Leaving School issue 19

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 October 2020 | ISSUE # 1 9 Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage and confidence in the doing.

Theodore Roosevelt SAM CANE ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN SEE PAGE 7

ASHLEA MORRIS CLINICAL ENGINEER SEE PAGE 9

SAM NICHOLSON ELECTRICIAN SEE PAGE 12

AMBER MOORE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER SEE PAGE 20

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet.

Stephen Hawking COLTON GOODALL IT SPECIALIST SEE PAGE 23

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

SHEVONNE EVANS ALUMINIUM JOINER SEE PAGE 27

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School’s out.

Engineering’s in.

If you’re wondering what’s next after school, consider a career in engineering – there’s many different fields to suit your interests.

With a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE), you can get a qualification pathway that combines applied academic study with practical skills, and only takes two years to prepare you for employment in the engineering profession. Plus, it’s currently FEE FREE to study.

Entry criteria for the NZDE is minimum 12 credits at Level 2 in Mathematics (preferably achievement standards in Algebra, Calculus or Trigonometry). Foundation courses are available to help meet the entry criteria. The NZDE is closely aligned to the three-year BEngTech with a smooth pathway between the two.

Begin your step into engineering at nzbed.org.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL issue # 1 9 / Oct0ber 2020

CONTENTS

07 FOREWORD | SAM CANE

All Blacks captain Sam Cane divulges some of the factors that helped him to achieve his career goals.

08 MECHANICAL ENGINEER | TUKAHA MILNE

Young business owner imparts advice on study and what he looks for in new recruits.

09 CLINICAL ENGINEER | ASHLEA MORRIS

Learn about a different pathway to gain a foothold in the engineering industry.

Te Reo Māori provides the grounding and connection to inspire both this teacher and his pupils.

10 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER | MANUTAHI GRAY

MANAGING EDITOR

Oliver Lee

12 ELECTRICIAN | SAM NICHOLSON

SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Beckett, Sam Cane, Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Peter White, careers.govt.nz PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Cartwright, Charly Harvey, Nick Henderson, iStock, David Laverde, Carissa Marsh, Luke Marshall, Marty Melville, photosport.nz, Alan Stevens, Logan West PAGINATION HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER Ovato, Auckland PUBLISHER

This apprentice always knew he wanted to be an electrician and now he is recommending it to others.

Keen on woodworking from a young age, this apprentice boatbuilder has found his niche.

With lucrative earnings, a great lifestyle and many prospects on offer, why wouldn’t you consider deep sea fishing?

14 BOATBUILDER | REID WILSON

15 DEEP SEA FISHERMAN | BLAKE HAWES-GOURLEY 16 NOTICEBOARD

There are a lot of things to keep track of at the end of the year, here you’ll find key dates, websites and events.

18 GASFITTER | BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN

Interested in working with your hands and in an area that is always needed? Consider gasfitting.

19 FORESTER | JORDY MURU

Find out the key attributes this apprentice has that are seeing him succeed in the forestry industry.

20 EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER | AMBER MOORE

Discover the delight to be found in guiding, teaching and befriending our youngest tamariki.

22 SALES REPRESENTATIVE | EWAN SYME

Finding and using the tools for success in the sporting world has led to a replication of that success in this high achiever’s career.

23 IT SPECIALIST | COLTON GOODALL

A degree in information technology elevated this worker from game player to solution finder.

24 ANIMATION | CAYLEEN BESTER

A Bachelor of Animation will enable an admirer of animated children’s films to become their creator.

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)

26 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS | KASEY OOMEN

This GIS student is keen to apply the skills she is learning to help find solutions to humanitarian and environmental challenges.

27 ALUMINIUM JOINER | SHEVONNE EVANS

With qualifications and awards under her belt, this former apprentice is now training future workers.

28 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

How to showcase your skills to potential employers.

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.

29 STUDY TIPS

The end of the year is fast approaching, which means exams are just around the corner. Here are some hints for your preparation.

30 WELLBEING

We have all experienced a year full of disruption, here are tips on how to harness stress to optimise your exam performance.

31 FINANCIAL TIPS

It is probably a skill you haven’t acquired yet but it is one that is crucial. Get up to speed on budgets.

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AVAILABLE FREE ONLINE www.leavingschool.co.nz

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THE INFLUENCES THAT HELPED ME BECOME AN ALL BLACK

7

by SAM CANE // image photosport.nz

I knew from as far back as I can remember I wanted to be a rugby player.

I grew up in a small place near Rotorua called Reporoa. My parents are deer farmers and I had a really enjoyable childhood spending time on the farm and playing sport.

Reporoa College is a smaller school, which meant all my mates were pretty much the same guys I played rugby with on the weekends. Before school, at interval and lunch, we were outside playing touch rugby.

The other good thing about being at a smaller school was that to get the right numbers for a game, you had to include kids from the age of 14 all the way up to 17 – so it was a pretty cool mix.

My favourite subjects were PE and woodwork. I was pretty good at maths and took it a year ahead of my age, but that rugby goal was always the driver for me.

Being a little more isolated in Reporoa meant we had to do quite a lot of travel to get to training and to play sport. Once I started making representative teams from the age of 14, I was training pretty much every night after school.

We didn’t have a gym, so we had to be up at 5am to get into Rotorua to do a session before driving back in time for school. It was a big commitment from us, and our parents, and probably installed a pretty good work ethic in me from a young age.

In Year 13, alongside my mate, I shifted to Tauranga Boys’ College to play Super 8 rugby. There was no hostel there, so we boarded with a family.

It definitely helped me to grow up and it was certainly time to challenge myself, not just in rugby terms.

I was one of the youngest in Year 13, having just turned 17, and it forced me to become more self-reliant about getting to training and school on time.

You may find that there is pressure put on you to decide on a career or the pathway that you want to go down. My advice would be to not feel pressured to commit too early but to be really open to all opportunities.

Ultimately no matter what qualification you end up with, whether a trade or a degree, what is most important is the type of person you are and how you treat people – are you reliable and do you work hard?

All of these qualities are what employers look for, so that is something to focus on.

Sam Cane

ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN

FOREWORD

HIGH GOALS, WORK ETHIC AND SETTING CHALLENGES

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IS THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE AND HOW YOU treat people.

SAM CANE, ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN

All Black Number: #1113 Place of Birth: Rotorua Date of Birth: 13 January 1992 Age: 28 Height: 1.89 metres Weight: 103 kg Position: Loose Forward Last School: Tauranga Boys’ College Rugby Club: Tauranga Rugby Sports and Recreation Province: Bay of Plenty Super Rugby: Chiefs All Blacks Test Debut: 16 June 2012 against Ireland in Christchurch (age 20) All Black Tests: 68 All Black Test Points: 65 LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 8

PLENTY OF PROSPECTS, DEMAND IS HIGH

ENGINEERING MAKES SENSE writer PETER WHITE // photographer CARISSA MARSH Getting the balance right between study and practical experience was important to TUKAHA MILNE’S development as an engineer.

Tukaha has a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and a Diploma in Project Management.

“My dad is a tradesman. He is a plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer and he advised me I should learn a trade but also go out and get real-world experience,” says Tukaha.

“After studying for a year, I got a job in Hamilton where I got trade certificates in welding, machining and fabricating and also did CNC programming and machining. Then I went and finished off my qualifications.”

Tukaha says the best part about studying was gaining insight into what mechanical engineering was all about.

“Now owning my own business, a lot of my design work and my specialist knowledge around so many things I wouldn’t have had unless I had gone to study. You learn not only how to design stuff but how it works in the real world.”

There is currently high demand for engineers in New Zealand with several engineering courses offering zero fees.

