Leaving School issue 21

A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 JULY 2021 | ISSUE # 21

PHOEBE ANDREWS ECOLOGIST – PAGE 7

STEPHEN RICHARDSON FISHERMAN – PAGE 15

JESSIE PATCH TEACHER – PAGE 10

Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do.

Don't let the limitations of others limit your vision. If you can remove your self-doubt and believe in yourself, you can achieve what you never thought possible.

Roy T. Bennett MARC PALMER BUILDER – PAGE 14

JACK PRICE SHEPHERD – PAGE 18

ZION LEAUPEPE POLICE OFFICER – PAGE 22

ANTONIO EGUSQUIZA-ARANA BARBER – PAGE 26

LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FRANCESCA FLORES-LIM NURSE – PAGE 20

Learn about careers in sheep and beef 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.

B+LNZ invests in and supports growing, training and retaining people in our sector through collaborating with others for more impact. Learn more: beeflambnz.com/people-and-training Need to talk to someone? Get in touch and email peopleandtraining@beeflambnz.com

Pathways to careers in sheep and beef Primary ITO 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 / 0800 20 80 20 Growing Future Farmers Support on-farm cadetship opportunities in the growing network of sheep and beef farms across New Zealand. www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz 021 315 534 Lincoln University A specialist agricultural university in the South Island offering diplomas and degrees in agricultural commerce and science, plus related fields. www.lincoln.ac.nz / 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 / 0800 83 53 67 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 / 06 586 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 0800 MASSEY (06 350 5701)

ARA Institute of Canterbury Based in the South Island and offering a Diploma in Agriculture. www.ara.ac.nz / 0800 24 24 76 Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Offering New Zealand Certificates Primary Industries and Agriculture and a Diploma in Agribusiness Management. www.toiohomai.ac.nz / 0800 86 46 46 Otiwhiti Station A specialisted sheep and beef live-in training farm delivering qualification in Agriculture up to level 3 and 4. www.otiwhitistation.co.nz / 0508 872 466 Waipaoa Station Waipaoa Cadet Farm is a live-in farm training operation delivering in agriculture from level 2 to 4. www.waipaoa.co.nz / 06 862 1988 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 / 0800 765 9276 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 0800 40 33 37 (03 211 2699) Whenua Kura A partnership between Lincoln University and Ngāi Tahu facilitating delivery of agriculture qualifications from level 3 to Diploma. www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz 0800 524 8248 (0800 KAI TAHU)

Did you know the red meat sector generates over 92,000 NZ jobs and contributes $12 billion in income per year for New Zealand?

Direct to farm employment It is often possible to gain employment on a sheep and beef farm directly from school. Vacancies are often advertised in local papers and the following websites: Agri-people website Federated Farmers job website TradeMe job website Seek job website Pacific Coast Technical Institute A nationwide provider of Primary Industry and Food related training, offering a range of rural skills short courses to assist NZ farmers with skills for young people and refreshers for those in need. www.pcti.co.nz / 07 575 2185 National Trade Academy Providing land-based education and training since 2000. Take pride in teaching their students the practical skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the land-based industries. www.nta.co.nz / 03 360 2192 Dairy Training Ltd Delivers vocational training to the Primary Sector, ranging from lower level Primary Skills through to Business Management. www.dairytraining.co.nz / 0800 467 768 Land Based Training Delivers level 2-5 Agriculture training programmes, a range of short courses, and on-farm training placements. www.landbasedtraining.co.nz 06 349 0077

LEAVING SCHOOL issue # 2 1 / July 2021

CONTENTS

05 FOREWORD | ALICE MANDER

Sometimes you just need to trust the journey you’re on, even if it isn’t what you had anticipated.

06 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | JAMES REED

The construction industry shows no signs of slowing down, meaning it’s a great consideration for school leavers.

07 ECOLOGIST | PHOEBE ANDREWS

An ecologist is the right mix of working with both animals and the environment.

Here is some advice from StudyLink on things that you really should consider when making calls on any future study.

09 STUDYLINK MANAGING EDITOR

Oliver Lee

SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Alice Mander, StudyLink, Janet Tuck, Peter White PHOTOGRAPHY iStock, Vivienne Laursen, Luke Marshall, Sarah Marshall, Marty Melville, Peter McDermott, Steve Selwood, Logan West, Rachel Wybrow PAGINATION HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER Ovato, Auckland PUBLISHER

10 PRIMARY SCHOOL KAIAKO | JESSIE PATCH

This second-year kaiako is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching our younger tamariki.

Amazing customer service inspired this store manager to apply for a job at Bunnings Warehouse.

Paramedicine was a neat combination of both emergency services and medical work for this St John shift supervisor.

This award-winning apprentice is setting himself up for life and for an improved home of his own.

12 STORE MANAGER | VALERIE WALKER 13 PARAMEDICINE | JACK WALLACE 14 BUILDER | MARC PALMER

15 FISHING | STEPHEN RICHARDSON

An industry that provides many opportunities for young school leavers and great friends too.

16 NOTICEBOARD

Here are the key dates, websites and events that are worth keeping track of.

18 SHEEP FARMING | JACK PRICE

This general shepherd is keen to train a good group of working dogs and move up the ranks.

19 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE | SOPHIE RIDD

While drawing inspiration from a childhood on a farm, this award-winning student reckons agriculture is for everyone.

20 NURSING | FRANCESCA FLORES-LIM

After seeing the dedicated care her father received after a serious injury, this nurse aspires to do the same for her patients.

22 POLICE OFFICER | ZION LEAUPEPE 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) 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.

Putting the call out for new officers – a varied, exciting career path is on offer.

24 BUDGETING ADVICE

Simple budgets will help you manage your money successfully.

25 POLICE EMPLOYEE | GEORGIA-FAYE BASHAM

This young law student finds part-time work at New Zealand Police to be rewarding and engaging.

26 BARBER | ANTONIO EGUSQUIZA-ARANA

Seeing transformations and cuts on social media made this apprentice barber want to do it himself.

28 CV PREPARATION

As you’re going to need a curriculum vitae, it’s time to get to grips with how to create the best CV possible.

29 INTERVIEW TIPS

You’ve landed yourself the interview and now you need to prepare for it – here are some tips to help you on your way.

30 JOBS IN FOCUS

A look at nine jobs from the construction and infrastructure industries, you might just find your future career here.

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HAVE FAITH IN YOUR JOURNEY

by ALICE MANDER // photography MARTY MELVILLE

When I was at high school, I was one of those girls who knew exactly what she wanted to do. I laugh now to think how sure I was about my future because as I get older, I have less and less idea of what I actually want to be when I “grow up”!

In my final year at high school, I lived and breathed my love of the arts, performing in musicals, making movies, singing and writing. My dream was to have a career in the arts in some way.

But today, at 21, I only really partake in the arts as a passionate audience member. Sixteen-year-old me may scoff at this and say, “What a sell out!”

I AM A PROUDLY SELF-DEFINED “NERD” and am glad that high school taught me that POURING PASSION INTO your education is the best approach.. is the best approach ALICE MANDER

However, I can confidently reassure her that I still carry the creativity, determination and critical thinking of the arts with me throughout everyday life.

I’m currently in my fourth year at Victoria University of Wellington, studying towards a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), as well as a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Film Studies and Sociology.

I am a proudly self-defined “nerd” and am glad that high school taught me that pouring passion into your education is the best approach. For me that means finding a way to seek justice for disabled people through the law.

I guess that’s the other big difference between myself at university, and myself at high school. Throughout my life, I have been physically disabled. However, when I was a teenager, the thought of saying that made my stomach churn with shame and embarrassment.

I was the only one in the school with a known disability, and I didn’t even know that the word “ableism” existed, let alone that it could be internalised!

However, as my little private school bubble burst, I began to see the world through different eyes. I began to see greater inequities in society, and my identity as a disabled woman felt like a political statement.

I began to write about my experiences, talk about it on television and radio, and engage with other disabled activists.

In 2021 I established the National Disabled Students Association, with the hope of confronting the barriers for disabled people in tertiary education.

Today, we work with Government and other institutions to advocate for the rights of disabled people to gain higher education.

When I was in high school, the thought of what I am doing today would have been outlandish. But really, I’m continuing to do what I have always done: 1. Try and make a difference.

2. Show the world through new eyes.

3. Tell stories.

My advice to 17-year-old me, and other school leavers, would therefore be to have faith in your journey. Where you will be in five years’ time will blow your mind, and I can almost promise you it probably won’t be where you think it will be. (In fact, it will be better!)

If you’re a disabled school leaver, my advice to you is to reach out to people.

