A free guide to study and career options for high school students Years 11-13 October 2021 | ISSUE # 22
EPOKI VUKI ENGINEER – PAGE 7
HOLLY ANTROBUS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN – PAGE 8
WIARI TUITE ELECTRICIAN – PAGE 11
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or leading to do. Pelé COURTNEY GLOISTEIN PIG FARMER – PAGE 19
KELLY YE ACCOUNTANT – PAGE 12
TEINA NEHA PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER – PAGE 32
MIETTE WOOLLER BUILDER – PAGE 39
LEAVINGSCHOOLNZ WWW.LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
WILLIAM WALLACE NEW ZEALAND ARMY MEDIC – PAGE 35
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 # 22 / Oct0ber 2021 05 FOREWORD | MARIA NEVILLE-FOSTER
2020 and 2021 have certainly had their challenges – look for the silver lining and be in charge of your future.
06 ENGINEERING | CHRISTINE MOCKETT
Inspired by the magnificent buildings and structures in Europe to enrol in engineering qualifications.
07 ENGINEERING | EPOKI VUKI MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee SUB-EDITOR Elise McDowell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Beckett, Sara Carbery, careers.govt.nz, Diana Clement, NZ Defence Careers, Peter White PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Cartwright, Gareth Gardner, Glenn Jeffrey, iStock, Vivienne Laursen, Luke Marshall, Peter McDermott, NZ Defence Force, Steve Selwood, Alan Stevens, Jazmin Tainui Mihi, Brennan Thomas, Logan West, Rocket Lab, Weta Digital PAGINATION HNZL 2014 Limited PRINTER Ovato, Auckland PUBLISHER
There is nothing to dislike about the total job satisfaction and opportunities on offer with a glazier apprenticeship.
28 COMPOSITES | SHENAY FRASER
Imagine sitting at Mission Control watching a rocket launch and knowing you have been part of the team that got it there.
30 STORE MANAGER | ASHLEE RUTHERFORD
11 ELECTRICIAN | WIARI TUITE
31 EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN | CHARM ATKINS-HADDON
Headed to the finals of the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge.
12 ACCOUNTANT | KELLY YE
Does working collaboratively with others and your work making logical sense sound appealing?
Driven by a desire to help the community and work with people, a career with Countdown fit the bill. Fixing big machinery, figuring out challenges and breaking down barriers are all in a day’s work for this apprentice.
32 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER | TEINA NEHA
A passion for shaping the future means teaching could be for you.
13 ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN | BAYLEY TAYLOR-LAW
34 AIR FORCE | XIN CEN
14 STUDY TIPS
35 ARMY | WILLIAM WALLACE
It might be surprising to learn that accounting is not just a numbers game, and no two days are the same. Here are some top tips to help you prepare for and succeed in your upcoming exams.
15 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Interested in elevating your CV to wow status?
Driven by the idea of working in humanitarian engineering, this mechanical engineer took her skillset to the RNZAF. Joining as a medic meant goals of fitness and academia were met.
36 PLUMBER | BEN STANLEY
Scholarship winner firmly believes that dyslexia has helped him to succeed in this exciting line of work.
16 SIGN MAKING | NICK LIGHTFOOT
37 QUANTITY SURVEYOR | STACEY OTENE
18 DEEP-SEA FISHING | NATHAN CLIFFORD Good people, good work and good times – there is nothing to lose
38 GIS | ANDREW DOUGLAS-CLIFFORD
in the fishing industry.
19 PIG FARMER | COURTNEY GLOISTEIN Passionate about animals and keen to work outdoors? Pig farming is a rewarding option.
Discover several study options for entering the booming construction industry as a quantity surveyor. Where geography meets information and communications technology, and the work focusses on issues that matter.
39 BUILDER | MIETTE WOOLLER
A pre-trades course confirmed a move into building was right.
