he would be entering a career in the industry when he was a student at Wairarapa College.

“I wanted to be in the agriculture sector because I enjoyed working with animals and being outdoors.

As for study, farming these days is about more than just farming. You’ve got to be a businessman and be up-to-date with the technology. I thought I would further my education. One thing I was quite passionate about was value-adding in the sheep and beef sector,” he says.

Concerned that the majority of New Zealand farming is commodity-driven and therefore volatile in price, Cameron is keen to try and take the stress out of farming by value-adding and offering consistently good prices.

At school he took Agriculture and Horticultural Science as subjects, giving him a broader view of farming.

Then it was off to Christchurch, supported by a scholarship from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, to study at Lincoln University, one of New Zealand’s foremost universities offering specialised tertiary education, such as agribusiness.

While there, he played rugby for the Shirley club premiers and took the chance to see more of the South Island.

He found his degree to be a good mix of theory and practical.

There was, for instance, 18 weeks on marketing production and supply chain management. The chance to create networks with like-minded students and knowledgeable lecturers was another plus.

“I wanted to learn how to run a business and also the marketing side, which is critical for creating a value-added product,” he says.

Even as he finishes his studies, Cameron stays busy working on the business, so he is never out of the loop.

He advises school leavers keen to delve into the farming industry to not get hung up about school subjects, though Maths and Horticultural Science are always useful.

“Try and expose yourself to as many different job opportunities or industries as you can. You’ll probably get more benefit out of the extra-curricular stuff while at school or study. It might be an unpaid internship, but that experience will be huge in determining what career path you go down or just picking up practical skills.”

KEY FACTS ■ CAMERON RAVENWOOD HAS A BACHELOR OF AGRIBUSINESS AND FOOD MARKETING FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. HE IS CURRENTLY DOING A MASTERS OF GLOBAL AGRIBUSINESS AND MARKETING. ■ HE CO-FOUNDED FERNGLEN FARM, A SHEEP MILK PROCESSING COMPANY BASED IN THE WAIRARAPA. ■ CAMERON WAS SUPPORTED IN HIS STUDIES AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

BY A SCHOLARSHIP FROM BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND.

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For more information on For more information on career studying Agribusiness opportunities with Plumbing World through Lincoln University, www.plumbingworld.ac.nz/careers visitvisit www.lincoln.ac.nz forinformation further details Forwith more on on plumbing apprenticeships with careers in agriculture, ATT, www.att.org.nz visitvisit www.growingnz.org.nz

HIGH DEMAND BUT SHORT SUPPLY writer PETER WHITE // photographer MARK BRIMBLECOMBE If you’re considering farming, you should think about pig farming as a potential career.

That’s the view of 22-year-old JONATHAN AUSTIN who works as a pig breeder at Aorere Farm, west of Whanganui – a large farm with 4500 pigs in total.

“There are plenty of opportunities. We need more young people to have a good idea of pig farming because we have a very high demand for trained staff but we have a shortage of skilled employees in New Zealand,” says Jonathan.

“There is definitely a good career in the management side of things, which is what I am trying to achieve.”

Jonathan works with 450 pigs on the breeding unit from mating (which is 70 per cent artificial and 30 per cent natural) right through its various life stages (giving birth, weaning and growing into porkers) before the pigs are shipped off to another farm in Taranaki.

“What I enjoy most is seeing the piglets born – the training I have received helps me understand

the processes involved. It is amazing to see a tiny little piglet grow into an animal that can weigh up to a massive 300 kilos.

“You have to have a passion for animals as well.

The health and welfare of the animal comes first.

That is the big thing.”

Jonathan has a National Certificate in Pork Production (Level 3). He has started his National Certificate in Pork Production (Level 4) through PrimaryITO and has around one year to go. He does lectures through online learning and the practical aspects of the on-job training are signed-off by the farm’s manager.

He says working with pigs is very rewarding.

“Pigs are actually very intelligent, as intelligent as a three-year-old child. They can remember your face, remember you’re the person who feeds it and looks after it. They are clean animals as well – not dirty as people think they are.

“They are quite different to working with cows and sheep. They are unique in the way they are and have

different behaviour. It is important to understand the psychological side of it too.

“It is interesting to watch their reaction to different things while working with them.”

Jonathan was both brought up and home schooled for the majority of his secondary school years on the pig farm he works on. In Year 13 he focused on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Agriculture.

He says another positive aspect of working with pigs is the shorter working hours.

Compared to dairy farming, the regular routine of pig farming means farm workers can plan their time around a set workday.

we need more young people to have a good idea of pig farming because we have A very high demand for trained staff but we have a Shortage of skilled employees in new zealand.

JONATHAN AUSTIN

KEY FACTS ■ JONATHAN AUSTIN WORKS AS A PIG BREEDER AT AORERE FARM, A LARGE FARM OF 4500 PIGS THAT IS WEST OF WHANGANUI. ■ HE HAS A NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN PORK PRODUCTION (LEVEL 3) AND IS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN PORK PRODUCTION (LEVEL 4). HE HAS ALSO WON THE PORK INDUSTRY’S STOCKPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD. ■ JONATHAN SAYS THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS IN THE PIG INDUSTRY AND THEY ARE IN HIGH DEMAND.

For more information on careers in the pig industry, visit www.nzpork.co.nz For more information on studying Pork Production through Primary ITO, visit www.primaryito.ac.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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MEDBREEDER PIG BOOK BOLD

CALL GOES OUT FOR PIG FARMERS

29

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE 30

DEFENCE FORCE SCHOLARSHIPS LIFESTYLE, SUPPORT AND GOOD PEOPLE contributor NZ DEFENCE CAREERS // photography NZ DEFENCE FORCE ENSIGN BRITTANY GLANFIELD, 20, grew up in Auckland and spent holidays in the Coromandel.

She loved the beach and surf lifesaving, but she wanted to be an engineer. She has now combined both loves through the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Tangaroa Study Scheme.

“It’s been my dream job since I was 12 to do something mechanicalbased,” she says. She attended Rangitoto College on Auckland’s North Shore and applied to join the Navy as a marine engineer officer in 2016. Candidates need to hold or be in their final year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology, but you can be accepted via the Tangaroa Scheme. It means you undertake junior officer common training, then study fulltime while on a salary as a junior officer.