Leaving school and entering the “real world” is scary for everyone, especially if you don’t know anyone in the same boat as yourself.

Hey, a great place to start is to give the National Disabled Students Association a follow on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ NationalDisabledStudentsAssociation Alice Mander is the founder and current president of the National Disabled Students’ Association Aotearoa.

She has worked with Imagine Better, a non-governmental organisation that is dedicated to disability activism and rights. Her lived experience with disability has made her more aware of the inequities in society and she is consistently working hard to fight for the changes she wants to see in the world and to seek justice for disabled people through the law.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FOREWORD

SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES

5

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 6

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BOOM

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Everywhere you look in major centres throughout New Zealand there are major construction projects underway.

The boom looks set to continue well into the future, which is great news for school leavers considering a career in the wide-ranging construction industry.

JAMES REED is structures divisional manager at Auckland-based Dominion Structures, who he has been with since 2007.

“The construction industry looks great. There is loads of work on and people may not realise that it is a great paid industry as well,” he says.

James completed both a Diploma and a Bachelor of Construction Management at Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland.

“They give you the background knowledge you need to firstly get a job and show an employer you are committed to a career. They teach you all the stuff you need to know to further develop in the role when you are actually on the construction site learning,” he says.

“There is lots of stuff you learn at Unitec that you don’t think you are going to need but it is not till you start out on site doing the job that you realise just how important some of those fundamentals are that Unitec teach you.”

James says if someone can commit to achieving that qualification they can commit to almost anything.

“It means they have chosen to do something and are passionate about it. The advice I have for school leavers is stay committed, don’t jump around and change your employer, and make the most of opportunities.

“Things do come to those who grab them, show diligence and want to do better. Don’t just sit back and wait for someone to manage you.

“Everything I have got is by talking up, showing initiative, being seen and heard, and I have stayed with the same employer the whole time.”

writer

PETER WHITE

photographer

LOGAN WEST

things DO COME TO THOSE WHO grab them, show diligence and WANT TO DO BETTER. DON’T JUST SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO MANAGE YOU. JAMES REED

After Unitec, James began as a cadet learning about production management before moving on to site supervisor roles, including the redevelopment of Eden Park for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He then became site manager on new build and existing fit-out projects in Auckland, overseeing sub-contractors on site, health and safety concerns, and liaising with other groups involved, including Auckland Regional Council.

He has progressed up through senior project management and project director roles to his current position as structures divisional manager.

James has a string of awards to his name including winning the GIB® Supreme Award for managing the University of Auckland’s new Waiparuru Hall, a hall of residence for school leavers with 786 bedrooms.

He also won the BBD Category Excellence Award for projects over $100 million for the same project leadership, and the Young Achiever Award twice.

He went to Auckland’s St Kentigern College.

His key subjects in Year 13 were NCEA Maths and Graphics. At the time, he had no idea just how important studying maths would be.

“Trigonometry was something I never thought I would use but when I was coming through my building career, I used it to work out angles and heights for formwork and safety zones.

“It shows you how little bits of the learning part of your life transpires into what you do and how you do it on site in your job.”

KEY FACTS ■ JAMES REED IS STRUCTURES DIVISIONAL MANAGER AT DOMINION STRUCTURES, AN AUCKLAND-BASED CONSTRUCTION FIRM. ■ HE HAS A DIPLOMA AND A BACHELOR OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FROM UNITEC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ■ JAMES RECOMMENDS STUDYING MATHS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING A SIMILAR CAREER PATH.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

For more information on studying construction management through UNITEC, visit www.unitec.ac.nz

VARIETY AND BALANCE ON OFFER

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST

ECOLOGIST

ANIMALS ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT STUDYING BIODIVERSITY GAVE ME A REAL appreciation FOR OUR AMAZING flora and fauna ECOSYSTEMS AND HOW ALL ORGANISMS interact.

7

PHOEBE ANDREWS

If you would like to be a conservation manager, ecologist, biosecurity officer or park ranger, Unitec’s Bachelor of Applied Science (with a double major in Animal Management and Welfare and Biodiversity Management) could be the degree for you.

PHOEBE ANDREWS was studying at Unitec to become a vet nurse when she heard about the degree and decided it was more along the lines of what she wanted to study.

Interested in animals and the environment, the double-major option offered the best of both worlds with a selection of courses related to animals and the environment.

“In this degree programme, you'll get your hands dirty straight away, learning about ecosystems, conservation issues, sustainable management of land, animals and plant life, as well as the management strategies that promote the conservation of biodiversity and address biosecurity,” says Unitec.

Phoebe is now working as an ecologist at Wildlands Consultants, an ecological consultancy that undertakes ecological restoration and revegetation, survey and monitoring programmes and assessments of ecological effects.

“There’s lots of variety in my job and it’s a really good balance between working outdoors and being in the office,” she says.

The downside? “The job is pretty physical and sometimes the days are long, but it’s worth it!”

Phoebe (24) has worked on a variety of projects during her two years with Wildlands, around Auckland, Northland, Taranaki and Great Barrier Island, where she spent three weeks working surveying for kauri dieback.

“Studying biodiversity gave me a real appreciation for our amazing natural flora and fauna ecosystems and how all organisms interact.”

Unitec prides itself on providing its applied science students with plenty of practical experience so they are work-ready as soon as they graduate. This was true for Phoebe, who went straight from Unitec into her job at Wildlands, after an introduction from one of her lecturers.

“It’s a super-practical course with lots of field trips,” she says. “You learn lots of great field skills.”

At Green Bay High School, Phoebe studied Biology, Accounting, English, Food and Nutrition, and Computer Science in Year 13.

“Biology and English were the most useful,” she says. “There are a lot of crossovers between biology and ecology and I have to write reports for my job, so being able to write well is helpful.”

In hindsight, she wishes she had studied NCEA Outdoor Education at school.

“Going on camping and hiking trips and having some bush knowledge would have been useful.”

If you’re interested in a job in conservation, Phoebe’s advice is to volunteer.

“Help out at planting days etcetera. It’s a great opportunity to meet people and get a feel for the kind of work you’d be doing. Plus, you’ll get a great sense of satisfaction.”

KEY FACTS ■ PHOEBE ANDREWS HAS A BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE WITH A DOUBLE MAJOR IN BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE FROM UNITEC. ■ SHE WORKS AS AN ECOLOGIST AT WILDLANDS CONSULTANTS, AN ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY. ■ PHOEBE STUDIED BIOLOGY, ACCOUNTANCY, ENGLISH, FOOD AND NUTRITION AND COMPUTER SCIENCE IN YEAR 13.

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

For more information on studying a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biodiversity Management and/or Animal Management and Welfare at UNITEC, visit www.unitec.ac.nz

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

STUDYLINK IS HERE TO HELP… contributor STUDYLINK, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Making decisions, like whether you’ll study, get a job or learn a trade, is big! But, if you’re planning on studying after you finish school, now’s the time to start getting organised.

It’s important to start thinking about what study will cost and how to pay for it. StudyLink is a government agency that can help you pay for study – with Student Allowances and Loans.

Check out their website, studylink.govt.nz, to find out about the financial support you can get, how to apply for it and manage it online.

Let’s get started: 1. Find out about the cost of study How much will your fees be? How much will you need to budget for bills? StudyLink’s website can help you work through all the things you need to think about before deciding to study.

Visit studylink.govt.nz 2. Check if you can get fees-free study Whether you’re thinking about doing a degree or an apprenticeship, you may be able to get fees-free study if you’re studying or training for the first time.

To check, go to feesfree.govt.nz 3. Find out about Student Allowance and Loans StudyLink can help with financial support while you’re studying. Even if you get fees-free study for the first year, you may still need help with course costs or 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).

Student Loan A Student Loan can help with study costs.

You’ll have to pay this back once you’re earning over a certain amount. If you’re a full-time student, you may be able to get a loan for: • compulsory course fees (check if you can get fees-free first) • course-related costs (help to pay for study materials like books, stationery, tools and computer items) • living costs (help to pay for day-to-day living costs, if you can’t get a Student Allowance).

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 help with course-related costs or living costs.

Check what you can get Use StudyLink’s eligibility test to work out what kind of help you could get while you’re studying – studylink.govt.nz 4. Apply by 16 December at studylink.govt.nz You don’t need to wait until you get your NCEA results in January to apply.

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

Each year around 180,000 students apply, so the earlier you get your application in, the faster it will be sorted out for you.

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

It’s more important to get your application in on time, even if you haven’t decided all the details yet.