20 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER | JOSEPH NGANU
40 DEALING WITH STRESS
22 PARAMEDICINE | JARROD PAGET-KNEBEL
42 APPRENTICESHIPS
A love of learning is what inspires this future primary school teacher. Contributing to the community’s wellbeing is a key reason for the developing career of this emergency care worker.
23 FORESTRY | ROBYN PATIENT
Combining a love of natural science and a rural lifestyle lead straight to the forestry industry.
Intake Open Now
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.
All the dates, websites and tips you should be keeping an eye on.
26 GLAZIER | KEENAN TAMARAPA
08 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN | HOLLY ANTROBUS
This apprentice automotive technician is excited to be working in an industry where every day is different.
3
24 NOTICEBOARD
Making the change to engineering after a taster at a holiday job.
A career where creativity and imagination are continually developed.
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)
CONTENTS
Wellbeing tips on managing stress as exam season rolls around.
If you’re not keen on university, consider some other options.
Get to grips with KiwiSaver and make the most of the scheme.
43 KIWISAVER
44 JOBS IN FOCUS
Get some insightful knowledge about 14 exciting jobs.
WE T N A W YOUR ON I S S PA Be part of the New Zealand Defence Force There are over 100 roles available including ICT, hospitality, engineering, logistics, aviation, medicine, and emergency response. Some roles requires a degree and some don’t. We also have university and graduate scholarships available.
defencecareers.mil.nz 0800 1 FORCE
SAY YES MORE THAN NO
by MARIA NEVILLE-FOSTER
When I left school, I never thought that one day I would be the principal of a high school in New Zealand. Early on, I promised myself that whatever I did with my life, I would make it worthwhile and do something that made me happy. I was born and raised a long way from here, in Limerick, Ireland. I moved I know I didn’t end up where I thought I would, but I trusted that life had from a small country primary school to a much larger inner-city secondary taken me where I needed to be. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t school run by Jesuit priests. Going from a small primary where I was top of love what I do. the class to a much larger school was challenging. My belief in my abilities My advice to all of you on the verge of leaving school is to take every was tested, self-doubt set in, and my confidence suffered. opportunity that comes your way. Say yes more than no and make decisions Science and maths were my happy place and I wanted to do something in that lead you to doing something you love. Remember, you are in charge of that field when I ‘grew up’. I played lots of different sports and decided sports your future. physiotherapy was for me. Getting into university for physio was very I know 2020 and 2021 have been challenging in all sorts of ways, and that competitive but I assumed I could ‘wing’ it. Alas, winging it wasn’t enough lockdowns have interrupted your life and learning in ways none of us could and I wasn’t offered a place (for anything) at university because I didn’t get have imagined 18 months ago. the grades needed. It has been tough but having a positive mindset and finding the silver lining At this crossroad I had a choice: to give up on my education or take the hard when things don’t go as we planned is a valuable life lesson. road and return to school to repeat my final year. Returning to school wasn’t My final piece of advice is to take risks, even if that means failing because easy but it provided some of the best lessons I have learned. I learned that failure is learning. I learned that you don’t get anywhere by luck; it takes hard failure is learning. work and sacrifice. Focusing on my studies paid off and I went from failing Good luck! my final year to almost getting straight As. I still didn’t get into physio (you needed straight As in those days), but I did get accepted into my second choice to do a double degree in science and education. I think because of my own experience, I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives and inspire them to be the best they can be, every Maria Neville-Foster day. I qualified with a first-class honours degree and won a scholarship to Principal – Sacred Heart College, Napier complete a Master of Arts in education.