“I was very excited about it,” says Brittany. “It’s the opportunity to do your training and be able to study fulltime, while wearing the uniform and be part of the New Zealand Defence Force.” While waiting for her officer’s course to start, she was able to get a head start and complete a semester at the University of Auckland.

During semester breaks, she gets shore-based postings to different engineering departments. “You stay very connected to the Navy. I’ve just finished the first semester of my second year. It will take four years in total.” She was promoted to Ensign after two years.

IT ’ S THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO YOUR TRAINING AND BE ABLE TO STUDY FULLTIME, WHILE WEARING THE UNIFORM AND BE PART OF THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE. BRITTANY GLANFIELD

She wears her uniform during classes, something that causes curiosity. “It’s university life and

study, but in uniform you stick out a bit. People are very interested and ask me about it.”

She enjoys staying in Navy accommodation in Devonport.

“I love the community. I live with other Tangaroa members and junior officers. If I need help with course work, my friends are right there to help. It’s like a family.”

Officers have a career manager, who helps with courses and postings.

After completing her degree, she will be promoted to Sub-Lieutenant and posted to a ship for six months’ experience.

She then undertakes further study in the UK or Australia, specialising in marine engineering.

Back in New Zealand, there is more on-the-job training to achieve Marine Engineer Officers’ Charge Qualifications, meaning she can take sole charge of a ship’s marine engineering department.

In the future, she can undertake a master’s degree, and register as a Chartered Engineer.

Given the chance, she would definitely highlight the opportunities offered through the Defence Force.

“It’s the people, the lifestyle, the fulltime study and the support you get. I still kind of kick myself.”

She would eventually like to get a posting in recruiting, to guide others looking at an engineering career.

“I’m definitely going to stay in this.

It’s only been a couple of years so far, but I have already been involved in so many amazing opportunities and experiences.”

KEY FACTS ■ ENSIGN BRITTANY GLANFIELD IS COMBINING BOTH STUDY AND TRAINING THROUGH THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY’S TANGAROA STUDY SCHEME. ■ SHE LIVES AT THE NAVY ACCOMMODATION IN DEVONPORT, AUCKLAND WITH OTHER TANGAROA MEMBERS AND JUNIOR OFFICERS. ■ AFTER BRITTANY COMPLETES HER DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND, SHE WILL BE PROMOTED TO SUB-LIEUTENANT AND BE POSTED TO A SHIP FOR SIX MONTHS’ EXPERIENCE.

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For more information on scholarship programmes and career opportunities with the New Zealand Defence Force, visit defencecareers.mil.nz

MIDSHIPMAN EMBRACES ENGINEERING contributor NZ DEFENCE CAREERS // photography NZ DEFENCE FORCE

I WAS looking into engineering OR PSYCHOLOGY, AND I SAW THAT THE DEFENCE FORCE HAD ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS. I CHOSE NAVY BECAUSE IT WOULD LET ME TRAVEL MORE. GLORIA LEE

It’s too soon to know what MIDSHIPMAN GLORIA LEE’s second year at Auckland University of Technology will be like. It was her first day back when she picked up the phone for this interview.

Gloria, 19, from Auckland, is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering Technology majoring in Electrical Engineering.

“My brother joined the army when I was in Year 10, and that got me looking into the services at bit more,” she says. She achieved accelerated learning at Macleans College, enabling her to do Maths and Physics A-Levels during Year 12 via the Cambridge International Education exams.

“I was looking into engineering or psychology, and I saw that the Defence Force had engineering scholarships. I chose Navy because it would let me travel more.”

In 2017 she applied to join the Navy as a weapon engineer officer, and received a scholarship under

the Navy’s Tangaroa Study Scheme. It will fund her course and pay her an officer’s salary while she studies fulltime.

She was able to complete one semester before her officer training started, and she graduated as a commissioned officer in December 2018.

The 22 weeks of officer training was good, she says, though it did have its ups and downs for all the midshipmen in her intake. The hardest part was probably the ironing, she reckons.

“We do a lot of ironing. Also, I was the youngest one in the intake. I turned 18 two days before I started initial training. It sometimes felt like I was asking questions all the time.”

Officers on the Tangaroa Study Scheme are posted to duties during semester breaks.

During the last break, she found herself working on the Navy’s Maritime Simulation Refresh, exploring simulation technology for future Navy training.

“I was quite lucky, I got to work with augmented reality and virtual reality.”

She wears her uniform to university classes, dressed in the more formal “half blues”, although in future this is likely to change to blue shipboard fatigues, known as General Work Dress.

“We do get lots of questions. People ask if we’re pilots or if we work for Fullers ferries.”

She would advise anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps to look into the possibilities and do the research. “There are so many different opportunities.

I never realised it until my brother told me about it.”

She is excited about her first sea posting, which will come after she completes her degree and is promoted to Sub-Lieutenant. The Navy has new capability arriving, including two refurbished Anzac-class frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana.

“I can’t wait to get my degree over and go out on one of the frigates. Hopefully there’s a spot for me!”

KEY FACTS ■ MIDSHIPMAN GLORIA LEE IS IN HER SECOND YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING MAJORING IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AT AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ SHE JOINED THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY AS A WEAPONS ENGINEER OFFICER AND RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP UNDER THE NAVY’S TANGAROA STUDY SCHEME. THIS FUNDS GLORIA’S DEGREE AND PAYS HER AN OFFICER’S SALARY. ■ GLORIA STUDIES FULLTIME AND DURING SEMESTER BREAKS SHE IS POSTED TO DUTIES. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

For more information on scholarship programmes and career opportunities with the New Zealand Defence Force, visit defencecareers.mil.nz

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NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE

COMBINE TRAINING AND STUDY

31

PLUMBING APPRENTICE 32

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP

EACH DAY PROVIDES A CHALLENGE writer PETER WHITE photographer CHARLIE HARVEY

CARLOS CRAWFORD is one of the youngest trade apprentices in New Zealand.

The 16-year-old from Riverton, 30km west of Invercargill, began his plumbing apprenticeship with Riverton Plumbing in February this year – just a week after his birthday.

He was not expecting to move into plumbing but always knew he would end up in a trade.

“I was lucky because I got offered the apprenticeship. I am doing three different things – plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. We do brand-new houses, hot water cylinders, gas and drainage – all sorts really,” says Carlos.