Tukaha’s advice to school leavers considering a career in engineering is to make sure you have a clear idea of what it is you want to do.

“There is a big demand for engineering at the moment. Just be sure what your career pathway is that you want to follow and don’t be discouraged if opportunities don’t come along the first time around.

“There is always an opportunity in this industry for you around the corner.”

Tukaha owns 2KS Design Ltd in Kawakawa, Bay of Islands, which specialises in engineering research, design and development.

NOW OWNING MY OWN business, A lot OF MY DESIGN WORK AND MY SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AROUND SO MANY THINGS I wouldn’T have had UNLESS I HAD GONE TO STUDY. TUKAHA MILNE

What he looks for when hiring new recruits are diverse ideas and a fresh approach to taking on challenges.

“I live by a mantra that the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. If you are an engineer and you want to be somebody who finds solutions to problems or improvements on things, you have to be absolutely creative.

“What I look for is the guy or girl who likes to think outside the square, someone who likes to pull something apart and tamper with it to better understand it. That is who I would give the opportunity to come and work with me.”

Tukaha went to Northland College and enjoyed a wide range of subjects. He particularly liked Music, Physics, Calculus, Maths and Māori, which is Tukaha’s first language.

“I am very much steeped in our traditions and customs so enjoyed doing that subject at college as well. Everything I applied myself to I really enjoyed and it is good to try lots of different subjects at school.

“When I was learning about calculus at school it was only numbers and theories on the board.

When you study engineering you actually understand how graphs can actually tell you about a real-world application.

“That is when it all makes sense.”

Note: All polytechnic providers of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) offer foundation courses in maths to enable applicants to enrol.

KEY FACTS ■ TUKAHA MILNE HAS A DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND A DIPLOMA IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT. ■ HE OWNS AND OPERATES 2KS DESIGN LTD OUT OF KAWAKAWA IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS, A FIRM SPECIALISING IN ENGINEERING RESEARCH, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. ■ TUKAHA RECOMMENDS SCHOOL LEAVERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN ENGINEERING HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF THE PATH THEY WANT TO FOLLOW.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

For more information on studying engineering, visit www.nzbed.org.nz

ZERO FEES FOR ENGINEERING

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer SIMON CARTWRIGHT Are you interested in engineering but not sure you want to spend four years studying to become a professional engineer? (Or don’t have the grades?)

There are other study paths to consider, including the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) – a great option if you want a qualification pathway that combines applied academic study with practical skills, and only takes two years to prepare you for employment in the engineering industry.

Offered through 15 tertiary providers around the country, the NZDE allows you to progress quickly into civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical or fire engineering.

“It’s a wonderful way to get into engineering without spending so much time studying and racking up debt. It allows you to get working and get experience a lot sooner while still making good money,” says 23-year-old Ashlea Morris.

Having completed a Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), specialising in Clinical Engineering, Ashlea is working at Hawke’s Bay District Health Board as a clinical engineering technician trainee. Her job involves testing the performance and safety of medical equipment, carrying out repairs, medical technology management – from pre-purchase to decommissioning and disposal – and helping with equipment asset management and queries.

CLINICAL ENGINEERING

ACADEMIC STUDY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS

9

“I enjoy the variety the job offers. You use many different pieces of knowledge and skills; every day is different and you’re always learning new things.”

Ashlea decided to enrol in the diploma after accompanying a friend to MIT’s open day, purely to keep her company.

“It was funny because she didn’t go on to do engineering, but I did!”

She loved her time at MIT and praises the staff who supported her during her diploma and helped her find a job.

“The course is challenging as you have to cover a lot of topics, including some nursing papers, computer programming and clinical engineering-based classes but the variety keeps things exciting and fresh.”

Of the subjects she took at Alfriston College, Ashlea says the sciences have been the most useful.

“Physics and biology are essential as I work with machinery that uses the principles of physics. Also, to understand how a piece of medical equipment works you must understand how it affects the body.”

In hindsight, she says workshop classes would have been helpful for teaching her practical skills.

As for career aspirations, Ashlea plans to “keep moving forward and suck up as much knowledge as I can from my co-workers and take every opportunity that comes my way”.

You can study towards the NZDE either fulltime or part-time (or a combination of both) and can move from one of the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) to another to continue your studies.

As part of the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) to rebuild New Zealand’s economy, fees for the NZDE are currently zero.

As well as New Zealand, the NZDE is recognised in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Korea, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA. The diploma can also be used as a foundation for progression to degrees in engineering and engineering technology. To gain admission, you will need at least 48 credits in four subjects at NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 12 credits in Maths.

Note: All polytechnic providers of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) offer foundation courses in maths to enable applicants to enrol.

KEY FACTS ■ ASHLEA MORRIS COMPLETED A DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING (ELECTRICAL) SPECIALISING IN CLINICAL ENGINEERING THROUGH MANUKAU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ THERE ARE CURRENTLY ZERO FEES FOR THE NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING, AS IT IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGETED TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS FUND. ■ ASHLEA IS WORKING AT HAWKE’S BAY DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD AS A CLINICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN TRAINEE. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

For more information on studying engineering, visit www.nzbed.org.nz

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

FIND THE JOY IN TEACHING

TE REO MĀORI PROVIDES CONNECTION writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST Sometimes it is not just the highest performing kids at school who make really good teachers. MANUTAHI GRAY, who is enjoying his first year as a primary school teacher at Auckland’s Sylvia Park School, is a good example.

10

Manutahi, 22, admits during his school days he spent a lot of time in the school office but he is now doing well as a teacher.

“My advice to school leavers is to just give teaching a go,” he says. “If you don’t like school, don’t run away from it. The naughtiest kids understand the other naughty kids and can relate to a lot of the students, particularly in lower decile areas.

“Young teachers are in high demand, especially Te Reo Māori teachers, not only for revitalising our language but being able to run around with the kids and be an example to them.”

Manutahi says the greatest joy from teaching is seeing that lightbulb moment go off when

ONCE YOU LEARN THE MAORI LANGUAGE, you find you ARE aBLE to ARTICULATE YOURSELF BETTER. YOU Are in touch with your culture and FEEL CONNECTED TO YOUR TUPUNA AND HISTORY. MANUTAHI GRAY

a student finally figures something out.

“That is a priceless reaction. Also being able to give kids options that they would not have at home to do with sport and fitness and just learning generally.

“There are challenges with some of the children’s behaviour, but you only get better at managing that with time and experience. Some of the kids come from rough households, so creating that safe place can be a bit difficult but after you gain their trust, it is all good.”

Manutahi went to St Peter’s College in Auckland. In Year 12 he took Te Reo Māori, English, Religious Studies, Biology, Sports Science and Maths before enrolling into a Māori foundation course through the University of Auckland. He then proceeded into the Bachelor of Education (Teaching), specialising in Huarahi Māori.

Huarahi Māori enables you to work as a primary teacher in Māori-medium schools including Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kura ā iwi, immersion and bilingual schools, as well as English-medium primary and intermediate schools.

The practicum side of the course – where students gain first-hand experience of teaching

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“I decided to become a teacher to share my knowledge and skills with tamariki. It’s amazing to learn more about Māori culture, history and language through the Huarahi Māori specialisation.”

KELLIE BENNETT Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori specialisation

“Practicum is probably the most important thing of the whole course. That’s when you get to learn the actual hands-on skills and training instead of just the theories.

You need to learn that as well, but it doesn’t give you the skills to manage a classroom and actually teach a subject.�

Manutahi is from NgÄ ti Hine, NgÄ puhi and NgÄ ti Kahu iwi. He says being able to speak MÄ ori is very important to him in his role as a teacher.