KEY FACTS ■ FOLLOW GET READY FOR STUDY – STUDYLINK ON FACEBOOK. ■ TAKE STUDYLINK’S ELIGIBILITY TEST TO SEE WHAT HELP YOU CAN GET. ■ C HECK IF YOU CAN GET FEES-FREE AT www.feesfree.govt.nz ■ APPLY TO STUDYLINK BY 16 DECEMBER – DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR NCEA RESULTS. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

STUDYLINK ADVICE

THINKING ABOUT FUTURE STUDY?

9

PRIMARY SCHOOL KAIAKO 10

NURTURING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS

TEACHING TAMARIKI

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer SARAH MARSHALL Talk to JESSIE PATCH about her job as kaiako (teacher) at He Puna Ruku Mātauranga o Whangaruru in Northland and her enthusiasm is obvious!

Recently turned 23, Jessie is living her dream, teaching at the full immersion primary kura she attended as a child.

“I enjoy watching my tamariki grow and feel success in everything they achieve. I love seeing their bright and bubbly faces each morning and all the fun things we do as a school.”

As luck would have it, a position at her old kura became available towards the end of Jessie’s final year at the University of Auckland, where she studied for a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori specialisation.

She started in the role at the beginning of 2020 and is now a second-year beginning teacher in a full immersion classroom teaching years 0–3.

“I enjoy teaching te reo Māori and seeing how proud the kids are of our culture.”

As well as planning and providing feedback to whānau on the children’s learning, Jessie says her job involves “lots of lightbulb moments”.

BEING WITH younger TAMARIKI, I aM PREPARING THEM AND SETTING UP THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE. JESSIE PATCH

“Being with younger tamariki, I am preparing them and setting up the foundations for their future.”

Jessie attended Bay of Islands College to Year 12, taking te reo Māori all the way through, and was home-schooled for Year 13.

After taking part in the Gateway programme in Year 12 and exploring different workplaces, Jessie was drawn to teaching.

“I have always loved being around tamariki and growing up in a small community I saw first-hand the need for good education.

“As we live rurally, there is a lack of opportunity for lots of our people,” she says, “and I thought it would be awesome to be able to help grow and nurture our future generations, especially whānau within my own community.”

If you’re thinking of becoming a teacher, Jessie recommends studying te reo Māori.

“I didn’t realise the value of my reo until I reached high school and opportunities started to come my

Jessie loved every moment of her time at university.

“I have met lifelong friends and was so lucky to have the support of all the lecturers at the Tai Tokerau campus.

“While studying, it was the people around me, as well as my whānau, that got me through.”

When she has more experience teaching, Jessie would like to go back to university to study for a masters degree and, eventually, a doctorate.

PRIMARY SCHOOL KAIAKO

way and I realised how much of a taonga it was to be fluent, a taonga that so many of our people are working hard towards.”

11

To anyone thinking of becoming a teacher, she says “Do it!

“Our country needs strong and passionate kaiako.

It is the most rewarding job. It is more work than just 9am–3pm but you definitely find time in the holidays to relax!”

KEY FACTS ■ JESSIE PATCH IS A SECOND-YEAR BEGINNING KAIAKO AT HE PUNA RUKU MĀTAURANGA O WHANGARURU IN NORTHLAND. ■ SHE HAS A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TEACHING) HUARAHI MĀORI SPECIALISATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ JESSIE RECOMMENDS STUDYING TE REO MĀORI FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN TEACHING.

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

STORE MANAGEMENT TOURISM 12

FROM CUSTOMER TO TEAM MEMBER DISCOVER YOUR OWN FAMILY IN RED It was a basketball hoop chain that set VALERIE WALKER (28) on a career path with Bunnings; a journey that has seen her progress from part-time checkout operator to store manager of Bunnings Pukekohe.

“What made me initially apply for a casual job was experiencing first-hand friendly and exceptional service at Bunnings Manukau,” recalls Valerie.

“The two team members made me feel like family, and all I wanted was to buy chain for a basketball hoop. I searched up Bunnings jobs that very same night.”

Valerie worked part-time at Bunnings Takanini, while she studied for a Bachelor of Science, before signing on fulltime six years ago when misfortune struck her family.

“The pivotal moment I realised Bunnings was a career path rather than just any job was when my father was made redundant from his own career of 30 years,” says Valerie.

“Bunnings showed me such genuine support and care throughout this rough time in my life

and provided me with the means to take care of my father and sister.

“This genuine sense of care and family values encouraged me not only to stay, but to give back to my family in red.”

Valerie has worked in many different roles and departments since then, including in administration, special orders, goods inwards, and tools and hardware.

Bunnings prides itself on providing “genuine opportunities for career and personal growth”, and in 2019 Valerie was nominated for their future leader programme. This programme combines on-job advancement with a Diploma in Leadership and Management from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

Valerie clearly loves her job, particularly seeing members of her team fulfil their potential, as she is also doing. “When succession plans come to fruition, I am the happiest and most fulfilled.”

As store manager, Valerie’s main role is to ensure her team “are given the tools, training and empowerment they need to deliver the best

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST

customer experience possible”. She is also responsible for health and safety, forecasting sales, meeting the store’s key performance indicators and much more.

Of the subjects she took in Year 13 at Papakura High School – English, Physics, Biology, Statistics and Chemistry – Valerie says English and Statistics have been the most helpful.

“They gave me the social, literacy and computer skills I needed to become a confident all-round adult. In a career where your everyday interaction is with customers, solid social skills are needed to be able to provide the best customer experience.”

She says a personal finance course at school would have been useful.

“I wish I knew what taxes, debt, student loans and Kiwisaver were before leaving high school.

It would have made saving and becoming a homeowner so much easier.”

Valerie’s advice to school leavers is to “take risks, make mistakes and learn from them. You are never too old to learn new things in life.”

IN A CAREER WHERE YOUR EVERYDAY INTERACTION IS WITH CUSTOMERS, SOLID SOCIAL SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE BEST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. VALERIE WALKER

KEY FACTS ■ VALERIE WALKER IS A STORE MANAGER AT BUNNINGS PUKEKOHE. SHE INITIALLY STARTED AS A CASUAL WORKER, INSPIRED TO APPLY AFTER RECEIVING EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM BUNNINGS MANUKAU. ■ SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR BUNNINGS’ FUTURE LEADER PROGRAMME IN 2019. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FROM SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN MELBOURNE AND ON-JOB ADVANCEMENT. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

For more information on career opportunities with Bunnings, visit www.bunnings.co.nz/jobs

PARAMEDICINE: A DREAM JOB

writer PETER WHITE photographer STEVE SELWOOD

it was the COMBINATION of both the medical side AND EMERGENCY SERVICES THAT DREW MY ATTENTION TO PARAMEDICINE AS THE DREAM CAREER FOR me.

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JACK WALLACE

Being a frontline paramedic is the perfect career for Christchurch’s JACK WALLACE. The 24-year-old of Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent has quickly moved up the ranks to be a shift supervisor with St John Ambulance Service.

In his spare time, he volunteers as a team manager with 40 staff reporting to him.

It is busy, hectic and everything he hoped it would be when he first left St Andrew’s College.

Jack began working with St John through the youth programme at the age of 12 but at first he wanted to become a Police Officer.

“I thought it would be an interesting thing to get into while I was still at school that was linked to the emergency services before I joined the Police.

But when you turn 15 with the youth programme, you can go out with the paramedics and do event work as an observer at AMP Shows, fairs and rugby games,” says Jack.

“I started doing that religiously every weekend from the age of 15 to 18 and that really changed

PARAMEDICINE

WHERE 111 AND MEDICINE MEET

my mind on what I was going to do. I loved the medical side of what the ambulance service does and it was the combination of both the medical side and emergency services that drew my attention to paramedicine as the dream career for me.”

In his senior years at St Andrew’s, Jack ensured he took the key subjects recommended for a degree in paramedicine, English and Chemistry, plus in Year 13 he also studied Statistics and Performing Arts.

He gained a New Zealand Diploma in Ambulance Practice in 2015 and became an emergency medical technician at the age of 18, which he says was “pretty rare at the time”.

It meant he could work fulltime with the ambulance service while studying for his Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Paramedicine from Whitireia New Zealand, which took him an extra year to complete.

and every patient that you see is different. Every shift you do, you could end up in a different place.

“For students interested in medicine or emergency services, especially if you have an interest in both, this is the perfect mix of all of that. You don’t get stuck in a hospital and you get to learn about the clinical aspects with what happens to people.”

Jack says the role of a paramedic is expanding quickly and it is an exciting time to get into the industry for school leavers.

He recommends getting in touch with St John to spend time observing what the job is all about.

“Definitely try before you buy.”