He enjoys working beside his boss Callum McCullough. “It is great that I work every day with the boss. There are just the two of us. It is pretty good actually how we get on.”

Adjusting to life as a plumbing apprentice is keeping Carlos on his toes.

“Every day is pretty much a new challenge unless you have done a particular job a few times. I am slowly getting the hang of everything, which is good.”

He must be on the right track because his boss has started trusting him to be more independent.

Job satisfaction is what Carlos loves most about being an apprentice plumber.

Seeing a job through to the end and what you have done is very rewarding.

“You put all the work in and at the end you get to see the end result. You see everything you’ve done like when you are pre-piping a house or laying drains and it looks really good if you have done a good job.

“It is also really good working with the other tradies. You meet pretty much everyone like the builders, electricians and others.”

Carlos left school to start his apprenticeship after Year 11 at Aparima College in Riverton. The subjects he studied were English, Mathematics, Science, Woodwork and Agriculture.

He says a career in plumbing will suit anyone who likes getting stuck into a job, doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty and has the right attitude.

“I would definitely recommend it to other students. Now I am doing it I know it is a really good trade. It is just better than I expected actually.”

Carlos also has compulsory block courses to attend that all apprentices must pass. He has four one-week courses this year at the Southern Institute of Technology, which cover plumbing theory and all aspects of workplace safety.

His boss Callum says Carlos is going really well. “His parents are very happy

with his decision to join us and we have backed him 100 per cent.

He is a very good listener and very good learner and is keen to get his hands dirty. He loses track of time when he is working because he is enjoying it that much.”

KEY FACTS ■ CARLOS CRAWFORD IS AN APPRENTICE PLUMBER, WORKING FOR RIVERTON PLUMBING IN SOUTHLAND. ■ INCLUDED IN HIS APPRENTICESHIP ARE COMPULSORY BLOCK COURSES, THIS YEAR THAT INCLUDES FOUR ONE-WEEK COURSES AT SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ CARLOS STUDIED ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, WOODWORK AND AGRICULTURE IN YEAR 11 AT APARIMA COLLEGE IN RIVERTON.

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For more information on plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeships through Masterlink, visit www.masterlink.co.nz For more information on career opportunities with Plumbing World, visit www.plumbingworldcareers.co.nz

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE writer SARA CARBERY // photographer SHAUN TUNNY

“Many people would be surprised at the career opportunities available in the forestry industry,” says harvest forester GEORGIA PAULSON. “Whether it’s the establishment of new forests, harvest planning or engineering, there is a job for everyone.”

Growing up in Gisborne, Georgia would spend time EVERY at work with her forester father, eventually spending her school holidays working in logging crews.

DAY IS A But it wasn’t until a few years after leaving school CHALLENGE , WITH that she decided to make a career in forestry.

TIME spent between “I started a health science degree straight out the forest and of school, but at the age of 18 I quickly felt that I needed a bit more life experience before investing OFFICE , WHICH time and a student loan into my career.” i love Georgia worked in a logging crew to save enough GEORGIA PAULSON money for a one-way ticket to the UK, where she worked for two years in administration, before returning to Gisborne and embarking on a two-year hands-on operational experience, while studying New Zealand Diploma in Forest Management. via night school at Turanga Ararau in Gisborne.

The second year had to be completed in person at During the first year of the diploma, she worked Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Rotorua, fulltime in a logging crew gaining valuable KEY FACTS ■ GEORGIA PAULSON HAS A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN FOREST MANAGEMENT FROM TOI OHOMAI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ROTORUA. ■ SHE WON THE 2018 COMPETENZ NZ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD. ■ GEORGIA WORKS AS A HARVEST FORESTER MANAGING HARVEST OPERATIONS FOR FOREST ENTERPRISES IN GISBORNE.

so Georgia combined her studies with part-time logging work.

During this time, Georgia also began a New Zealand Apprenticeship in Machine Operations (Hauler and Loader), winning the 2018 Competenz NZ Apprentice of the Year Award, and was awarded scholarships from the Eastland Wood Council, New Zealand Institute of Forestry Foundation and PF Olsen.

Now 25, Georgia works as a harvest forester managing harvest operations for Forest Enterprises in Gisborne. This involves monitoring health and safety standards, ensuring environmental compliances are met and overseeing the logistics of the harvest operation.

“Forestry is very rewarding – from the basic fulfilment of being largely active outdoors through to the satisfaction of contractors excelling above industry standards and growing their businesses,” says Georgia.

“Every day is a challenge, with time spent between the forest and office, which I love.”

In Year 13 at Gisborne Girls’ High School, Georgia took English, Health Studies, PE, Geography and History.

“Geography has definitely helped with foundation knowledge and personal interest on how the land moves, varying land types etc. Forestry is built upon understanding these factors through and through.

“Personally, I loved Health Studies. This has helped grow professional skill-sets such as communication, resilience and a commitment to produce my best work.”

HARVEST FORESTER

FORESTRY INDUSTRY VERY REWARDING

33

For more information on forestry scholarships offered by MPI, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/forestryscholarships For more information on careers in the forestry industry, visit www.forestrycareers.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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APPRENTICE CARPENTER 34

MAKE SACRIFICES, GET REWARDS OPPORTUNITIES AND FINANCIAL SECURITY

writer CAMPBELL BURNES // photographer LOGAN WEST The powerful motivating force of the need to feed and support his immediate and extended family has driven CEDRIC FOLAUMOETUI towards a career in carpentry and building.

Cedric was a late starter in the field. He is now 31 and is finishing his carpentry apprenticeship, but clearly he has the skills. He won the country’s top apprentice award this year, the first Pasifika person to win it and beating often much younger competition, at the New Zealand Certified Builders Association Apprentice Challenge.

At Onehunga High School, Cedric had an interest in carpentry but his parents always stressed the importance of education and going to university.

So, he headed to the University of Auckland, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Sociology and Criminology.

Cedric began working but realised it wasn’t where he needed to be.

“I was a case manager at WINZ and I realised I couldn’t support or have a family of my own on my income.

I saw building, especially with the boom at the moment, as the way to go,” he says.

The sacrifices have been well worth it. I can look AFTER my family now because the opportunities are unlimited.

Financial security is a very important thing.