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

by applying their learning in MÄ ori-medium, bilingual and mainstream – was a highlight for Manutahi.

11

“Once you learn the MÄ ori language, you find you are able to articulate yourself better. You are in touch with your culture and feel connected to your tupuna and history.â€?

KEY FACTS ■MANUTAHI GRAY HAS A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TEACHING), SPECIALISING IN HUARAHI MĀORI, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■HE WORKS AS A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER AT AUCKLAND’S SYLVIA PARK SCHOOL. ■MANUTAHI SAYS THE PRACTICUM COMPONENT OF HIS TEACHING DEGREE WAS A HIGHLIGHT AND GAVE HIM THE SKILLS TO MANAGE A CLASSROOM.

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For more information on studying a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) with Huarahi MÄ ori specialisation at the University of Auckland, visit auckland.ac.nz/huarahi-maori Feel free to get in touch with your questions, email education@auckland.ac.nz

APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN 12

APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN ENJOYS IT ALL

PROSPECTS ARE BRIGHT writer PETER WHITE // photographer CHARLY HARVEY

There was never any doubt in SAM NICHOLSON’S mind he would be an electrician. The 22-year-old from Invercargill remembers wanting to be a sparky from a young age.

When he was 14 he worked as a cleaner and he also helped make switchboards for an electrical company after school and during the school holidays.

Now Sam is in his final year of his apprenticeship with Etco (Electrical Training Company) who place apprentices with electrical companies and contractors through their group apprenticeship scheme.

He works for Laser Electrical in Invercargill and loves the variety of work.

“I just enjoy the hands-on part of the job. I like doing the job more than the book work, but it is all important,” Sam says.

“I do mostly domestic and commercial work. At the moment I am working about an hour away from Invercargill doing project planning and a lot of wiring of switchboards. I am also doing some security work with the job I am working on, plus lighting systems and general electrical work.

“It is definitely not doing the same stuff every day. There is always a new challenge to overcome, which I really enjoy about the job.”

Sam says the prospects are good in the industry for bright young workers once they finish their apprenticeship.

“We have a lot of work here with quite a few restructures in the Invercargill CBD in full flight at the moment. Once I finish my apprenticeship, there should be plenty of projects to get involved in.

“You really can go anywhere in the world with an electrical apprenticeship.

I would like to travel eventually and having your ticket is always a good backup to do that.”

Sam went to Southland Boys’ High School. He enjoyed Physics in Year 12 before taking Statistics, English, Woodwork and PE in his final year.

His advice for school leavers wanting to get into the electrical trade is to not fall behind on your paperwork and assignments when you start your apprenticeship.

When he is not wiring up houses, Sam loves being out on the rugby field as one of Southland’s top-ranked referees. He started refereeing when he was just 12.

Earlier this month Sam was on SKY Sport controlling a live Land Rover 1st XV match at his old school, when Southland Boys played King’s High School.

He is proud to have been awarded the Southland Rugby Referee of the Year Award for 2020.

IT IS DEFINITELY NOT DOING THE SAME STUFF EVERY DAY. THERE IS ALWAYS A NEW CHALLENGE TO OVERCOME. SAM NICHOLSON

Sam says there are some similarities between his job and being a referee.

“In terms of people skills, yes. In managing different people on the job site, you are always dealing with builders and plumbers and many others.

Refereeing helps with that people management side of things.

“I have always enjoyed talking to people.”

KEY FACTS ■ SAM NICHOLSON IS IN THE FINAL YEAR OF HIS APPRENTICESHIP WITH Etco.

■ HE WORKS AS AN APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN FOR LASER ELECTRICAL IN INVERCARGILL. ■ SAM RECOMMENDS FOCUSSING ON COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS AND PAPERWORK AND TO NOT FALL BEHIND IN THIS AREA WHEN STARTING OUT IN AN APPRENTICESHIP.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

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

APPRENTICE BOATBUILDER

ENJOYMENT IN BOATBUILDING NUMEROUS SKILLS AND VARIETY ON OFFER

THE THING I ENJOY MOST ABOUT my job is THE VARIETY OF WORK and skills and the high level OF QUALITY REQUIRED TO PRODUCE A GOOD BOAT.

14

REID WILSON

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST REID WILSON has always enjoyed tinkering around with tools making things, and by the time he was 14 he had his own woodworking workshop complete with power tools and machines. “I spent a lot of time researching woodworking on YouTube and reading and buying books,” he says.

Reid heard about the New Zealand Marine & Composites Industry Training Organisation’s (NZMAC ITO) Launch it, School to Work programme through his careers advisor at Pakuranga College and thought he’d investigate apprenticeship opportunities in marine cabinetry.

When he went for an interview at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders (where he is currently doing his apprenticeship) and learnt they weren’t offering

cabinetry apprenticeships at the time, Reid (19) decided to give boatbuilding work experience a shot.

“I soon realised that I enjoyed this just as much and there is a huge number of skills to be learnt in boatbuilding with such a variety of work.”

He is currently completing an NZ Certificate in Wooden Boatbuilding (Level 4) and an NZ Certificate in Composite Boatbuilding (Level 4) and intends on doing a third apprenticeship in marine interiors.

“The thing I enjoy most about my job is the variety of work and skills and the high level of quality required to produce a good boat,” he says.

“Some of the challenges are solving issues on the job and making the job as safe and healthy for me as possible by taking the right precautions and using PPE.” In his final year of high school, Year 12, Reid took English, Maths, Chemistry,

Construction and Allied Trades (CAT), and Product Design. He says CAT and Product Design have been the most useful subjects as they taught him basic trade skills, such as measuring, using hand and power tools, sketching, and health and safety precautions.

One area he wishes he had considered studying is graphic design/tech drawing. “This would have improved my drawing skill and made it easier to do quick sketches on the job for working out issues or planning a part of a job.”

Reid’s goal is to one day work for himself as a contract boatbuilder/cabinetmaker “and possibly build my own boat”.

If you’re thinking about the Launch it, School to Work programme, Reid’s advice is to give it a go.

“You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know, you might end up finding something you love that you wouldn’t have considered doing at school.

“I have definitely found something I enjoy doing, which makes it a lot easier to come to work and want to learn and take the apprenticeship seriously.”

The Launch it, School to Work programme connects senior students interested in a career in the marine or composites industries with employers who are wishing to source employees.

Students are employed on a part-time basis, usually spending 1–2 days per week at work and 3–4 days at school, and complete NZQA approved unit standards. Work completed is credited towards NCEA Levels 2 and 3 and is also accredited to an NZMAC ITO industry qualification.

KEY FACTS ■ REID WILSON PARTICIPATED IN THE LAUNCH IT, SCHOOL TO WORK PROGRAMME RUN BY THE NEW ZEALAND MARINE & COMPOSITES INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATION. ■ HE IS COMPLETING AN NZ CERTIFICATE IN WOODEN BOATBUILDING (LEVEL 4) AND AN NZ CERTIFICATE IN COMPOSITE BOATBUILDING (LEVEL 4).

■ REID STUDIED ENGLISH, MATHS, CHEMISTRY, CONSTRUCTION AND ALLIED TRADES (CAT), AND PRODUCT DESIGN IN YEAR 12.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

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

YOUNG FISHERMAN LOOKS UP THE LADDER

writer PETER WHITE photographer LUKE MARSHALL

Being out on the ocean catching prime New Zealand fish is what BLAKE HAWESGOURLEY loves doing. At 17, he is one of the younger deep sea fishermen working off the South Island coast.

Blake went to Nelson College. He left to go fishing part-way through Year 13 after taking double Automotive Engineering, Maths and Career Pathways.