“What I love most about the role is the variety of what we do. It is one of the few roles I can imagine where you are always out and about. You are not stuck in an office or a building, you are out and about

KEY FACTS ■ JACK WALLACE HAS A BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE MAJORING IN PARAMEDICINE FROM WHITIREIA NEW ZEALAND, AND A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN AMBULANCE PRACTICE. ■ HE WORKS AS A SHIFT SUPERVISOR WITH ST JOHN AMBULANCE SERVICE. ■ JACK HAS WORKED WITH ST JOHN THROUGH THEIR YOUTH PROGRAMME SINCE HE WAS 12 YEARS OLD, REGULARLY GOING OUT WITH PARAMEDICS AS AN OBSERVER THROUGHOUT HIS TEENAGE YEARS.

For more information on careers with St John, visit https://join.stjohn.org.nz/ ambulance-careers/home

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

IMPROVING HIS SKILLS AND HIS OWN HOME BUILDER GASFITTER

AWARD-WINNING APPRENTICE

4 14

writer PETER WHITE // photographer VIVIENNE LAURSEN “Give it your all and leave nothing. If you put in the hours, it shows.” So says MARC PALMER, who has proved it is a formula for success since beginning his building apprenticeship.

In June, the 23-year-old from Timaru won the national final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association apprentice challenge.

He competed against 18 other regional finalists from around the country. His win was the first for South Canterbury in the competition’s 10-year history.

“I haven’t really come to terms with winning.

With the calibre of people I was up against I was almost certain I would not take the top place,” says Marc.

“All I did was back myself in what I know and definitely studied hard and made sure I had everything right to the best of my ability going into the competition.

“I also had an open mind and used the opportunity to network, so coming away with the win was really just the icing on the cake.”

Marc went to Timaru Boys’ High School. In Year 13 he took Biology, English, Drama, Statistics and Hospitality.

He admits that while at school, he was not sure what he wanted to do for a career, so he followed his brother’s path into building through the pre-trade training course at Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru.

“I did the course and quite enjoyed it, so thought I would stick with it. I thought I had a future plan with building in my mind that I would buy a house and be able to do it up myself.

“I recently bought a house, which is pretty much ideal.”

Marc started his apprenticeship just over two years ago after firstly working as a labourer.

He works with David Bay, owner of Bayfields Ltd, and is appreciative of all the one-on-one learning he has picked up on-the-job with his boss.

What Marc loves most about being a builder is the knowledge gained and how much it relates to his day-to-day life as well.

“It gives me good problem-solving skills and planning-ahead skills so I can use that in anything I want to do.

“Even if that is just doing the dishes or doing the washing, it helps me to think ahead, which always makes the job a lot easier.”

The company Marc works for specialises in renovations and he thinks that “is pretty much ideal for working on my own house as I know what is going to happen and how to do it”.

His advice for school leavers is to absolutely get into the building industry if that is what you want to do.

“Building can really set you up for life from an early age with knowledge about the building and property markets giving you so many opportunities.

“All those options are there. All you have to do is take them and just go for it.”

BUILDING CAN REALLY SET YOU UP FOR LIFE from an EArly age WITH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE BUILDING AND PROPERTY MARKETS GIVING YOU SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES. MARC PALMER

KEY FACTS ■ MARC PALMER WENT TO TIMARU BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE HE STUDIED BIOLOGY, ENGLISH, DRAMA, STATISTICS AND HOSPITALITY IN YEAR 13.

■ HE FOLLOWED HIS BROTHER’S FOOTSTEPS AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL, GOING TO THE PRE-TRADE TRAINING COURSE AT AORAKI POLYTECHNIC IN TIMARU. ■ MARC STARTED HIS BUILDING APPRENTICESHIP JUST OVER TWO YEARS AGO. HE WORKS WITH DAVID BAY, OWNER OF BAYFIELDS LTD. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

For more information on studying building apprenticeships with Industry Training Association – Building, visit www.itab.co.nz

AIMING FOR SKIPPER

writer PETER WHITE photographer LUKE MARSHALL

WHEN I AM AT SEA, THE THING I like MOST ABOUT IT IS the deck WORK. I LIKE GOING OUTSIDE WITH the CREW, HAULING IN THE FISH, MENDING nets and all thAT SORT OF STUFF. IT IS FUN AND I ENJOY IT. STEPHEN RICHARDSON

STEPHEN RICHARDSON wanted to be a deep-sea fisherman from as far back as he can remember. Three years ago, at the age of 16, he made his first move into the industry and has not looked back since.

Stephen gives his aunty credit for the heads up about the famed Westport Deepsea Fishing School.

He made the move and spent six months’ sea time and four weeks’ class time working towards getting his deck hand ticket. He works to a six-weeks-on, six-weeks-off schedule on board Sealord’s factory trawler Rehua, based out of Nelson. He spends much of his time catching hoki off the South Island coast.

Stephen says that the holidays are something to love when you are a fisherman. The money is pretty good too, especially as you can’t spend it when you are out at sea.

“Sealord is a really good company to work for. It is good for young people. I am not very good with money, so it’s great they pay you while you are at sea and while you are at home,” says Stephen.

“Your regular payments stay the same, which is awesome, and you can earn good bonuses depending on the tonnage of the catch.

“When I am at sea, the thing I like most about it is the deck work. I like going outside with the crew, hauling in the fish, mending nets and all that sort of stuff. It is fun and I enjoy it.

“Working with all the crew on board and even being downstairs in the factory is awesome. It is like being with your second family.”

Career prospects in deep-sea fishing are looking good for Stephen.

“My dream is to be a skipper but my next role I want to get to is bosun, then after that it is second mate, first mate and then skipper. I would also like to own my own home in three years.”

Stephen grew up in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Murupara. He went to Murupara Area School, leaving after Year 11 to go to Westport Deepsea Fishing School, after taking English, Science, Woodwork and Maths as his main subjects.

Deep-sea fishing as a career could suit any school leaver as it is all about having the right mindset, says Stephen.

“If you put your mind to it, you can do it. If you don’t, then it is not the job for you.

“The key to doing well is to follow instructions, have the right attitude, work hard and if you do that you can achieve your goals and go a long way in the industry.”

The biggest challenge he faced when he first went to sea was a lack of sleep. But he says it is all about getting into a routine and sticking to it, so you do not get fatigued.

KEY FACTS ■ STEPHEN RICHARDSON WENT TO WESTPORT DEEPSEA FISHING SCHOOL, WHERE HE ACHIEVED HIS DECK HAND TICKET. ■ HE WORKS AS A DEEP-SEA FISHERMAN ON BOARD SEALORD’S FACTORY TRAWLER REHUA, WHICH IS BASED IN NELSON. ■ STEPHEN RECOMMENDS A CAREER IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND SAYS THAT ANYBODY CAN SUCCEED IN THIS SECTOR IF THEY HAVE THE RIGHT MINDSET.

For more information on career opportunities in the fishing industry, visit www.sealord.com/nz/careers www.seafood.co.nz/careers and www.deepsea.co.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

FISHING INDUSTRY

CREW ARE LIKE SECOND FAMILY

15

IMPORTANT NOTICES

NOTICE BOARD

Energy

and persistence conquer all things.

Benjamin Franklin

KEEPING TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

16

JOB HUNTING These websites will help you find a job!

Allied Work Force – www.awf.co.nz Trade Me Jobs – www.trademe.co.nz/jobs MyJobSpace – www.myjobspace.co.nz Student Job Search – www.sjs.co.nz Do Good Jobs – www.dogoodjobs.co.nz Work and Income – www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz

UNIVERSITY/POLYTECHNIC OPEN DAYS 2021 Tertiary provider

MASSEY UNIVERSITY Manawatu Campus VICTORIA UNIVERSITY MASSEY UNIVERSITY Wellington Campus MASSEY UNIVERSITY Auckland Campus UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY UNITEC UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY JAMES REED STRUCTURES DIVISIONAL MANAGER – PAGE 6

Date

Website

Wed 4 Aug Fri 20 Aug Fri 20 Aug Sat 21 Aug Sat 28 Aug Sat 28 Aug Sat 4 Sept Thu 9 Sept

www.massey.ac.nz www.victoria.ac.nz www.massey.ac.nz www.massey.ac.nz www.auckland.ac.nz www.aut.ac.nz www.unitec.ac.nz www.canterbury.ac.nz

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

CAREERS VOLUNTEERING NEW ZEALAND Volunteering can provide you with 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

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/

SCHOLARSHIPS

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

There is a free-to-use comprehensive list of Year 13 scholarships available to 2021 school leavers at MoneyHub. Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year.