“The sacrifices have been well worth it. I can look after my family now because the opportunities are unlimited. Financial security is a very important thing.”

CEDRIC FOLAUMOETUI

So is the ability to earn as he learns and do a physical job that keeps off the weight that can accumulate so easily in a desk-bound, largely sedentary, job.

“I came in very late, at about 27, to the trades, so a lot of apprentices are about 19-20-21. I was trying to rush things and do whatever I could to get qualified as quickly as I could.”

Cedric reckons if he had known there were so many opportunities in the industry, he would have dived straight in after his high-school days. He had mates and family who were chippies and they were moving on up with their incomes.

Now he is working for a small company called Kiwi Construction. But he is not just doing practical work. There is always time for upskilling and Cedric has hooked into that.

“There is a minimum theory that you need to complete. So I needed to go to Unitec once a week.

I also did further studies, which was good. Most guys have had enough of the theory by then, but I was fortunate I had previous experience at uni, so I found the transition quite easy.”

At Unitec, he has recently completed a Diploma of Applied Technology (Building) and now he is completing a Bachelor of Construction, double

KEY FACTS ■ CEDRIC FOLAUMOETUI HAS A DIPLOMA OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (BUILDING) AND IS STUDYING TOWARD A BACHELOR OF CONSTRUCTION, WITH DOUBLE MAJORS IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND QUANTITY SURVEYING THROUGH UNITEC. ■ HE ALSO HAS A BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH DOUBLE MAJORS IN SOCIOLOGY AND CRIMINOLOGY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ CEDRIC WORKS AT KIWI CONSTRUCTION AND IS AN APPRENTICE CARPENTER. HE WON THE TITLE OF NEW ZEALAND’S TOP APPRENTICE AT THE NEW ZEALAND CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION APPRENTICE CHALLENGE. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

majoring in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, part-time.

The next step is to get his licence (LBP), but he wants more experience before he heads into management or supervision.

While he says taking subjects such as Maths and – if available – Carpentry are useful for school leavers hoping to be chippies, it’s about working hard, being committed and thinking long-term.

“My advice is to look for careers that are in demand, financially rewarding and have opportunity for growth.”

For more information on building apprenticeships with the Industry Training Association – Building, visit www.itab.co.nz For more information on studying Construction through Unitec, visit www.unitec.ac.nz

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APPRENTICE MARINE SYSTEMS ENGINEER 36

VARIETY, CHALLENGES AND COMRADERY

MARINE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING writer SARA CARBERY // photographer ALAN STEVENS KEEGAN MACNEIL’s dream is to one day work as a chief engineer on a superyacht, travelling the world and being paid to do so.

The 19-year-old is on the path to making this dream a reality, working as an apprentice marine systems engineer at General Marine Services in Auckland’s Westhaven.

Full of variety, his job sees him doing anything from plumbing up a black water tank on a 12-metre sailing yacht, to setting valve clearances on a ferry or assisting with the instalment of a $500,000 freshwater plant on a superyacht.

Keegan’s favourite part of the job is working on the big 16-litre V8 Scania engines and the comradery of working as part of a team. “The problem solving is a great character-building experience, which has given me a lot more confidence in what I do,” he says.

“Every day comes with new challenges and that’s also a part of why I love the job. I have to be switched on all the time so that when problems do arise, I’m already on top of them.”

Keegan’s dad is a marine engineer, so he grew up knowing what the job involved, but it wasn’t until he started taking Automotive as a subject at Onehunga High School that a real interest in engines began.

every day comes with new challenges and THAT ’ S ALSO A PART OF WHY I LOVE MY JOB. I HAVE TO BE SWITCHED ON ALL THE TIME SO THAT WHEN PROBLEMS DO ARISE, I ’ M ALREADY ON TOP OF THEM. KEEGAN MacNEIL

KEY FACTS ■ KEEGAN MacNEIL IS AN APPRENTICE MARINE SYSTEMS ENGINEER AT GENERAL MARINE SERVICES IN AUCKLAND’S WESTHAVEN. ■ HE PURSUED HIS CAREER BY EMBARKING ON NZMAC ITO’s LAUNCH IT, SCHOOL TO WORK PROGRAMME. ■ KEEGAN RECOMMENDS AUTOMOTIVE AND PHYSICS AS THE MOST USEFUL SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO OTHERS CONSIDERING A SIMILAR CAREER.

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An opportunity to work in the industry opened when a representative from NZMAC ITO’s Launch It, School to Work programme came to talk to Keegan’s automotive class.

“She advertised the opportunity to take part in a pre-apprenticeship role in marine systems engineering at General Marine Services,” Keegan remembers. “When I heard that I would be working on superyacht engines, I was sure that was what I wanted to do.”

Designed to connect senior high-school students interested in a career in the marine or composites industries with employers, the School to Work programme has allowed Keegan to pursue a career in marine engineering.

Students are employed on a part-time basis, usually spending 1-2 days per week at work and 3- 4 days at school. As well as gaining credits towards NCEA Levels 2 and 3, students receive credits towards an NZMAC ITO industry qualification, explore career options and gain valuable work experience.

Eighteen months into his Marine Systems Engineer Level 4 General Marine Services apprenticeship, Keegan says Automotive and Physics have been the most useful school subjects in his new career.

The other subjects he took in Year 13 were English, History and Media Studies.

Keegan’s advice to anyone wanting to get into the marine industry is to “dive into the learning headfirst because knowledge and experience is key in this industry. These things come with time, so be ready and willing to learn!”

For more information on the NZMAC ITO Launch It, School to Work programme, visit www.nzmacito.org.nz/schools/ school-to-work For more information on careers in the New Zealand marine and composites industry, visit www.nzmacito.org.nz

AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING

writer SARA CARBERY // photo supplied by MITO NEW ZEALAND

I FIND AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING REALLY SATISFYING. SEEING A vehicle GO from ruined to perfectly painted is amazing.

37

CASSIDY REPIA

Sometimes an opportunity comes along and presents you with a chance to do something you’d never dreamed of. This is what happened to automotive refinisher CASSIDY REPIA while she was taking a gap year, figuring out what she wanted to do.

“I had no interest in vehicles when I finished school,” she says. “I was never a car girl. I was working in retail and was offered a chance to try out at Bush Road Panelbeaters to see if it was something I would enjoy. I tried it and knew after the first week that I loved it and it was definitely something I was going to make a career of.”