I THINK BECAUSE of my OWN EXPERIENCE,, my OWN EXPERIENCE I WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN STUDENTS’ LIVES AND INSPIRE THEM TO BE the best THEY CAN BE,, EVERY DAY CAN BE EVERY DAY.. MARIA NEVILLE-FOSTER
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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FOREWORD
YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR OWN FUTURE
5
ENGINEERING
FROM ADMIRER TO ENGINEER
6
writer SARA CARBERY photograph DCL CONSULTING
MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURES CHRISTINE MOCKETT’s interest in engineering started when she was on her OE and travelling through Europe. “The buildings and structures are magnificent and made me wonder how they were constructed, especially when you start to think about the lack of technology and machines back in the day compared to today.” Christine enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (civil engineering) at Otago Polytechnic when she returned to New Zealand and after the diploma, went on to complete a Bachelor of Engineering Technology majoring in civil engineering. She gained both qualifications in three years. “My intention was to take on the bachelor’s degree, but without the credits from Calculus from high school I wasn’t able to. “Conversations with the lecturers led me to the decision that I would complete the diploma and could then cross credit and carry on to complete the bachelor’s. “It was definitely the most challenging thing I have ever done,” she admits. “But with the determination and interest I had in engineering, I exceeded all expectations of myself and came out at the top of my class in both the diploma and degree.” In Year 13 at Kavanagh College in Dunedin, Christine studied Statistics, English, Physical Education, Sewing, Geography, Religious Education, and an online course in equine care. “It would have been handy to have taken Physics to understand the basic principles going into the diploma; however, it’s all taught in the first year and as long as you attend the classes and put the effort in, it’s (mostly) smooth sailing.” Taking Calculus would have been helpful too, allowing her to go directly into the bachelor’s degree. Having graduated a year ago, Christine now works for DCL Consulting, a small structural engineering consultancy that specialises in bridge inspection and design, corrosion engineering, durability
IT’S A fantastic CAREER WITH SO MANY OPTIONS THAT COULD VERY EASILY TAKE YOU ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. AND I SHOULD MENTION THAT IT PAYS WELL TOO! CHRISTINE MOCKETT
engineering, and structural monitoring, design and inspection. Her job involves designing bridges and retaining walls, and bridge inspections in both the North and South Islands. She’s also involved in the inspection of other structures, such as wharfs, buildings, rail tunnels and power stations. “The bridge inspection is the best part of my job,” she says. “We spend a lot of time on the road and get around some amazing scenery.
“Bridges are actually pretty cool structures when you start to look a bit closer.” If engineering sparks any kind of interest in you, Christine’s advice is to talk to someone at your local polytechnic. “It’s a fantastic career with so many options that could very easily take you anywhere in the world. “And I should mention that it pays well too!”
KEY FACTS ■ CHRISTINE MOCKETT HAS A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING (CIVIL ENGINEERING) AND A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY MAJORING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING FROM OTAGO POLYTECHNIC. ■ SHE WORKS AT DCL CONSULTING, A SMALL STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY FIRM. ■ CHRISTINE RECOMMENDS TALKING TO AN ADVISOR AT YOUR LOCAL POLYTECHNIC IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN ENGINEERING. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on studying engineering, visit www.nzbed.org.nz All polytechnic providers of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) offer foundation courses in maths to enable applicants to enrol.