Talk to your careers advisor or visit REID WILSON BOATBUILDER www.moneyhub.co.nz/students SEE PAGE 14 LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

VALERIE WALKER STORE MANAGER – PAGE 12

Nelson Mandela ALICE MANDER DISABILITY ADVOCATE – PAGE 5

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

Anthony Douglas Williams SOPHIE RIDD AG SCIENCE STUDENT – PAGE 19

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

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.

Helen Keller

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

SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2021/2022

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

JACK WALLACE ST JOHN SHIFT SUPERVISOR – PAGE 13

STUDENT ALLOWANCE EXAM DATES 2021 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 2021.

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

GEORGIA-FAYE BASHAM POLICE EMPLOYEE – PAGE 25

Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige.

It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.

William Arthur Ward

Term 3 holiday: 2–17 October 2021 Term 4 holiday: No later than 20 December 2021 through to no earlier than 31 January 2022 Term 1 holiday: 16 April–1 May 2022 Term 2 holiday: 9 July–24 July 2022

FEELING DOWN?

NCEA Examinations Monday 8 November – Thursday 2 December Cambridge Examinations November session Friday 1 October – Thursday 18 November

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Knowledge comes from learning.

Wisdom comes from living.

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

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

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

SHEEP FARMER

CAREER WITH A LIFESTYLE

PICTURESQUE FARMING

writer PETER WHITE photographer RACHEL WYBROW

IT IS PRETTY AWESOME COUNTRY TO WORK. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME SHIFTING STOCK AROUND, DOING GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND SHEPHERD WORK.

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JACK PRICE

Working in the outdoors surrounded by magnificent scenery on an iconic South Island sheep farm is the ideal career for JACK PRICE. The 19-year-old works as a general shepherd at Newhaven Perendales, which is renowned for high quality, hill-country sheep farming and has won awards for sustainable, environmentally friendly farming.

The farm is located 650 metres above sea level among snow-capped mountain peaks in the Kakanui Range in North Otago, with mostly very steep terrain with heavy tussock and icy slopes.

What Jack loves most about what he does is being outside in the open air and working the high-performing Perendale, Romdale and Perendale-Texel sheep breeds with a team of dogs.

It is hard work but very rewarding.

“It is pretty awesome country to work on. I spend a lot of time shifting stock around, doing general maintenance and shepherd work. Of course,

during lambing season we are flat out with that,” says Jack.

“It is a good farm to start out on with a team of dogs and there is really good hunting up here as well, so plenty of good outdoor past times. It is always enjoyable.”

Jack is from the small Canterbury town of Southbridge, world famous for where All Blacks legend Dan Carter grew up. He attended Waitaki Boys’ High School as a boarder and says the school’s Fraser Farm (www.facebook.com/WBHSPP) was the final inspiration for him to get into farming.

In Year 13, he took part in the school’s agriculture and agribusiness programme, where he studied maths and other subjects.

Students study various relevant topics and also take part in the day-to-day running of Fraser Farm, including on weekends.

Jack joined the Gateway programme at school – he worked once a week on a farm and gained valuable agricultural theory work through the

KEY FACTS ■ JACK PRICE WORKS AS A GENERAL SHEPHERD AT NEWHAVEN PERENDALES, AN AWARD-WINNING HILL-COUNTRY SHEEP FARM IN NORTH OTAGO. ■ HE ATTENDED WAITAKI BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL AND TOOK PART IN ITS AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDED PARTICIPATING IN THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF FRASER FARM. ■ JACK JOINED THE GATEWAY PROGRAMME AT SCHOOL. HE STUDIED THEORY THROUGH THE TELFORD CAMPUS OF SOUTHLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

Telford campus of Southland Institute of Technology. The work placement Jack got at Newhaven Perendales ended up being a great result for him as he landed a fulltime role there after he left school.

“Through the school’s farm I met David Ruddenklau and got in touch with his daughter and son-in-law.

I did work experience through Year 13 with them and I have been with them fulltime since.”

Jack’s advice for school leavers – if you are fit, don’t mind hard work and are keen and willing to learn then sheep farming is potentially a great career choice.

“You have to admit you are not always right.

Someone might show you a better way to work your dogs, for example. There is a good career path.

Once I establish a very good team of dogs, I could look at moving into a stock manager role then eventually a block manager role, or even become a fulltime farm manager.

“It is just good to get into the industry and see what suits you best when you are young.”

For more information on people and training options with Beef+Lamb New Zealand, visit www.beeflambnz.com/people-and-training For more information on studying toward a career in the agriculture industry through the Southern Institute of Technology, visit www.sit.ac.nz/telford

ANIMALS AND AGRICULTURE Nineteen-year-old SOPHIE RIDD manages to fit a lot into her life. She is in her second year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, and also competes in cattle shows.

“The Future Beef Hoof and Hook competition sponsored by Beef + Lamb New Zealand is awesome!” she says.

“This year I won the Allflex Senior Ambassador title, which is so exciting as months of hard work went into preparing my animals and studying for the modules.”

Sophie grew up on a farm and has helped her dad for as long as she can remember.

“I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how the animals and crops grown on our farm literally end up on our dining-room table,” she says.

“There is something special about eating from pasture to plate, and I thrive off living in an outdoors environment watching everything grow around me.”

writer SARA CARBERY photographer PETER McDERMOTT

While at Feilding High School, Sophie took Statistics, Agriculture, English, Geography and Fitness for Sport (Year 13), and Chemistry and Biology (Year 12).

“Statistics and English were so useful,” she says.

“They gave me a basic and broad understanding that I have used in every course so far at uni. High-school courses are so broad and cover such a wide range of skills that are used way more throughout life than we realise while we are at school.”

While NCEA Agriculture was helpful, she says don’t worry if it’s not an option at your school. “Taking the course at high school might just make a few introductory papers a little bit easier to understand.”

In hindsight she wishes she had taken Chemistry in Year 13. “Chemistry would have given me a greater basic understanding, especially for the first-year introductory chemistry course.”

Sophie is full of praise for Massey’s Agricultural Science programme and says there are many businesses and individuals offering support for young people in the industry.

As well as being this year’s recipient of Ravensdown’s Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Sophie has received scholarship support from Farmlands and Federated Farmers as well.

“There is a wide range of scholarships, competitions and jobs within the industry and all you simply have to do is put your hand up.”

If you want to learn more about “our incredible industry”, Sophie recommends taking part in Future Sheep coming up in a few months, A&P shows over summer, TeenAg or Young Farmers and Future Beef.

“The agriculture industry is full of opportunities regardless of whether you’re born on a farm or just have an interest in animals or agriculture.

“I really encourage everyone to give everything a go,” she says.

“You never know but you might just find your passion and what really gets your brain ticking.”

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THRIVE IN THE OUTDOORS

19

THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT EATING PASTURE TO PLATE, AND I THRIVE OFF LIVING IN AN OUTDOORS ENVIRONMENT WATCHING EVERYTHING GROW AROUND ME. SOPHIE RIDD

KEY FACTS ■ SOPHIE RIDD IS HALFWAY THROUGH A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY. ■ SHE TOOK STATISTICS, AGRICULTURE, ENGLISH, GEOGRAPHY AND FITNESS FOR SPORT IN YEAR 13, AS WELL AS CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY IN YEAR 12.

■ SOPHIE IS THIS YEAR’S RAVENSDOWN’S HUGH WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AND SHE ALSO TOOK THE ALLFLEX SENIOR AMBASSADOR TITLE AT THE FUTURE BEEF HOOF AND HOOK COMPETITION.

For more information on people and training options with Beef+Lamb New Zealand, visit www.beeflambnz.com/people-and-training For more information on studying toward a career in the agriculture industry at Massey University, visit www.massey.ac.nz

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

REGISTERED NURSE 20

CARING FOR PATIENTS THE VOCATION OF NURSING

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST

FRANCESCA FLORES-LIM was inspired to become a nurse after hearing stories from her dad about the nurses who cared for him after he had a serious accident.

“My dad is a burns survivor and spent many months in the hospital, as well as ongoing rehabilitation,” she explains. “There was one nurse in particular that my dad would always talk about as if she was his ‘guardian angel’ during a really difficult time.

“I aspire to be like this nurse for the patients I care for.”

After graduating from Selwyn College, Francesca (21) enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) at AUT, supported by an AUT New Horizons scholarship.

“I absolutely loved AUT,” she says. “The lecturers were all friendly and the friends you make during university and placements all have hearts of gold.”

Since graduating from university at the end of last year, Francesca has been working as a registered nurse on a general medicine ward at North Shore Hospital.