After a three-month trial, Cassidy started her automotive refinishing apprenticeship with MITO. It took two years to complete, finishing up in October last year.

“I really enjoyed doing my apprenticeship,” says Cassidy. “The whole process is really straightforward and if there was something you couldn’t understand or needed help with, there were multiple people you could ask.”

In Year 13 at St Dominic’s College in west Auckland, Cassidy took art subjects, including Design and Painting (which helped when it came to mixing and tinting colours for vehicles), along with English and Media Studies.

Cassidy won the 2018 CRA Apprentice of the Year – Golden Gun Award, presented to the most outstanding apprentice in automotive refinishing. The judges described her as “a meticulous worker with a fantastic eye for detail”.

She was also named 2017 IAG Top Apprentice of the Year in Refinishing and received a MITO Alumni scholarship in 2019.

AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHER

PRIME YOURSELF TO EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

The 22-year-old has quickly made her way up the ladder and is now working as Paint Shop Foreman at WD Price Panelbeaters in Glenfield. She is in charge of running the workshop, deciding what gets painted and when, organising paint stock and guiding one other painter.

“I find automotive refinishing really satisfying. Seeing a vehicle go from ruined to perfectly painted is amazing.”

Cassidy admits prioritising jobs was a challenge at first. “It can be a bit overwhelming having so many vehicles and so little time but once you have a plan in place, it becomes a lot easier.”

She recently did an airbrushing course and would like to incorporate that into her work in the future. “Being able to bring my love for painting and art into my career would be a dream.”

Cassidy encourages anyone considering an automotive trade to give it a go and advises females to not be discouraged from entering.

“When I entered the trade, I was only ever offered support and encouragement.

“It’s such a great way to get a qualification you can use anywhere in the world. You don’t end up with a huge student loan and get paid while you learn.

I really suggest giving an apprenticeship a try.”

KEY FACTS ■ CASSIDY REPIA COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH MITO. ■ SHE IS THE PAINT SHOP FOREMAN AT WD PRICE PANELBEATERS IN AUCKLAND. ■ CASSIDY WAS THE 2017 IAG APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR IN REFINISHING, WON THE 2018 CRA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – GOLDEN GUN AWARD AND RECEIVED A 2019 MITO ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP.

For more information on automotive refinishing apprenticeships and on-the-job training through MITO, visit www.mito.org.nz

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writer SARA CARBERY

// photographer ALAN STEVENS

FILMMAKER

GET OUT THERE AND FILM 38

FILMMAKER AIMS FOR FEATURE-LENGTH MOVIE Auckland filmmaker COREY FLEMING has been interested in filmmaking from a young age. “I always remember in the school holidays my grandfather would take me to the video shop and let me pick five movies for ten dollars,” he recalls. “I’d spend all holidays watching them, wanting to know how they were made and how I could make my own.”

After graduating from Liston College at the end of Year 12, Corey got a job working in a laboratory – the “complete opposite” to what he wanted to do. “But this allowed me to earn money and buy a camera and go out and film,” he explains. “I think a lot of filming is just going out and playing around with different shots, cameras, different lenses.”

At high school his favourite subjects were Art and Music, and these have been the ones that have helped him most in his filmmaking career.

Five years ago, at the age of 31, Corey embarked on a three-year Bachelor of Screen Production at SAE Auckland.

their ranks, fitting part-time tutoring around freelance work. He’s currently working on a few NZ on Air videos and making motion graphics for Trade Me and other companies.

What Corey loves most about filmmaking is being creative.

“When you get the chance to make a video that is your idea, that’s the best feeling. I always loved writing stories at school, and I get to keep doing that and get paid for it.”

“SAE stood out from the rest of the film schools because they were more about practical learning.

You actually got to go out and shoot straight away, which suited my style of learning.”

Corey is full of praise for his tutors and two years on from graduating, the 36-year-old has joined

Being a freelancer comes with its challenges, though. “Freelancing isn’t always the easiest as you have to go out and find jobs. Not everyone is always going to love what you make, and that can be off-putting at the start. But it helps you grow and become stronger and it has made me want to succeed even more.”

Corey’s dream is to one day direct a full-length feature film. “But I want to make sure that when

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FILMMAKER

I do put the time and effort into one, I have all the skills and knowledge I need to do so.”

His advice to others thinking of pursuing a career in film is to not be put off at the start.

“It can be a hard road, but any job can be. Just keep shooting, even if it’s just using your cellphone, go out there and film. And jump on any sets you can, even when you have to do it for free. It’s the best way to learn.”

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KEY FACTS ■ COREY FLEMING HAS A BACHELOR OF SCREEN PRODUCTION FROM SAE AUCKLAND. ■ HE WORKS AS A FREELANCE FILMMAKER AND ALSO TUTORS PART-TIME AT SAE. ■ COREY RECOMMENDS OTHERS THINKING OF PURSUING A CAREER IN FILM GET OUT THERE AND PRACTICE AND EXPERIMENT WITH FILM.

For more information on studying Screen Production through SAE, visit www.auckland.sae.edu

MED BOOKIMAGING MEDICAL BOLD 40

MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

FROM X-RAYS TO MRIs TO NUCLEAR MEDICINE writer CAMPBELL BURNES // photographer PETER McDERMOTT As a student at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, ROY McQUINLAN was not one of these focused individuals who knew exactly where he wanted his career to go.

Far from it. But now he is well placed in the radiography world, having aced his three-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Imaging Technology.

“I didn’t have a clear idea what I wanted to do for a career. My school subjects were random.

When I did leave, I ended up working for New Zealand Post,” says the 24-year-old.

“I thought I’d have a go at study. My sister was a radiation therapist, so she recommended I get into [that] study. That [radiography] was her back-up plan as well.”

Still working part-time, Roy completed the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway) at UCOL’s Manawatū campus in Palmerston North.

He didn’t even need to leave home.

He was still working part-time when he kicked off his bonafide degree at the age of 21.

He found the degree had a nice mix of the theoretical and practical, and was not too onerous with assignments, unlike, say, a medical or law degree.

“You would go into labs to practise positioning and patient interaction. Then you do a large block of 16 weeks at your clinical centre. At the hospital you undergo more practical training and also do your assessments,” he says.