“I always wanted to do a diesel mechanic apprenticeship before I started fishing. My dad was a fisherman for 15 years and he told me he really enjoyed the job, so I thought I would try it as well,” says Blake.

He started in February and for the last five months has been working on Sealord’s vessel Aukaha.

“I am a deck hand, so my role is helping to haul and shoot the gear (nets) and work down in the factory processing all the fish. The work itself isn’t very difficult. The hard part is being away from friends and family for long periods at a time.

“Normally the boat does four-week trips but from June–September the trips are two-and-a-half weeks as it is hoki season and the fish school together, so we can fill the boat up quicker. We normally finish a trip with around 300–330 tonnes of processed fish. During the season, we mainly target hoki but a common bycatch is ling and hake.”

Blake says there are plenty of benefits in being a fisherman both in terms of lifestyle and financially.

“I really like the whole lifestyle about fishing. No shift is ever the same, you have three cooked meals a day waiting for you, and once you finish the trip you have plenty of time and money to go do things that you want to.”

Career prospects in deep sea fishing are looking good for Blake.

“I will be doing my deck hand ticket before the end of the year at the Westport Deepsea Fishing School where it takes four weeks’ class learning

DEEP SEA FISHING

HOOKED INTO A GREAT LIFESTYLE 15

in addition to the six months’ sea time. I would definitely like to work my way up the ladder as much as possible and potentially get into one of the senior vessel roles.”

He says the key to doing well when you first start out as a fisherman is to have a good attitude and be motivated to work hard.

“The important thing is to try your hardest at whatever job you get put on. A good attitude keeps everyone around you motivated as well.”

Blake says fishing is definitely not for everyone but you just might find it could be your dream job.

“Even one trip is an experience you will keep with you forever.”

General Manager Human Resources at Sealord Group Ltd, Dawn Cooper, says Sealord has a strong focus on people development through on-job and external training, career pathways and internal promotion.

“Career pathways are mapped out for vessel crew, right from trainees to skipper. Training for Maritime NZ ticketed positions is financially supported by Sealord, as are on-land qualifications toward NZQA certification.

“Being a fully integrated business, careers in supporting functions such as finance, engineering, IT, sales and marketing, health and safety, human resource, quality and compliance, customer service, supply chain and vessel and operations management are also available with no barriers to moving for motivated and committed people.”

KEY FACTS ■ BLAKE HAWES-GOURLEY WORKS AS A DECK HAND ABOARD SEALORD GROUP LTD’S VESSEL AUKAHA. ■ HE WILL BE GAINING HIS DECK HAND TICKET THROUGH WESTPORT DEEP SEA FISHING SCHOOL BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.

For more information on a career in the fishing industry with Sealord, visit www.sealord.com/nz/careers

■ BLAKE SAYS HAVING A GOOD ATTITUDE AND BEING MOTIVATED TO WORK HARD ARE KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS AS A DEEP SEA FISHERMAN.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

IMPORTANT NOTICES 16

NOTICE BOARD

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.

KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mark Twain

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

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING

SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2020 /2021 Term 4 holiday: (latest) 16 Dec 2020–1 Feb 2021 (earliest) Term 1 holiday: 17 Apr–2 May 2021 Term 2 holiday: 10 July–25 July 2021 Term 3 holiday: 2–17 Oct 2021 Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz

JOB HUNTING

BLAKE HAWES-GOURLEY DEEP SEA FISHERMAN SEE PAGE 15

LIFELINE available 24/7 0800 543 354 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

SCHOLARSHIPS The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Steve Jobs

There is a free-to-use comprehensive list of Year 13 scholarships available to 2020 school leavers at MoneyHub. Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year.

Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.moneyhub.co.nz/students BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN GASFITTER SEE PAGE 18

STUDENT ALLOWANCE AND LOANS

REID WILSON BOATBUILDER SEE PAGE 14

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

If you are about to leave school and you’re looking at tertiary study, there’s going to be a lot to think about. If it’s anything to do with financial support while you’re studying, StudyLink can help and you need to apply by 16 December 2020.

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

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

The time is always right to do what is right.

Martin Luther King Jr

It always

seems impossible until it‘s done.

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

Nelson Mandela JORDY MURU FORESTER SEE PAGE 19

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

Oprah Winfrey

NEW DRIVER COACHING

If you are aged between 16 and 20, live in the greater Auckland region and are keen to learn more about driving safely, visit www.kiwigarage.co.nz/ new-driver-coaching

17

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

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

FEELING DOWN?

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

Need to talk?

Free text to 5626

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

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

KASEY OOMAN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SEE PAGE 26

There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.

Mandy Hale

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 October 2020 | ISSUE # 1 9 Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage and confidence in the doing.

Theodore Roosevelt SAM CANE ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN SEE PAGE 7

ASHLEA MORRIS CLINICAL ENGINEER SEE PAGE 9

SAM NICHOLSON ELECTRICIAN SEE PAGE 12

AMBER MOORE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER SEE PAGE 20

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet.

Stephen Hawking COLTON GOODALL IT SPECIALIST SEE PAGE 23

SHEVONNE EVANS ALUMINIUM JOINER SEE PAGE 27

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

EWAN SYME SALES REPRESENTATIVE SEE PAGE 22

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

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

ENJOY WORKING WITH YOUR HANDS? GASFITTER

GASFITTERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED

8 18

writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN is proud to be one of the few qualified female gasfitters in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old passed her National Certificate in Gasfitting in September after beginning her apprenticeship in 2015 with Masterlink and hosted

by Gas Appliance Specialists (2005) Ltd based in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland.

Brooke loves the technical aspect of the job as well as being able to provide excellent customer

service. She is now a licenced gasfitter and specialises in appliances.

“I really like the problem-solving involved in the job and meeting all the different people. The job is quite complex. You sort of go through a process of elimination first and then it gets really technical,” she says.

Brooke started working for Gas Appliance Specialists in the office but always wanted to be out doing the job. One day when one of the workers called

THE more i kept putting in the work, the EASIER IT BECAME. SO JUST BE PATIENT AND PUT THE HARD WORK IN. BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN

in sick, she got her chance and has never looked back since.

“I gave the boss a hand and I absolutely loved it.

At first, he thought I was joking when I said I wanted to do this, but he took me on. It has worked out really well for me.”

Brooke feels women have a lot more to prove in the industry and says it is hard not being treated the same as the men.

“It actually makes you work that extra bit harder.

It is a good feeling when you can do the job just as well as the guys and sometimes better.

What I do is very intricate and you need a lot of patience.”

Brooke attended St Dominic’s College in Henderson, Auckland, where she enjoyed Maths, PE and Science.

She encourages other young women who like working with their hands and solving problems to consider a career as a gasfitter.

“It is great. I have loved every minute of it. It is definitely very rewarding. You just can’t be afraid to get dirty and crawling under houses and things.

But it is just awesome.

“If I could give myself some advice five years ago, I would remind myself I don’t know everything and I would continue to learn. It was a big thing for me as I got quite discouraged and found it difficult at first, but the more I kept putting in the work, the easier it became. So just be patient and put the hard work in.”

Brooke found support from her Masterlink Regional Manager Colin Kilpatrick and her tutor at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) also helped her stay on track.

As for future prospects, Brooke says it is a great time to get into the industry.

“You always need plumbers, you always need gasfitters. You can go anywhere in the world and do this. My job can’t be replaced by a robot.”