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Part-time or full time hours available to work around your life, apply now.

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“And NCEA Music and Drama were important as they helped me build IT’S THE MOST REWARDING my confidence, which was very beneficial when it came to going on FEELING TO KNOW THAT YOUR hospital placements and university simulation labs.”

PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY AND Inspired by the care her dad received FRIENDS FEEL COMFORTABLE after his accident, Francesca would one day like to work in the burns unit EXPRESSING HOW THEY TRULY at Middlemore Hospital.

FEEL WITH YOU. “I would also love to go on the Mercy Ships and serve as a registered nurse.”

FRANCESCA FLORES-LIM Mercy Ships is an international charity dedicated to bringing hope and healing to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people. and Drama, all subjects which have turned out to be helpful.

For Francesca, nursing is a vocation rather than “The sciences were useful in terms of understanding a job, so her advice to others wondering what career path to choose is: “Pick something you are the science-based subjects, such as human passionate about! There is nothing worse than anatomy and physiology, when I was in my first year at university,” she says. getting stuck doing something you don’t enjoy.”

REGISTERED NURSE

Her job involves helping patients with daily activities such as showering and eating, distributing medications, spending time with patients and their families “and if it's a crazy day, maybe a resuscitation code (an emergency!)”.

She says the thing she loves most about her job is looking after people when they are at their most vulnerable. “It’s the most rewarding feeling to know that your patients and their family and friends feel comfortable expressing how they truly feel with you.”

Francesca admits she found the transition from student to registered nurse quite challenging at first.

“But once I sunk into the role, I saw how capable I really was.”

In her final year at Selwyn College, Francesca studied Biology, Chemistry, English, Music

21

KEY FACTS ■ FRANCESCA FLORES-LIM HAS A BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE (NURSING) FROM AUT. ■ SHE HAS WORKED AS A REGISTERED NURSE ON A GENERAL MEDICINE WARD AT NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL SINCE GRADUATING FROM UNIVERSITY AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. ■ FRANCESCA STUDIED BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ENGLISH, MUSIC AND DRAMA IN YEAR 13 AND SAYS ALL HAVE BEEN USEFUL FOR HER STUDIES AND WORK.

For more information on studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) at AUT, visit www.aut.ac.nz/nursing and for more information on AUT scholarships visit www.aut.ac.nz/secondary-scholarships

AY D N

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te a u ns d a r ptio g r de te o OW n e u ua v N r i d l R nz/ ou gr a y E t e os .

T r c o S a l xp & p GI t.

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POLICE OFFICER

I LOVE WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY I LIVED IN WHEN I WAS GOING TO HIGH SCHOOL. it IS GOOD TO BE TRYING TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE HERE AMONGST MY PEOPLE. ZION LEAUPEPE

22

VARIED, EXCITING CAREERS ON OFFER

NEW POLICE OFFICERS NEEDED writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST

Working with her people in her own community is what ZION LEAUPEPE loves most about being a Police Officer. The 26-year-old has been based in Manurewa, Counties Manukau since she graduated from Police College in 2017.

“I am right in the thick of it. I work on the frontline, so we attend 111 emergency calls. Basically, we attend anything and everything in Manurewa,” says Zion.

“I love working in the community I lived in when I was going to high school.

It is good to be trying to make a real difference here amongst my people.”

At the start of her career, Zion starred in some recruitment videos for New Zealand Police – she loved doing these and hopes they played a role in giving inspiration to her community.

Zion originally wanted to join the New Zealand Army after she left Auckland Girls’ Grammar at the end of Year 11 but was too young to apply.

To upskill, she signed-up for Skills Update training courses at their Kelston campus, which she says was a huge help in getting her focused on a future career.

“They did pre-Army course training where you learnt things like fitness tests and some theory as well. It was fun but also really important for me.

“There were people who came in to speak at those courses, like Army officers but also from the Navy and Air Force. It opened my mind up that there were other careers like the Police and not just the Army.”

Zion says there is a need for new Police Officers, and she encourages young Māori and Pasifika school leavers in particular to apply to join.

“If you really care about your people then you would really want to be here and would really want to make a difference. I think that is what best suits someone to be a Police Officer.”

And the career paths available once you get established in the Police are so varied.

Zion says there are more than 100 options available, ranging from working with dogs, investigation work as a detective, special forces that only deal with firearms incidents or road policing.

Her straight-forward advice to school leavers considering joining the Police is to stay fit and not to get in trouble.

To relax away from work, Zion loves nothing more than putting on her rugby boots and scoring tries.

She has not been playing the game very long but has quickly become a star player with Manurewa and also Counties Heat in the national Farah Palmer Cup competition.

“You have to have some stress relief and sport is probably the best way to do that. Funnily enough, I wasn’t really that passionate about rugby but just went along and then fell in love with it.

“You grow strong bonds with your team and your coach and they become like another family. That’s why I love rugby.”

KEY FACTS ■ ZION LEAUPEPE HAS BEEN A FRONTLINE POLICE OFFICER IN MANUREWA, COUNTIES MANUKAU SINCE 2017.

■ SHE SIGNED-UP FOR SKILLS UPDATE TRAINING COURSES AT THEIR KELSTON CAMPUS AFTER LEAVING AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR. ■ ZION RECOMMENDS STAYING FIT AND OUT OF TROUBLE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING JOINING THE POLICE.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

For more information on courses offered by Skills Update, visit www.skillsupdate.co.nz For more information on joining the New Zealand Police, visit www.newcops.govt.nz

Where to now?

Get industry training with Skills Update Youth Courses (16-19 year olds) Automotive Building & Construction Hospitality Active Careers

Kelston Campus 12 Cartwright Road, Kelston Papakura Campus 15 Walters Road, Takanini

0800 000 055 www.skillsupdate.co.nz

FEES FREE

BUDGET ADVICE

writer DIANA CLEMENT // photo credit iSTOCK

24

MANAGE YOUR MONEY A SIMPLE BUDGET IS THE KEY Making your money last is hard as a student. If you budget, you’ll find managing your money easier, you’ll avoid crises and come out with a lower student loan. A simple budget tracks your income and spending.

GET STARTED Work out how much money you’ll have over the year by adding your student loan/allowance, any scholarships, money from your parents, income from a part-time job and any savings you plan to spend.

From that, deduct annual costs such as insurance and any books or equipment for your course. Then divide the remainder by 52 weeks (or 38 weeks if you’re only budgeting for the uni year). You then know how much money you have each week.

Now add up your estimated weekly spending including accommodation, transport, food, phone/broadband, toiletries, and socialising.

StudyLink’s estimate of what it costs students to live at different New Zealand universities can help, visit www.Tinyurl.com/NZstudent

GOOD RULES OF THUMB Try to keep your budget simple – that way you’ll use it. You might want to use a percentage-based budget, such as 70 per cent for essential living costs (such as halls/flatting and transport), 20 per cent for non-essential spending, such as clothes, takeaways and going

THE IDEAL STUDENT BUDGET

First year commerce/arts student James works parttime at McDonalds and lives at home for now.

He puts 20 per cent of his weekly pay into a spending account for fuel, clothes, takeaways and going out, 50 per cent into long-term savings, which will go towards flatting next year, 10 per cent into KiwiSaver, and 20 per cent into short-term savings for one-off costs such as car repairs and insurance costs. If he overspends one week, he ensures he spends less the next week and pays the other account back.

out, and 10 per cent savings for annual bills or unexpected costs. It doesn’t need to be 70/20/10. It could be 60/30/10 or whatever split fits your circumstances best.

DIVVY UP YOUR WEEKLY BUDGET At the beginning of each week divvy your weekly money into separate accounts for living, spending and short-term saving for upcoming costs. If you receive lump sums of student allowance and/or loan, make sure that money is kept separate, and a weekly amount is drip fed into the relevant accounts so that you don’t lose track.

TRACK IT Check your bank account regularly to see how you’re tracking with each week’s spending. Can you delay an expense until next week? Some banks such as Westpac and ASB have built in spending trackers. Try free budget apps, such as MyBudgetPal and Spendee, or Sorted.org.nz’s budget planner.

ANALYSE YOUR SPENDING One of the great things about having a budget is getting to know your financial self. It’s natural to mistake items you want for things you need When you analyse your spending regularly, it’s much easier to see where you can make savings. For example, you might find yourself thinking, ‘how could I spend $10 less on a night out?’

Finally look for ways to make your budget work, rather than excuses not to do it. It will pay off.