“Pretty much anyone can do it, as long as you apply yourself and have a bit of adaptive thinking.”

Some of it is obviously quite technical, with several “little things” to nail, but there is flexibility in the field.

You could be doing general radiography, such as normal X-rays, or work in more specialised areas such as MRIs or ultrasound or nuclear medicine.

Then there is mammography (breast screening) and digital angiography.

Roy can look back with the wisdom of hindsight at the loose nature of his approach to his senior school studies.

PRETTY MUCH ANYON E CAN DO IT, as long as yo u apply yourself and have a bit of adaptive thinking.

ROY McQUINLA

N

“The things that would definitely help the application would be subjects like Physics, Biology

and some form of maths. That’s what they are looking for if they are brushing over CVs. The hardest part is actually getting into the course.

There is an interview process. I guess NCEA Level 3 is desirable,” he says.

“We had a wide range of people in my year.

Some of them had previous degrees, a few school leavers.”

Roy graduated earlier this year and is now happily working at Palmerston North Hospital. He enjoys the varied radiography and is gaining priceless experience.

The wide range of radiography skills he is acquiring stand him in good stead. Practitioners in medical imaging are highly respected and sought after – not just within New Zealand but around the globe.

Having never rushed his career path, Roy is biding his time but knows the world is truly his oyster.

KEY FACTS ■ ROY McQUINLAN HAS A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN STUDY AND CAREER PREPARATION (LEVEL 4) (MEDICAL IMAGING PATHWAY) AND A BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE MAJORING IN MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY FROM UCOL. ■ HE WORKS IN MEDICAL IMAGING AT PALMERSTON NORTH HOSPITAL. ■ PRACTITIONERS IN MEDICAL IMAGING ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER IN NEW ZEALAND AND AROUND THE WORLD. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

For more information on studying Applied Science through UCOL, visit www.ucol.ac.nz

AIM FOR AN AVIATION CAREER

writer PETER WHITE // photographer ALAN STEVENS ALEX NELSON has always wanted to be off the ground. From an early age he loved looking up at planes and his goal was to be up there flying in the clouds.

So, no surprises that he is a top commercial instructor for Hamilton-based L3Harris Airline Academy.

Alex did not immediately move into pilot training when he left Fraser High School, although he was in and out of planes every day.

“I ended up being a skydiving instructor for almost six years, completing nearly 6000 jumps. I spent a lot of time sitting in planes and jumping out of them but never flying them.

“Becoming a pilot was still playing on my mind so I applied for the CTC aviation diploma course, which is now the L3Harris New Zealand Diploma in Aviation.

“Within two years I went from having no flight experience to gaining my PPL (Private Pilot License), CPL (Commercial Pilot License), MEIR (Multi Engine Instrument Rating) and my C-Cat instructor rating.

While instructing, Alex’s hours and experience grew quickly and before long he passed his flight test to become a B-Cat instructor.

TO BE A PILOT YOU NEED GOOD HAND-EYE COORDINATION AND A GOOD WORK ETHIC. YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. FOR PEOPLE WHO DREAM OF FLYING FOR AN AIRLINE, INSTRUCTING is A GREAT STEPPING STONE TO GET THE HOURS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. ALEX NELSON

More recently he moved into training commercial pilots to become instructors.

For anyone who loves flying like Alex his job really is special. He gets to go flying almost every day.

“In a typical day I will do three flights, always with an amazing view, often operating over areas like Raglan Harbour, Tauranga and Taupo.

“Being in control of an aeroplane is an amazing feeling. I really enjoy being in the air looking down at the world.”

Alex attended Fraser High School in Hamilton where he enjoyed Sports Science, English, Physics, Mathematics and Calculus in Year 13.

His advice for students considering a career in aviation as an instructor is to consider the subjects they are taking and have the right attitude.

“To be a pilot you need good hand-eye coordination and a good work ethic. You get out of it what you put into it. For people who dream of flying for an airline, instructing is a great stepping stone to get the hours and experience required.

“Instructing can also be a satisfying career if you have a passion for teaching. Being a flight instructor is a very enjoyable and rewarding job. If you have a passion for aviation and would love to fly for a job, then I would recommend applying for a commercial pilot course.”

KEY FACTS ■ ALEX NELSON HAS A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN AVIATION. ■ HE HAS A PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE, COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE, MULTI ENGINE INSTRUMENT RATING AND B-CATEGORY FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RATING. ■ ALEX WORKS AS A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AT L3HARRIS AIRLINE ACADEMY IN HAMILTON.

For more information on training as a pilot through L3Harris Airline Academy, visit www.L3commercialaviation.com

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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MED BOOK BOLD FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

TAKE TOTHE SKIES

41

TOP 10 PAYING JOBS

BRINGING IN THE BUCKS

42

NZ’s HIGHEST PAYING ROLES writer STEVE HART // images iSTOCK

Making plans for the future when you are young can be hard. But at some point, you must think about the job you’d like to do so you can buy the things you want.

Some people intuitively know what type of work they would like and complete the training they need. Others give various jobs a try until one clicks with them.

There’s no right or wrong job.

New Zealand doesn’t have too much in the way of high-tech research and development or advanced manufacturing, so most of our top-paying jobs are still in well-established areas.

But which ones, on average, pay employees the most?

1) INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) MANAGERS AND ARCHITECTS top the list of best paying jobs in New Zealand with annual salaries in the region of $128,000. The greater reliance on accurate data being transmitted fast and securely by businesses and governments – using the internet, mobile phones and satellite communication systems – means there is demand across the industry for people to work in these roles.

2) INSURANCE MANAGERS earn around $123,000 a year and help businesses and individuals with the insurance cover they need. Insurance can help people if they are ill, have an accident, or their property – such as a car or home – is damaged.

3) MINING, ENERGY AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT – people working in this sector earn around $122,000 a year. They are in charge of mining and drilling projects (on land and at sea).

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4) Real estate is big business in New Zealand with the economy almost reliant on people selling houses to each other. Bringing sellers and buyers together are REAL ESTATE AGENTS who earn around $122,000 a year.

5) Helping companies stay profitable are FINANCIAL MANAGERS AND CONTROLLERS. They typically earn $120,000 a year.

6) Even though there is a big push for clean energy, the fossil fuel sector is still going strong. MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS IN THE FOSSIL FUEL SECTOR can bring in around $117,000 a year.