KEY FACTS ■ BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN IS COMPLETING HER APPRENTICESHIP WITH MASTERLINK AND HOSTED BY GAS APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS (2005) LTD. SHE HAS HER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN GASFITTING AND IS WORKING TOWARDS HER PLUMBING NATIONAL CERTIFICATE. ■ SHE IS A LICENCED GASFITTER AND SPECIALISES IN APPLIANCES. ■ BROOKE RECOMMENDS THOSE WHO LIKE WORKING WITH THEIR HANDS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS TO CONSIDER A CAREER AS A GASFITTER. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

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

FIT INTOTHE FORESTRY INDUSTRY writer SARA CARBERY // photographer NICK HENDERSON A key message that Phil Williams, Forestry Account Manager with Competenz, would like to get out about forestry is it’s a safe industry.

“The true test is, ‘Would you let your son or daughter do it?’ And the answer is yes,” he says. “There are always a few cowboys out there, but most good crews are safe. There are very few crews left who take shortcuts these days – with health and safety the number one priority in the industry.”

Phil is responsible for overseeing the forestry apprenticeships for Competenz in the lower South Island, matching apprentices with employers and checking in on them regularly during their apprenticeship.

One of his apprentices he is particularly proud of is Jordy Muru, who won the Southern Wood Council’s 2020 Apprentice of the Year award for the lower South Island. Jordy works for MJ Logging, a four-man mechanised ground-based crew, based in the Geraldine area in South Canterbury.

“Jordy’s main role in the crew is managing the skid site, including fleeting, sorting, stacking and loading trucks,” says Barry Wells, Operations Manager – Harvesting at Port Blakely.

“This can be a high-pressure situation at times, but Jordy is good at his job. He’s able to work calmly and doesn’t lose his cool under pressure.”

Barry says Jordy has a number of attributes that help him succeed in the industry.

“He has a good work ethic, he’s cautious and he’s safe. He asks questions, follows instructions and picks up new tasks quickly. He also fits in with the crew really well, which is important.”

While enrolled in the Primary Industries Academy (Gateway) at Geraldine High School, Jordy visited Port Blakely’s forestry operations and liked what he saw. Through the school programme, he started work experience visits, one day a week, with harvesting crews and after a few months he was offered a fulltime job with MJ Logging.

KEY FACTS ■ JORDY MURU IS COMPLETING HIS FORESTRY APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH COMPETENZ AND IS WORKING FOR MJ LOGGING. ■ HIS MAIN ROLE IN THE CREW IS MANAGING THE SKID SITE. HE IS PART OF A MECHANISED GROUND-BASED CREW BASED IN THE GERALDINE AREA. ■ JORDY IS THE SOUTHERN WOOD COUNCIL’S 2020 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER FOR THE LOWER SOUTH ISLAND.

As part of his Competenz apprenticeship, Jordy also enrolled in the block courses at Mike Hurring’s training facility at Balclutha. Five times a year for one-week blocks, he and seven other apprentices would fast-track their learning on big machines and harvesting machine simulators.

“The Primary Industries Academy has given me the chance to pursue a career that I enjoy,” says Jordy.

“My boss and everyone that has been involved with my training has helped to get me to be the best I can be in my job.”

If you are safety conscious, practical, work well in teams, have reasonable strength and fitness, good work habits and a ‘can do’ attitude, a career in forestry might be for you.

Harvesting contractors fell mature trees, extract them to a processing area and cut the trees into log lengths ready to be shipped to market. Workers must have good mechanical skills and be able to operate equipment proficiently and safely – from chainsaws through to state-of-the-art advanced mechanised felling and processing machines.

There are a variety of jobs to do from preparing the ground, planting, pruning, measuring tree growth, selecting and cutting down trees through to using harvesting machinery, operating loaders, cutting and grading logs and maintaining equipment. Forest management and research are other opportunities in the industry.

Helpful experience includes making or fixing things and working with machinery. You will need good NCEA Level 1 passes in Maths and English and there are Gateway programmes available, which is the path Jordy has taken.

For more information on careers in the forestry industry, visit www.forestrycareers.nz For more information on apprenticeships in forestry through Competenz, visit www.competenz.org.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FORESTRY APPRENTICE

APPRENTICE’S ATTRIBUTES SEE HIM SUCCEED

19

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 20

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer LUKE MARSHALL

TEACHING OUR TAMARIKI

CONSIDER BECOMING A KAIAKO “I love that every day is unique and different, and I get to go to work and hang out with tamariki all day who are at different ages and stages in their life. I am their best friend, their safe person while they’re away from their whānau and their kaiako (teacher) all in one.”

This is what 24-year-old Amber Moore loves most about her job as an early childhood education (ECE) teacher and team leader at Hardykids Early Learning Centre in Nelson.

“Who wouldn’t want to play each day while also improving the education of young children in our country?” she says.

“Also, Te Ao Māori has significance to me so being able to represent this within my line of work is amazing; I can be a voice for the future. Kia kaha Te Reo Māori!”

Amber combined fulltime work with fulltime study to complete a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ).

LOOKING TO START YOUR CAREER IN THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY If you are looking for your first job or a cool place to work look no further!

We pay above minimum wage and the more training you complete the more you can earn.

We also have Delivery Driver jobs that are super flexible.

www.kfcjobs.co.nz www.carlsjrjobs.co.nz www.pizzahutjobs.co.nz www.tacobelljobs.co.nz www.restaurantbrands.co.nz/our-people

AMBER MOORE

“It was hard being in a leadership role, working fulltime and studying fulltime via distance learning,” she admits, “but I was determined to finish my degree and take any and all opportunities I was given along the way to further my career, challenge myself and develop professionally.”

Te Rito Maioha’s three-year programme blends online learning with practical experience and block courses that give students the opportunity to meet each other and go over assignments with lecturers.

“Although it’s done online, there was always someone to answer my questions when I had them,” Amber says.

“They are a great provider with an emphasis on Te Ao Māori and biculturalism.”

Growing up in Pakuranga, Auckland in a family of six children, Amber went to Edgewater College where she took Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, English and Tourism in her final year (Year 12).

She says English “and learning the basics of things like Microsoft Word and Powerpoint” have helped her most in her study and work.

She also learnt Te Reo Māori at primary school and wishes she had continued this through high school.

Amber’s goal is to manage an early learning centre and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to open and run her own centre.

Her advice to anyone considering a career in ECE is to volunteer to see first-hand what the job entails.

“My other piece of advice would be to decide what you want and strive for it – never give up till you’ve achieved your goals. As long as you have the goal and continue with the momentum to reach it, you can!”

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia ō tātou māhi.

Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

KEY FACTS ■ AMBER MOORE HAS A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION) THROUGH TE RITO MAIOHA EARLY CHILDHOOD NEW ZEALAND. ■ SHE WORKS AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHER AND TEAM LEADER AT HARDYKIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE IN NELSON. ■ AMBER’S GOAL IS TO MOVE INTO MANAGEMENT OF A CENTRE WITH A VIEW TO GAINING THE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE REQUIRED TO OPEN HER OWN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE.

Grow to grow others Become a teacher with Te Rito Maioha

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

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

- TE REO MAORI HAS SIGNIFICANCE TO ME SO BEING ABLE TO REPRESENT THIS WITHIN my line of work is AMAZING; I CAN BE A VOICE FOR THE FUTURE. KIA KAHA - TE REO MAORI.

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COMMERCIAL MED BOOK BOLD SALES REPRESENTATIVE 22

HIGH ACHIEVER ENJOYS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

SEEINGTHE EFFECTS OF DEDICATION writer PETER WHITE // photographer CHARLY HARVEY

Not many students would shift away from their family and friends at the age of 17 to follow their sporting dream. But EWAN SYME had set bigger goals than most students.

The high achiever left Otago Boys’ High School and the life he led behind in Dunedin in order to join the regional development cycling hub based at Academy Southland in Invercargill.