For more information and helpful tips on budgeting, visit www.sorted.org.nz/ tool/budgeting-tool#/ welcome LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

HELP THE POLICE RUN SMOOTHLY THINKING CRITICALLY AND TAKING PRIDE

“This is certainly a chapter of my life I will look back on. I will be forever grateful to the Police for being so flexible and understanding with my study.”

GEORGIA-FAYE BASHAM loves her role as a contracting Police employee at Wellington Central Police Station.

The 22-year-old works part-time while also in her first year of a law degree at Victoria University of Wellington. Georgia is one of a team that processes and codes the reports that come through the Police website/105 online.

She helps enter the data from the original report into a database where the Police can access this information and appropriately investigate and respond.

“In some instances, we are required to contact the informant directly to clarify any details of the original report,” says Georgia.

“If people want to file a non-urgent occurrence or it has happened after the fact, people are encouraged to contact 105, which relieves some of the traffic from the 111 communications centre.

“I read the report and code it depending on the nature of the offence/occurrence. I would then write a narrative, add all relevant vehicles, organisations and people – everything the officer will need to conduct any further investigation.”

Georgia started off in the Police doing file stripping, which involves removing all report data already in the database that does not need to be kept in hardcopy or storage.

“It is a really interesting role to be a part of, going through cases and in general just seeing the other side of Police work.

“There are people doing contracting Police work for 105 in Wellington, Dunedin and Kapiti. The Police Officers really do appreciate the support of all Police employees who prepare these detailed reports.”

POLICE EMPLOYEE

writer PETER WHITE // photographer MARTY MELVILLE

25

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO JOIN THE police, it IS A PROFESSION OF GREAT INTEGRITY AND VALUES. IT’S A VERY REWARDING JOB AND YOU MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS. GEORGIA-FAYE BASHAM

Georgia went to Wellington Girls’ College where she took Te Reo Māori, History, Biology, English and Psychology in Year 13.

She studied midwifery for two years, then began studying law and working at a supermarket before landing the role at Police about a year ago.

“The contrast between studying and working in retail compared to the Police is huge. I am much more engaged with the work at Police.

“You have to think critically and you hold a lot of responsibility in your role. These days, I take a lot more pride in my work.”

Georgia encourages school leavers to consider a role like hers.

“Be excited about this time ahead because it is an amazing chapter in your life. It is all about finding you and your path.

“You will make amazing accomplishments and amazing mistakes. I wish you luck on this journey.

The Police are very supportive of that journey, whether you end up having a lifetime career in the organisation or establish your own career.

“If you are looking to join the Police, it is a profession of great integrity and values. It’s a very rewarding job and you make lifelong friends.”

KEY FACTS ■ GEORGIA-FAYE BASHAM HAS WORKED AS A CONTRACTING EMPLOYEE FOR THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE FOR OVER A YEAR. ■ SHE WORKS ON A TEAM THAT PROCESSES AND CODES THE REPORTS THAT COME THROUGH THE POLICE WEBSITE/105.

For more information on career opportunities with New Zealand Police, visit www.police.govt.nz/careers

■ GEORGIA RECOMMENDS JOINING THE POLICE SAYING THEY ARE A SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER AND THAT THE WORK ENVIRONMENT IS ONE WHERE SHE HAS MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

APPRENTICE BARBER AIMS FOR OWN SHOP

SOCIAL MEDIA INSPIRES CAREER BARBER

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer LOGAN WEST

26

“My time as a barber apprentice has been such an enjoyable learning experience where I am constantly improving and having fun, friendly banter with awesome people,” says 22-year-old ANTONIO EGUSQUIZA-ARANA. Antonio’s interest in barbering was sparked by social media, watching videos on Instagram and YouTube of skin fades and haircut transformations.

“I remember it giving me a feeling of satisfaction, which then led on to me buying my first clippers and trying it out myself.”

Having started on reception in late 2019 at Maloney’s Barbershop in downtown Auckland, Antonio is 10 months into a two-year HITO apprenticeship in commercial barbering.

“Apprentices at Maloney’s start with the responsibility of shop maintenance and front-of-house duties, such as reception, before handling any tools.

“During this time, I developed a good work ethic and learned key skills from our senior barbers while also doing some training with mannequin heads and models.”

MY TIME AS A BARBER APPRENTICE HAS BEEN SUCH AN ENJOYABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHERE i am CONSTANTLY IMPROVING AND HAVING FUN, FRIENDLY BANTER WITH AWESOME PEOPLE. ANTONIO EGUSQUIZA-ARANA

So, what does being a barber involve?

“Obviously cutting hair is the simple answer,” says Antonio, “but the customer experience is most important – to make people look and feel great when they leave the barbershop.”

A highlight of his job is sharing stories and having a laugh with clients and colleagues. “I find the more fun you have while providing a service, the less it feels like a job.”

In Year 13 at Rosmini College in Auckland, Antonio studied Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Academic PE, History, Religious Education and PE. He also took Accounting and Physics in Year 12.

He says every subject has proven to be equally useful. “A little bit of knowledge of everything goes a long way in an industry with so much customer interaction such as barbering.

“However, if I was to pick one in particular it would be economics/business as you can learn a thing or two about startup businesses.”

AIMING FOR A CAREER IN SPORT? Get ahead of the game with a free clean sport e-course. www.drugfreesport.org.nz/e-learning

In hindsight, he wishes he had taken Gateway.

“It may have allowed me to find my path to barbering earlier.”

When he finishes his apprenticeship this September, Antonio will be fully qualified with a New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4).

In the future, he hopes to own his own successful barbershop and pass on his knowledge to the next generations of barbers.

If you’re interested in becoming a barber, Antonio’s advice is to give it a go.

“It’s a fantastic industry to be in,” he says. “Make sure to try your best to be reliable and committed to the craft as there is lots to learn and it will reward you.”

KEY FACTS For more information on barbering apprenticeships through HITO, visit www.hito.org.nz/ apprenticeships/barbering

■ ANTONIO EGUSQUIZA-ARANA IS 10 MONTHS INTO A TWO-YEAR HITO APPRENTICESHIP IN COMMERCIAL BARBERING. HE IS BASED AT MALONEY’S BARBERSHOP IN DOWNTOWN AUCKLAND. ■ WHEN HE FINISHES HIS APPRENTICESHIP, HE WILL BE FULLY QUALIFIED WITH A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN COMMERCIAL BARBERING (LEVEL 4).

■ ANTONIO BELIEVES THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF BEING A BARBER IS CREATING A GREAT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE.

YOUR

TICKET

TO

APPRENTICESHIPS H AIR BA R BERING BE AUT Y

CAREER SUCCESS HITO APPRENTICESHIPS Work experience

Barbering

+

NZQA Qualification

Beauty Therapy

Find out more: www.hito.org.nz

=

Your Success!

Hairdressing

@nzhito

BARBER

Since starting his apprenticeship last September, Antonio has learnt how to perform a range of barbering services, including haircutting, wet shaving, and beard and moustache work.

27

CV PREPARATION

PUTTING YOUR BEST CV FORWARD

28

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD written by JANET TUCK // graphic iSTOCK

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.

CV STRUCTURE AND CONTENT l Put your name and contact details clearly at the top, and include a residential address. l 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. l List your skills as bullet points and explain where you have used each skill. Include things like 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. l List any previous jobs you have had, along with the name of who you worked for and what you did. l Include an Education section. Provide the year you are in and the subjects you are studying. l List your outside interests. l List the names and contact details of people who will be referees for you.

You need people who know you and have worked with you in some way.

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.

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

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 Director of Career Clinic.

For more information visit www.careerclinic.co.nz

IMPRESSING YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYER

photo credit iSTOCK

You’ve done the hard yards. You’ve got your secondary school qualifications, your CV is in order, you’ve applied for a job or placement with a training provider – and now you’ve secured an interview. But what is the person sitting opposite you looking for?

ATTITUDE — Have a good

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

29

COMMUNICATION —

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

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

PERSONAL SKILLS —

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

INTERVIEW TIPS

ACING THE INTERVIEW

...WORK EXPERIENCE GIVES YOU AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT EMPLOYERS REQUIRE, AND THE CHANCE TO DEVELOP KEY SKILLS IN A WORK SETTING. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO USE SOME OF YOUR EXPERIENCES TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR POSITIVE QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES THE INTERVIEWER IS LOOKING FOR.

TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS — It’s important to show you can use

technology in the workplace to perform tasks necessary to the role you’ve applied for. This could be having the computer skills required to produce and present information, create spreadsheets and so forth.

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

RELIABILITY — You are responsible for getting yourself to and

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

from work, whether that’s via public transport or your own vehicle.