7) Money makes the world go around, so banking is always a good bet.

It’s one of those jobs where you can start in the retail part of the business, and with training and experience, work your way up. CORPORATE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT MANAGERS earn around $117,000 (but bonuses may increase this figure).

8) Engineering is a solid bet and there is always demand for more (particularly in robotics). ENGINEERING MANAGERS, who lead teams of engineers, earn around $115,000 a year.

9) With the country experiencing a building boom that will continue for at least another 20 years it’ s no surprise that people working as CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS are in demand. They earn around $114,000 a year.

10) To get a job you normally have to go through HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS. They earn around $113,000 a year.

SOURCE: www.seek.co.nz (2018)

STUDYING AWAY FROM HOME? writer STEVE HART

Leaving home comforts behind for life at a distant university can be both exciting and scary. There's the freedom to come and go as you please on campus, but the responsibility of looking after yourself and managing your time and money.

Cam Young from Karamu High School in Hastings is a first-year student at Otago University studying health science and living at Arana College. The 18-year-old enjoys all the activities that are organised to help bring everyone together, such as tie-dying, cooking and sports.

Also enjoying her first year away from home at Arana College is 18-year-old Cait Lowndes from Wellington Girls’ College.

“There’re people here from all different backgrounds, you really do get a chance to be around so many diverse people – it opens your mind up,” he says. “It’s very different to life in Hawke’s Bay.

“It's not like high school where it is all so structured,” she says. “But it is a lot of fun, you never have a dull moment at university, you have the freedom to pursue your own individuality.”

“I was expecting to come here and be terrified. My teachers at school built university up as something to be scared of – but it really isn’t. There is so much support here for everyone to help us grow as adults.”

What Cam likes most about his accommodation at Arana College is that food, heating and utilities are all covered within his weekly rent payment for his first year.

“It is a bit like living at home, where lots of things are taken care of for you, but we are living independently,” says Cam. “But you quickly learn to look after your money – it was a struggle for me in the first few weeks though.”

Cam’ s advice for those leaving home for a university campus is to have fun and join in “because you never know what you like until you try it”.

HALLS OF RESIDENCE

LIFE IN A RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE

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She is studying law, arts and politics and says the flexibility of life on campus means she has to manage her study time very carefully.

Cait says being in a residential college means you are around hundreds of people who are in the same position as you.

“There are lots of people making sure you are okay and merging into this new chapter of your life,” she says.

“There are health services too and all the staff are lovely.”

it is a lot of fun, you never have a dull moment at university, you have the freedom to pursue your own individuality.

Cait’s advice for people preparing to leave home for life on a university campus is to know that it’s okay to feel a little nervous.

“Just understand that everyone feels the same and be okay with that,” she says.

“It seems that everyone around you is so confident, but as soon as I accepted that the unknown is really okay then it all fell into place. It’s great.”

CAIT LOWNDES

CAIT LOWNDES AND CAMERON YOUNG

ARANA COLLEGE ■ THERE ARE 404 BEDS ACROSS A RANGE OF BUILDINGS. ■ EACH ROOM HAS HEATING, IS FULLY EQUIPPED, HAS FREE WIFI AND ROOMS ARE CLEANED ONCE A WEEK. ■ RESIDENTS CAN EAT IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM OR SELF-CATER. ■ ANNUAL FEES FOR 2019 ARE $15,390 PLUS $740 FOR ENTRY AND ACTIVITIES.

For more information on Arana College at the University of Otago, visit www.otago.ac.nz/first-year-students/ accommodation/residentialcolleges. html#arana

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS 44

SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS

GET YOURSELF TO THE TOP OF THE LIST

contributor CAREERS.GOVT.NZ // image iSTOCK Have you ever wondered, ‘What is that magical power some people have that gets them a job?’ The answer isn’t magic – these job seekers can demonstrate they have the employability skills employers are looking for.

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 ground or during that science 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 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. ork history W List volunteer work or paid work experience in your work history in a way that showcases your skills.

I nterests 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 then you are on the right track to getting an employer interested in you.

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

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STAND OUT FROMTHE CROWD CV PREPARATION

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

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

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CV STRUCTURE AND CONTENT Put your name and contact details clearly at the top, and include a residential

address.

Add a short profile – two to three sentences in length – explaining a

bit about yourself and what you are aiming for in terms of study or career aspirations.

List your skills as bullet points and explain where you have used each

skill. Include things like written and oral communication, team work, responsibility, time management, money handling, customer service, written and oral communication, and computer skills.

These are what employers are looking for in younger employees. You can use experience from being in clubs and teams, as well as any paid or unpaid work you have done. Don’t forget to include the skills that are mentioned in the job advertisement.

List any previous jobs you have had along with the name of who you worked for and what you did.

Include an Education section. Provide the year you are in and the subjects you are studying.

List the names and contact details of people who will be referees for you.

These can be teachers, sports coaches, family friends, and so on. You need people who know you and have worked with you in some way.

List your outside interests.

A WORD ABOUT LAYOUT Use a computer to format your CV clearly, leaving plenty of white space so it doesn’t look cluttered.

Choose a font that is easy to read. Use headings for each section and list your skills with bullet points.

Make sure all headings line up and the line spacing is the same throughout.

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

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

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

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

Should I include a photo?

As a rule, I generally advise not to. We all like to think that our picture might get us a job, but

I think it can introduce the possibility of bias, for whatever reason.

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

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

Janet Tuck is a Career Specialist and runs Career Clinic in Auckland

For more information and career advice, visit www.careerclinic.co.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #16

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A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME SOLID CAREER OPTIONS THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT WHICH PATH TO TAKE AFTER SCHOOL. HAVE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING ROLES AND LEARN ABOUT THE RELEVANT FACTORS FOR EACH POSITION. Here you’ll find profiles of nine roles from across a range of industries. Each profile includes detailed job descriptors and some insightful statistics.

LOW POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

SOCIAL WORKER

INCOME

H HIG

Social workers provide care, advice and support to people with personal or social problems, and help with community and social issues.

To become a social worker, it is necessary to be registered with the Social Workers Registration Board, have a current annual practising certificate and have a recognised qualification, usually a Bachelor of Social Work. Other options include: Bachelor of Applied Social Work, Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga/Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work, Poutuārongo Toiora Whānau or a Master of Social Work.