He completed Year 13 at James Hargest College, where he took Biology, English, Maths, Economics and PE. Then he completed a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) (Level 6) at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill, last year.

Ewan, 20, is grateful for the amount of support SIT provided, which enabled him to compete in cycling overseas.

“It worked out well for me with my cycling. The tutors and everyone at SIT were very helpful and understanding with me going away to events. They provided me with all the content I needed to study for assignments while I was away.”

His cycling career has developed well, and he is representing New Zealand with success. Ewan believes there are benefits to setting high goals in sport that relate to a career in business.

“I have always tried to be a high achiever and sport taught me quite a lot in the way of being dedicated, always trying to achieve to the highest level […] when you represent New Zealand [it] takes a lot of hard work and commitment.

“That has transformed into my job as well. Your attitude to work is you always want to do well and do your best, and that probably goes a long way in your career.”

In his second year at SIT, Ewan started work part-time at Placemakers in Invercargill. While he finished off his diploma, he became a commercial sales representative for the Southland region for Placemakers.

Ewan says the job involves looking after commercial contracts – from pricing up a project to working with key commercial contacts like quantity surveyors, directors and estimators.

“Basically that tracks through to delivering and project managing the job, ordering what’s needed, co-ordinating with the foreman on site and ensuring the guys have the material when they want it.

“Every day is different. There are always new challenges. The thing I like is the variety, how you are in the office then out of the office quite a bit, seeing different job sites and interacting with a lot of different people.

“What I like about it the most is you are building those relationships with people and gaining that trust. The relationship side of it is quite rewarding, satisfying your customers and keeping them happy through to completion of the project.”

Ewan’s advice for school leavers is just to follow what you want to do and get into it.

LOOKING FOR COMPLETELY FREE STUDY?

SIT provides a range of Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) qualifications, covering all apprenticeships and sub-degree programmes across Levels 3 to 6 in certain sectors that face possible skill shortages.

Look for specific courses with the TTAF logo at www.sit.ac.nz – these programmes are currently completely free to study through SIT.

KEY FACTS ■ EWAN SYME HAS A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN CONSTRUCTION (QUANTITY SURVEYING) (LEVEL 6) FROM THE SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ HE WORKS AT PLACEMAKERS AS ONE OF THE COMMERCIAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE SOUTHERN REGION. ■ EWAN ENJOYS THE VARIETY AND NEW CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH HIS ROLE.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

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

SOLVING SOFTWARE ISSUES writer PETER WHITE // photographer DAVID LAVERDE Earlier this year COLTON GOODALL developed a COVID-19 tracer app for Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

“SIT asked me to build it for them. It was definitely interesting and fairly exciting too as it is what I want to do further down the line as well,” Colton says.

“I was able to get on board with it pretty early, which is nice. I want to be a software developer who builds applications that a client wants, like the COVID tracer, but in a more general sense.”

Colton works at SIT as an Application Specialist in the Information Technology Services area. He finds it a varied and interesting role.

“I am an application specialist, so I work with staff around the campus and help them out with any issues they have with SIT-specific software. For example, we use the Blackboard online learning management system for students to get their information from.

“If there are any issues with Blackboard it comes to the information support team I am part of.

I will then work through the issue with them.

I also do some custom development stuff with Microsoft products.”

Colton’s advice to students who are off to study next year is to go with whatever you are interested in, as it makes it so much easier if you actually enjoy what you are studying.

APPLICATION SPECIALIST

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

23

Colton is thriving in his new role at SIT but at school he was not sure what he wanted to do.

The 22-year-old went to James Hargest College in Invercargill. In Year 13 he took Computer Studies, English, Maths, Media Studies and Woodwork.

He admits he took computing because he enjoyed playing games on his computer.

In March this year, Colton began working fulltime at SIT after graduating from there at the end of 2019 with a Bachelor of Information Technology.

“I started off doing the diploma, which was only one year, as a bit of a tester and it turned out I really liked it.

“The best part of the course is probably the tutors as they are so knowledgeable. I tried to specialise at SIT in programming. There are quite a few different paths you can go – like into project management.”

The degree includes a full-year project, which Colton found very useful.

“You get in a group of three to five people generally and you outsource a client who has shared an idea for a project. My project was in-mobile apps for managing the building of houses and building in general.

“It is really good because although it is not a proper business setting, you get to work with business people and it gives you a good idea of what it is going to be like and what you can expect.”

I TRIED TO SPECIALISE AT SIT IN PROGRAMMING. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW DIFFERENT PATHS YOU CAN GO – LIKE INTO PROJECT MANAGEMENT. COLTON GOODALL

KEY FACTS ■ COLTON GOODALL HAS A BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FROM THE SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT).

■ HE WORKS AS AN APPLICATION SPECIALIST IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AT SIT.

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

■ COLTON’S ADVICE TO STUDENTS IS TO STUDY SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY ENJOY.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #19

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

BACHELOR OF ANIMATION 24

INSPIRED BY DISNEY FILMS CREATING WORLDS AND CHARACTERS

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer LOGAN WEST Every single one of the subjects CAYLEEN BESTER took in Year 13 at Albany Senior High School have been useful for her chosen study path – a Bachelor of Animation at Yoobee Colleges – even, surprisingly, PE. “Physical Education was extremely useful as we were taught the bone and muscle structure of the human body and how it moves – knowledge I believe is crucial in creating convincing 2D and 3D animation,” she explains.

The three art-based subjects she took – Design and Visual Communication Technology (DVCT), Painting and Design – helped Cayleen gain a strong understanding of design principles, improved her drawing and painting skills and taught her how to establish a theme in her work.

“DVCT also taught me how to design architecture and products, which easily transitioned into prop and environment design this year. And English helped me understand basic film techniques, which have been very useful for storyboarding.”

Watching Disney classics and other animated films as a child sparked Cayleen’s interest in animation.

TRY NOT to SPECIALISE TOO SOON AND DO A BIT of EXPERIMENTING BECAUSE YOU MAY FIND SOMETHING you DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT. CAYLEEN BESTER

“As a kid, I was fascinated by the process and behind-the-scenes of these films and would be inspired to make my own animations on my Nintendo DS, or out of clay.”

Cayleen (18) knew her passion was creating worlds, characters and stories but was starting to doubt she’d be able to find a degree that matched what she was looking for – until she remembered one of her classmates telling her about Yoobee Colleges.

“Long story short, I discovered a degree that offered exactly what I was after. The Bachelor of Animation covered everything I had been looking for, but what really drew me to the course was the broad range of skills, such as 3D and 2D animation, life drawing, visual design and more.

“This range of skills would allow me to try out new career paths I hadn’t previously known about and would help keep as many doors open as possible.”

BACHELOR OF ANIMATION

Cayleen is nearing the end of the first year of the three-year-degree and despite the challenges that lockdowns have had on mastering things like new computer programmes, she has really enjoyed the year, particularly the creative freedom students are given.

“For example, in our animation assignment, we could animate anything we wanted and got to design our own characters, props and environments.”

Cayleen’s dream is to work in the film industry for a company like Weta Workshop, possibly in the design stage of pre-production.

Her advice to anyone wanting to study animation is to pick an animation course that covers a wide range of skills and allows you to keep as many career paths open as possible.

“Try not to specialise too soon and do a bit of experimenting because you may find something you didn’t know you were passionate about.”

25

KEY FACTS ■ CAYLEEN BESTER IS COMPLETING A BACHELOR OF ANIMATION THROUGH YOOBEE COLLEGES. ■ SHE WAS INSPIRED TO A CAREER IN ANIMATION AFTER WATCHING DISNEY MOVIES AS A CHILD AND BEING FASCINATED BY THE PROCESS AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTORS THAT GO INTO MAKING THE FILM.