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

ACADEMIC SKILLS —Your academic qualifications are important,

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

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

ALL THE BEST, AND ALWAYS GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT! LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME FASCINATING CAREERS

There are so many things to consider when looking at which path to take after school. Have a look at the following jobs and learn about the relevant factors for each position.

Here you’ll find profiles of nine jobs from across the construction and infrastructure industries. Each profile includes detailed job descriptors and some insightful statistics.

LOW POO R

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

D GOO

POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

H HIG

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

POO R

BRICKLAYER DAIRY FARMER Ringa tiri pereki

JOB PROSPECTS

H HIG

Also known as: Electrical technician; electrical fitter.

Electricians test, install, maintain and repair electrical systems and equipment. They are involved in the construction and maintenance of both residential and commercial properties. Depending on what they specialise in, electricians do a wide range of work.

To become an electrician, it is necessary to complete a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) and gain an apprenticeship.

The Skills Organisation oversees electrical apprenticeships. You also need to be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board.

An apprenticeship usually takes three to four years to complete, and involves a mix of theory and practical on-the-job learning.

Employment prospects are good as New Zealand has a shortage of trained, qualified electricians.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: N ew electricians earn $20–$23 per hour.

Experienced electricians earn $24–$45 per hour.

AVERAGE

D GOO

Also known as: Builder.

Carpenters work on-site constructing large and small buildings, and repairing and installing structures such as foundations, walls, roofs, windows, and doors. They work mainly with wood.

There is no entry requirement to work as a carpenter. Employers are increasingly looking for people with a National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), which is mainly done as part of an apprenticeship. This qualification typically takes four years to achieve. Apprenticeship training is arranged nationwide by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation. The Industry Training Association for Building operates its own scheme of managed apprenticeships through a few polytechnics around New Zealand.

For this role, Maths, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Design and Visual Communication, English and Science to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: New carpenters earn $20–$23 per hour. Experienced carpenters earn $25–$50 per hour.

INCOME

H HIG

Also known as: Blocklayer; mason; paver.

Bricklayers build structures like walls, houses and chimneys, using bricks, stones or concrete blocks. On bigger projects, bricklayers work as a team in coordination with other tradespeople while on smaller projects, they usually work alone.

While there are no specific requirements to become a bricklayer, many employers prefer to hire bricklayers who are working towards a qualification.

To become a qualified bricklayer, it is necessary to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades Brick and Block Laying (Level 4) or a New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades Refractory Installation (Level 4).

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths, and Construction and Mechanical Technologies.

Job prospects are good due to the current construction boom, particularly in Auckland.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 2–3 years.

Pay scale: Bricklayers with up to five years’ experience earn $20–$25 per hour.

Bricklayers with more than five years’ experience earn $25–$60 per hour.

MEDIUM

D GOO

Also known as: Landscape architect.

Architects design buildings and oversee and provide advice on their construction. They may also advise on urban design projects. Landscape architects design and oversee the construction of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, urban plazas, and coastal and waterfront areas.

Many architects and landscape architects complete a degree programme, such as a Bachelor of Architectural Studies or a Master of Architecture (Professional). Landscape architects must complete an accredited programme.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Maths, Physics, Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, and Construction and Mechanical Technologies.

Job prospects for architects are quite good. Opportunities in this area have increased with the growth in the number of construction and infrastructure projects in New Zealand.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 8–10 years.

Pay scale: Architectural graduates earn $55,000–$75,000 per year. Architects with more than five years’ experience earn $70,000–$140,000 per year. The average annual income for architects is estimated to be around $77,400.

H HIG

ARCHITECT DAIRY FARMER Kaihoahoa whare

CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRIES

CARPENTER Kaihanga whare

30

JOBS IN FOCUS

ELECTRICIAN Kaimahi hiko

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

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

LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

LOW

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

JOB PROSPECTS

LOW POO R

LENGTH OF STUDY

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME

POO R

AVERAGE

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

H HIG

LOW

MEDIUM

INCOME AVERAGE D GOO

POO R

QUANTITY SURVEYOR Kairūri utu hanga whare

JOB PROSPECTS

D GOO

WELDER Kaihonohono maitai

AVERAGE

H HIG

Also known as: Fabrication welder; fitter welder.

Welders make, join and repair metal parts for machinery and equipment using welding techniques. They can work across a wide range of industries including building and construction, automotive engineering and marine construction.

While there are no specific requirements to become a welder, many employers prefer to hire a person who has or is working towards a qualification.

To become a qualified welder, it is necessary to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering – Fabrication (Level 4). For this certificate, you choose to specialise in light fabrication, heavy fabrication or steel construction. Industry training organisation Competenz oversees welding apprenticeships.

NCEA subjects that are useful for this role include Maths, Physics, English and technology-based subjects.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 1–3 years.

Pay scale: The average annual average income for welders is estimated to be around $52,600.

INCOME

D GOO

Also known as: Consultant/professional quantity surveyor; contract quantity surveyors; sub-contractor quantity surveyor.

Quantity surveyors manage construction project finances. They calculate a budget based on their client’s requirements and prepare detailed estimates to ensure the budget is sufficient for each stage of construction as the project develops.

To become a quantity surveyor, it is necessary to have either a New Zealand Diploma in Quantity Surveying or a Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics or Quantity Surveying). The Bachelor of Construction is only offered at Massey University and Unitec; this qualification will make it easier to move into management and usually takes three years of fulltime study.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths, Accounting, Economics, Digital Technologies, and Construction and Mechanical Technologies.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 2–3 years.

Pay scale: Entry-level quantity surveyors earn $50,000–$85,000 per year.

Experienced quantity surveyors earn $90,000–$150,000 per year.

MEDIUM H HIG

URBAN/REGIONAL PLANNER Kaiwhakamahere tāone/rohe

LENGTH OF STUDY

Also known as: Catchment management planner; policy analyst (planner); recreation planner; urban designer; resource consent planner.

Urban/regional planners develop and administer plans for physical, environmental, social and economic development of urban and rural areas. Urban planners develop and put into action plans for the development of urban areas. This work can include, for example, planning new subdivisions, developing strategies for urban areas, or developing policies for local government. Regional planners perform the same functions as urban planners, but for a whole region.

To become an urban/regional planner, you usually need a degree in planning or a degree with a planning component. There are many different degrees available for students in planning, a list of them is available on New Zealand Planning Institute's accredited course list.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Social Studies, Geography, te reo Māori, Economics and Maths.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3–4 years.

Pay scale: P lanners with up to five years’ experience earn $60,000–$77,000 per year.

Senior planners with up to 10 years’ experience earn $90,000–$105,000.

Principal planners, or planners in a leadership role, earn $96,000–$150,000.

JOB PROSPECTS

LENGTH OF STUDY

LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #21

JOBS IN FOCUS

POO R

JOB PROSPECTS

POO R

PLUMBER Kaiwhakarerewai

AVERAGE

H HIG

ROOFER Kaihanga tuanui

INCOME

D GOO

Also known as: Roof tiler.

Roofers repair and install roofs, making sure they are watertight. They use tiles, roofing iron and shingles to cover the roofs, and install membranes to keep it watertight. Roofing involves working at heights to install roofs on residential houses and commercial buildings To work as a roofer, there are no entry requirements, but finishing a qualification increases job and salary prospects. To become a qualified roofer, apprentices must complete the National Certificate in Roofing (Installer) (Level 4), which takes around two years to complete. There is a pre-trade certificate available for people wanting to start out in roofing. WelTec offers a Certificate in Plumbing, Drainlaying, Gasfitting, and Roofing (Level 3).

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

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: New roofers or those with up to three years’ experience earn $20–$30 per hour.

Experienced roofers or supervisors earn $30–$40 per hour.

MEDIUM H HIG

Also known as: Gasfitter; drainlayer.

Plumbers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures and fittings that supply water and gas or remove waste.

Plumbers generally complete an apprenticeship. Apprentices are required to complete a National Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting, National Certificate in Plumbing and Drainlaying, or National Certificate in Plumbing or Gasfitting. All of these programmes take four years to complete. The Skills Organisation provides detailed information on plumbing apprenticeships.

For those considering such an apprenticeship, studying English, Maths and technology-based subjects up to NCEA Level 2 is a good idea.

As there is a shortage of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, chances of getting a job are good.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 2–4 years.

Pay scale: A pprentice plumbers may earn the training minimum wage.

Once registered, the estimated average annual income is $55,000.

With experience, a registered plumber can earn $65,000 per year.

Experienced, certifying plumbers can earn $75,000 per year, while experienced, self-employed plumbers can earn between $80,000–$100,000 per year.

| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ

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