Job prospects are best for experienced social workers and new graduates face strong competition and can find it difficult to gain their first job.

However, demand for this role is increasing.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: 4-6 years.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $52,000 per year.

MEDIUM

D GOO

Also known as: Community midwife; core midwife; lead maternity carer.

Midwives are health professionals that specialise in pregnancy, childbirth and the first six weeks of a baby’s life. They care for both mother and baby, monitoring their health and wellbeing. Midwives also provide education, parenting information and provide all necessary care.

To become a midwife, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Midwifery, which usually takes three years to complete fulltime. Midwives must hold a practising certificate issued by and be registered with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Te Reo Māori, Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Health Education.

Job prospects are good as demand for midwives is high, particularly in Auckland.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $69,500 per year.

H HIG

MIDWIFE

NINE FASCINATING ROLES ON CAREERS.GOVT.NZ

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: Community pharmacist; hospital pharmacist; industrial pharmacist; pharmacist prescriber; chemist.

Pharmacists prepare, mix and dispense prescribed medicines. They advise patients about their medication and medical conditions.

Pharmacists also work to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.

To become a pharmacist, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Auckland or University of Otago, register as an Intern Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and complete a one-year internship, complete Pharmacy Council assessments, register in the Pharmacist Scope of Practice and have an annual practising certificate.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Biology, Chemistry, Health, Maths and Physics.

Job prospects are good due to increasing demand for their services.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 5 years.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $60,500 per year.

H HIG

PHARMACIST

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

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LOW

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

MEDIUM H HIG

Also known as: Forestry firefighter; rural firefighter.

Firefighters respond to emergency calls, controlling and putting out fires. They educate the public about fire safety and prevention, and work to reduce the incidence and consequences of fires. Firefighters attend vehicle crashes, hazardous substance spills and urban search-and-rescue callouts.

To become a firefighter with the New Zealand Fire Service, it is necessary to be a permanent resident or citizen, aged 18 years or older, pass a police check, pass literacy, numeracy and problem-solving tests, and pass medical, physical fitness and psychological tests. To begin work as a trainee firefighter you must successfully complete a 12-week training course.

Job prospects are poor. There are relatively few vacancies and a high number of applicants. Recruiting occurs twice a year, with up to 600 applications being received and only 48 positions filled.

Statistics: Job prospects: Poor.

Length of study: 1 year.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $77,600 per year.

POO R

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NINE FASCINATING JOBS

FIREFIGHTER

JOBS IN FOCUS

Job data has been sourced from OCCUPATION OUTLOOK and CAREERS NEW ZEALAND, visit www.occupationoutlook.mbie.govt.nz and www.careers.govt.nz

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

INCOME

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

Also known as: Animal care attendant.

Animal handlers train and take care of animals. Locality of work varies but includes zoos, stables and peoples’ homes. Feeding, washing and training animals, and cleaning their cages or enclosures are typical tasks.

There are no specific entry requirements to become an animal handler and skills are normally learnt on-the-job. Some employers may prefer candidates that have a tertiary qualification in animal care and welfare, although experience is highly valued.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English and Science.

Job prospects are average but opportunities are projected to increase. Some roles, such as zookeepers, are popular and have strong competition.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: Up to 1 year.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $32,800 per year.

H HIG

ANIMAL HANDLER

LENGTH OF STUDY

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW

MEDIUM H HIG

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

VALUER

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: Real estate valuer; personal property/chattels valuer; appraiser.

Valuers estimate the value of a number of assets. A valuer usually specialises in valuing one type of item and builds expertise in that area, such as property, buildings, art, historical artefacts and more.

Entry requirements differ depending on the speciality chosen. To work as a real estate or land valuer, it is necessary to be registered with the Valuers Registration Board and have a recognised qualification. For valuers of other types of assets, on-the-job training with a skilled valuer and completion of a valuing related programme is highly recommended.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Art History, Business Studies, English, Economics, Mathematics, and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking combined.

Job prospects are good for those in real estate but are average for those who specialise in personal property.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 1-4 years.

Pay scale: E stimated average income is $96,000 per year.

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM H HIG

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

INCOME

D GOO

Also known as: Radar controller; tower controller.

Air traffic controllers direct and coordinate aircraft in flight and on the ground to make sure air traffic is safe and organised.

To become an air traffic controller, it is necessary to have a Diploma in Air Traffic Control (Level 7) (a six-month course and on-the-job training), a Class 3 medical certificate and an airport security clearance. Airways New Zealand runs the diploma. To gain entrance into the course, it is required that you are either a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, pass aptitude tests, interviews and group exercises, be at least 20.5 years old, have NCEA Level 3 (or hold a personal or commercial pilot licence) and pass a medical test.

Job prospects are poor for those looking to enter this role. Very few are recruited each year and competition for openings is intense.

Statistics: Job prospects: Poor.

Length of study: Up to 1 year.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $139,000 per year.

MEDIUM H HIG

TRAVEL AGENT

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: Travel and information consultant; travel broker; travel wholesaler; travel adviser.

Travel agents make travel arrangements and bookings for clients, and provide information about tourism attractions, accommodation, tours and insurance. They also do ticketing and process payments. Travel agents work in a range of areas including corporate, retail and online.

There are no entry requirements to work as a travel agent and most skills are learned on-the-job. However, most employers do prefer applicants to have a qualification. The minimum qualification accepted by the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand is the New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4).

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths, Geography and languages.

Job prospects are average due to the stable numbers of people in the role and high competition for positions.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: Up to 1 year.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $51,500 per year.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

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JOBS IN FOCUS

POO R

AVERAGE D GOO

CUSTOMS OFFICER

MEDIUM H HIG

Also known as: Assistant customs officer; border force officer.

Customs officers control the entry and departure of people and goods into and out of New Zealand and ensure all legalities, declarations and taxes are met.

To become a customs officer, it is necessary to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, have lived in New Zealand (or in a country approved by the New Zealand Customs Service) continually for the last five years and have a current driver’s licence. Successful applicants must pass a medical before starting the nine-week training.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English and Maths.

Job prospects are average as vacancies are few and there is strong competition for positions as they become available.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: Up to 1 year.

Pay scale: Estimated average income is $59,500 per year.

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