For more information on studying Animation through Yoobee Colleges, visit www.yoobee.ac.nz

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

■ CAYLEEN ENJOYS THE CREATIVE FREEDOM THAT YOOBEE OFFERS.

LED lighting in sign letters

Sign installation

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Are you looking for a fast paced, exciting industry to grow your knowledge in design or manufacturing? Do you have a creative mind, are you a strategic thinker and planner, or are you more hands on, a maker or creator?

Sign making fits into all of these skill sets. So, whether you have studied design, digital technologies, multi materials, construction or mechanical technologies, why not explore how sign making can satisfy your passions, your drive and your ideas to create mind blowing signage concepts seen everywhere.

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In this multi-skilled industry designers get the opportunity to create and plan an idea, and manufacturers’ follow through with the hands on practical skills to make it a reality.

Sign making encompasses all sorts of signage including digital design, brand creation, vehicle wrapping, illuminated & 3D signage, hi-tech architectural installations, traditional hand painted techniques and much much more.

Ask us about our Gateway programme If you want to be part of this exciting industry and learn how to make your ideas and creations come to life…

Get in touch with us!

Vinyl car wrap

0800 0800 52 | www.signee.nz

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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS

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GIS OPENS WHOLE NEW WORLD writer SARA CARBERY // photographer MARTY MELVILLE Have you heard of GIS and wondered what it was? Geographic information systems (GIS) are systems designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage and present all types of geographical data.

GIS tells us where features and places are, how they relate to one another and how they can change over time. This includes the physical features on, above or below the earth’s surface, as well as information about property boundaries, traffic and people, weather, health issues and hazards.

“If you have an interest in small to big scale issues and finding a means of resolution, an interest in how decisions are made and if you’re someone who likes to visualise the information that’s needed to make these decisions, GIS might be for you,” says 27-year-old Kasey Oomen.

Kasey works as a resilience advisor with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) as part of the team tasked with the challenge of supporting efforts to prepare for, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and one-off events.

Growing up in a rural environment in the Wairarapa sparked Kasey’s interest in sustainability and environmental issues, including climate change, and she went on to study a Bachelor of Science at Victoria University, majoring in Environmental Science and Physical Geography, with a minor in Plant Biology.

While working at LINZ, she is completing a postgraduate certificate in geographic information science and plans to complete a master’s degree in GIS/data science. GIS also means geographic information science, the science that underlines geographic information systems and their use.

With a better understanding of GIS, Kasey says she will “be better able to propose and implement solutions. I will also be in a better position to explore additional functions for our work programme.”

Of the subjects she studied in her final year of secondary school – Physics, Visual Art, English, Chemistry, Biology and Calculus – Kasey says Physics has been the most useful in relation to GIS. She thinks computer science (or a related subject) would also be helpful.

In the future, Kasey hopes to apply her GIS skills to help find solutions to humanitarian and environmental challenges.

“In the context of humanitarian efforts, I am most interested in providing assistance to indigenous communities and those affected by adversity.”

Kasey is of Ngāti Porou descent, and wishes to reconnect with and learn more about her heritage.

If GIS sounds like something you might be interested in, Kasey’s advice is to start looking

KEY FACTS ■ KASEY OOMEN HAS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MAJORING IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY FROM VICTORIA UNIVERSITY. ■ SHE IS CURRENTLY STUDYING TOWARD A POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND HAS PLANS TO BEGIN A MASTER’S DEGREE IN THIS AREA. ■ THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED GIS PROFESSIONALS AND KASEY SEEKS TO USE HER GIS SKILLS TO HELP FIND SOLUTIONS TO HUMANITARIAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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at maps, start creating maps, and try some online courses.

“The sooner you can immerse yourself in GIS, the sooner you will be able to realise whether GIS is the career for you.”

With GIS being used increasingly by businesses and government to improve analysis and decision making, LINZ says there is a shortage of skilled GIS professionals both in New Zealand and globally.

“By adding GIS papers to your tertiary qualification, you can open up a whole world of career opportunities.”

For more information on studying geographic information science (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

FROM APPRENTICE TO SUPERVISOR In six years in the aluminium joinery industry, SHEVONNE EVANS has broken down constructed barriers and shown that females can do anything they want to.

ALUMINIUM JOINER

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS The 23-year-old works for Nulook Gateway Glass and Aluminium in Tokoroa.

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writer PETER WHITE // photographer ALAN STEVENS

She has proven herself to be equally as capable as any male doing the job and won some awards along the way.

In 2018, Shevonne won the coveted WANZ and BCITO Apprentice of the Year award.

“Being the first female to win was quite awesome,” she says. “There were a few shocked faces but honestly the crowd was great. They were so supportive and a lot of people who I didn’t know came up and congratulated me.”

Shevonne went to Forest View High School in Tokoroa. In Year 13 she took Outdoor Education, Sports Science, History and Media Studies.

She says she did not really decide to get into a trade, it just happened.

“I needed to find a fulltime job and I decided I didn’t want to go to university as I didn’t know what I wanted to study. I saw an advert looking for an aluminium joiner and so I applied and got the job.”

Shevonne did her apprenticeship through BCITO and finished the 24-month programme in just 18 months.

“I really wanted to prove someone wrong that said I wouldn’t be able to do it because I was a female.

So, I just carried on from there really.

“Early on, there were some challenges physically but that mainly comes down to technique, which you learn over time. You figure out what can make it easier for you as you are learning.

“Some of the older men were stuck in the ways that women can’t do it but eventually they just

look at you as an equal who can do it. So that is probably one of the best parts of the job.”

Shevonne has achieved three architectural aluminium joinery qualifications through BCITO since 2017 and this month completed her supervisor qualification.

“I have been working as a supervisor and workshop manager already, so it is another recognition of the work I am doing.”

Training new apprentices is the part of the job she likes the most.

“I have trained six now and four are qualified. I love

seeing where they start and then seeing them become qualified and skilled workers.

“I also do some work as a BCITO ambassador.

I travel around schools, telling my story to students and love getting them involved in little projects we bring along with us.”

Her advice to school leavers is to definitely take good notes as that is where you will get most of your knowledge from.

“Honestly every day I still look back at my notebook.

You can’t remember everything. Also take every opportunity you can with both hands. You can do anything, there is nothing stopping you.”

KEY FACTS ■ SHEVONNE EVANS IS AN ALUMINIUM JOINER AND HAS ACHIEVED THREE ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM JOINERY QUALIFICATIONS THROUGH BCITO SINCE 2017. SHE RECENTLY COMPLETED HER SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATION.

For more information on apprenticeships through BCITO, visit www.bcito.org.nz/apprentices

■ SHE WORKS AT NULOOK GATEWAY GLASS AND ALUMINIUM IN TOKOROA. ■ SHEVONNE WON THE COVETED WANZ AND BCITO APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD IN 2018.

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EMPLOYABILITY TOOLS 28

THE 7 SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

PRESENT YOURSELF IN YOUR BEST LIGHT 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 magical – the key is that these job seekers 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 whānau, 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. Not getting angry at others when you’re frustrated and managing stress 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.

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

■ INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS SECTIONS What you do in your spare time is a powerful indicator to employers of your range of skills.

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

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

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EXAM TIME IS FAST APPROACHING writer SARA CARBERY // image iSTOCK It’s staying brighter for longer and starting to feel like summer ... it must be getting close to exam time!

Before you start panicking, look at these tips and make the most of your study leave.

A few weeks out from your exams, 1 draw up a study timetable that lists what you’re going to study, when.

Be as specific as possible by breaking each subject up into topics you need to study. This helps you to get straight into study each day knowing what you’re going to do.

Mixing it up is good. If you stick to 2 one subject for too long your brain can switch off, so schedule some algebra after novel studies, for example. If possible, mix up the place where you study to keep things interesting. Have a number of quiet, distraction-free spots and move between them.

Don’t spend time revising stuff you 3 already know. If you don’t understand something, ask for help or go online and see if you can find the answers.

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There are many ways to revise, including drawing mind maps or diagrams, making notes, answering past exam or practice questions, writing cue cards, asking someone to test you, highlighting important words or ideas, putting key-word posters on your bedroom wall or ceiling, or writing skeleton essays. Find a combination that works for you.

Making notes is a great way to memorise a lot of information. (The aim is to move the information out of our short-term memory and into our long-term memory.) You’ll recall your notes better if you write them out by hand rather than typing them. Reading your study notes aloud can help the information stick because you’re processing your notes audibly as well as visually.

Take short frequent breaks. Research shows that shorter 25–30-minute study sessions work best because your concentration levels are higher. At the very least, aim to break every 50 minutes for 10 minutes.

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Look at plenty of past exams and exemplars. These are available at www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualificationsstandards/qualifications/ncea/subjects Mornings are a good time for note taking as you’re feeling fresh. Before bed is a good time to look over your notes and commit them to memory. (Your brain processes new memories while you’re asleep.)

Make the most of your study time by minimising distractions. Leave your phone in another room and shun all social media.

Switch off the wi-fi if you don’t need it for study.

Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks to keep your brain humming.

Make sure it’s not all work and no play.

People who find the right balance between study and leisure are the ones who get the top marks. Exercise in particular is really important as it increases your heart rate and makes your blood circulate faster.

This supplies more oxygen to your brain, which increases productivity and reduces tiredness and stress. Fresh air helps too.

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STUDY TIPS

TIPS ON STUDYING AND EXAM PREPARATION

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WELLBEING 30

HARNESSING PERFORMANCE STRESS

GET INTO YOUR OPTIMAL ZONE writer JENNIFER BECKETT // image iSTOCK 2020 has sure brought disruptions to the school year and many of you will be wondering how you might refocus and prepare well for exams.

We are not all in the same boat, but we have been in the same storm. In your individual boats, some of you may have kept up with study easily enough from home, while others of you may have been under immense pressure, under-resourced and be experiencing other personal issues and disruptions to life and study. If you are in your final years of study, with exams coming up, your boat may have sailed through a particularly rocky patch of sea!

Therefore, it is important for you to take a moment to really validate your unique experiences this year and that you have survived disruptions – at whatever level you had them.

As you begin to prepare for end-of-year exams, the good news is that you can harness some of the stress from this year to your advantage! The Yerkes-Dodson law (see diagram on this page) is that some stress can boost performance. Psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson found that people need a certain amount of stress or pressure to perform well.

Too little or too much stress can block success.

The key is to get to your optimal zone of stress and stay there – not increasing or decreasing stress too much – while preparing for exams. If you find you have too much stress to focus on exam preparation, then you can work on bringing your levels back to be in the right stress zone.

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RESIST ENERGY DRINKS This also includes other things that will push you beyond your optimum performance zone; these things will only reduce the time you can maintain it.

OPTIMAL STRESS PERFORMANCE

Zone of Best Performance

Low Stress

High Stress

STRESS LEVEL

To get to your optimal performance zone and maintain it, my advice is to keep the STAY STRONG acronym in mind.

Sleep Take medications/vitamins as prescribed R esist energy drinks and things that will push stress above your optimal zone Once a day, fill your cup Nutrition Get exercise and sunlight SLEEP If you only do one thing differently right now it should be to get enough sleep. Prioritising a good eight-plus hours of sleep a night will reduce stress, restore energy and boost memory and concentration – just what you need for exam study.

TAKE MEDICATION/VITAMINS AS PRESCRIBED To stay in your optimum zone, take any medication – if applicable – as prescribed.

This is the same for any vitamins aimed at enhancing performance.

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ONCE A DAY, FILL YOUR CUP The Japanese art of pouring sake is that the drink is poured until it overflows from cup to saucer – this is a measure of generosity. See yourself as the cup, keep yourself full and only give from what is in your saucer, so that you are not depleted.

NUTRITION Our brains are made up of fatty lipids, we need to fuel our brains for study. Reduce sugar content in snack food and drinks as they will shorten your performance zone.

GET EXERCISE AND SUNLIGHT So many students stop exercising during study.

Instead, sweat out cortisol. Exercise breaks improve study concentration. Sunlight provides a daily burst of vitamin D, regulates your melatonin response and you will sleep better and feel better.

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

She is the owner of Albany Psychology Clinic.

BALANCING YOUR BUDGET writer DIANA CLEMENT // image iSTOCK If you are about to leave school you’re going to be parachuted into a whole new financial world. You will find yourself making all your own financial decisions.

That’s exciting. It also means you’re going to need to pay your rent and bills on time or suffer the consequences.

Let’s face it. School teaches you far from all you need to know about money. And banks and shops are going to encourage you to take out as much debt as possible, such as loans and buy now pay later, because it’s profitable for them.

To navigate your way through the hazards you need to create a “budget”. Don’t let that word put you off. It’s really just a list of the money you have coming in and going out. Start on paper, but once you have the basics use an app such as Wally.me or Westpac’s CashNav. But let’s get started with your budget. Do the following on paper or use the tool available at www.sorted.org.nz/tool/budgeting-tool WHAT YOU EARN First work out how much you earn (your income).

You might earn a regular wage from working – that makes budgeting easier. If your money comes in lump sums from the student allowance or a student loan, you need to break these down into a weekly amount. Divide the lump sum by the number of weeks it needs to last for to get your weekly income.

your budget”. If not, look for where you can spend less or add more income until it balances.

EVERY STUDENT can LEARN to be good with MONEY.. with MONEY IT’S NO SECRET AND IT MAKES YOUR LIFE A WHOLE LOT LESS stressFUL IF YOU do..

IF YOU do

A balanced budget can reduce your stress levels, making it easier to learn and enjoy life.

WHAT YOU SPEND Now make a list of what you need to spend, including living costs, education, other expenses and entertainment money.

Some expenses such as clothing and flights home only come along from time to time.

Try to work out what you’ll spend on those for the year and divide that by 52. It’s a good idea to break your spending down into categories such as food, rent, car/transport and fun.

If you’re in halls, take your lunch with you rather than buying. Coffee and alcohol are a pleasure for many students. But they’re super expensive.

THE DIFFERENCE Once you have a list of income and spending per week (or month if you prefer) compare the two columns. Do they match? If so you’ve “balanced

TRACK YOUR SPENDING Check in weekly to see how you’re tracking with your spending. This is where an app can be useful.

Sometimes you may overspend in a category, but you can spend less the next week.

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF The trick with budgeting is you need to tell yourself the truth. Don’t say “I need it” when really it’s a want.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking your supermarket spend is all essential.

Every student can learn to be good with money.

It’s no secret and it makes your life a whole lot less stressful if you do.

With a money and tax section and pointers to other useful websites, a great place to start is the School Leavers’ Toolkit available at https://school-leavers-toolkit.education. govt.nz/en/money-and-tax/budgeting Finally, keep that student loan under control.

The smaller your debt at the end of your studies, the better start you’ll have to your working life.

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FINANCIAL TIPS

GET SCHOOLED UP ON FINANCES

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IT’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO START YOUR APPRENTICESHIP CALL BCITO

TODAY

0800 4 BCITO (422 486) OR VISIT BCITO.ORG.NZ