INDUSTRY TASTER SPARKS CAREER CHANGE Getting a taste for civil engineering during a break from studying information technology sparked EPOKI VUKI’s career change. Epoki initially studied a Bachelor of “There are definitely lots of Computing Systems at UNITEC in opportunities out there if you have Auckland after he finished school. a Diploma in Civil Engineering.” He completed two years, and during a At Kelston Boys’ High School, he was holiday break he worked as a labourer not sure what he wanted to do for a doing basic civil engineering. career. Engineering was not front of mind as an option back then. It was then he realised engineering held much more interest for him. “I always loved maths. Growing up I just loved numbers and NCEA Physics He made the big call to switch his and Calculus were my favourite study direction and enrolled in the subjects at high school. I never knew two-year New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE), overseen by the back then that I wanted to be an engineer in the future. New Zealand Board for Engineering Diplomas (NZBED). “I didn’t know that a lot of engineering design is to do with Physics and The NZDE is a qualification pathway Calculus – it really helps to know that combines applied academic those subjects. My advice to school study with practical skills, and in only two years students are prepared students is to take those two subjects because they will really help you out for employment in the engineering industry. Epoki finished the diploma doing the job. and is completing a further year’s “Also, attitude is important, especially study to achieve his Bachelor of making a good first impression with Engineering Technology. people, communicating well and keeping fit too.” “What I know now is the diploma is so practical. The tutors give you Epoki is looking forward to starting a a scenario and you have to figure new job with Watercare in Auckland it out, go out in the field and do the in November, after previously being testing, and run it like a mini-project,” a project manager for family-run he says. business CTR Contractors, and “When I was working as a site engineer working for McConnell Dowell. intern for McConnell Dowell, the site “They are building a big water-plant manager’s qualification was a Diploma out at Papakura; water is the main in Engineering from UNITEC. So it is a area I want to specialise in. Civil big positive that so many people in engineering includes water, structural, the industry have the diploma.” environmental and soil. In the future Epoki advises school leavers interested I want to be designing storm water and waste-water supplies. in civil engineering to enrol for the diploma qualification first, then look “I am stoked that everything is going at the degree or masters after that. to plan.”
writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST ENGINEERING
DRAWNTO ENGINEERING
7
WHAT I KNOW NOW IS THE DIPLOMA IS SO PRACTICAL. the TUTORS GIVE YOU A SCENARIO AND YOU HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT, GO OUT IN THE FIELD AND DO THE TESTING, AND RUN IT like a MINI-PROJECT. EPOKI VUKI
KEY FACTS ■ EPOKI VUKI IS ABOUT TO BEGIN A NEW ENGINEERING ROLE WITH WATERCARE IN AUCKLAND, WHO ARE BUILDING A LARGE WATER-PLANT AT PAPAKURA. ■ HE HAS A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING AND IS COMPLETING FURTHER STUDY TO ACHIEVE A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY. ■ EPOKI RECOMMENDS THAT THOSE LOOKING AT A SIMILAR CAREER STUDY PHYSICS AND CALCULUS AT HIGH SCHOOL.
For more information on studying engineering, visit www.nzbed.org.nz All polytechnic providers of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) offer foundation courses in maths to enable applicants to enrol.
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
HEAD TOTHE TRADES
writer PETER WHITE photographer PETER McDERMOTT
WHERE THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER
I AM LUCKY TO be IN A ROLE THAT I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT. MY ROLE is varieD, AND I love HAVING SUCH A WIDE RANGE of tasks to COMPLETE IN A DAY.
8
HOLLY ANTROBUS
HOLLY ANTROBUS is proud to be an inspiration for young women to get into the trades. The 21-year-old is an apprentice automotive technician with TRC Toyota in Feilding. She has been with them for just on two years and has another year left before she finishes her apprenticeship. “I’d love to help get more women involved, that’s for sure,” says Holly. “It is not as much gender-stereotyped as it once was. There are so many ways to get into the industry and so many people who can help us. “As long as you have an open-mind and believe in what you want, then you can go for anything you like. The world is definitely your oyster with having a trade.” Holly says a lack of strength is no barrier as her teammates have showed her special techniques to use. “I can lift pretty heavy tyres up quite high just by using techniques instead of muscles. Also, being able to figure problems out is quite helpful as well. I’ve always been taught if you can’t get it right the first time, think of another way outside the box.” Holly’s job has plenty of variety, with every day being different. “Mostly I do vehicle servicing, classic oil changes that depending on the service type can be either quite difficult or easy. I also fit parts on new vehicles that come in to be sold and I also change radiators, tyres or brake pads.
“I am lucky to be in a role that I am passionate about. My role is varied, and I love having such a wide range of tasks to complete in a day. I also have a good group of people I work with who are very helpful so that makes my job even better.” Holly attended Nga Tawa Diocesan School for Girls. She took Photography, Tourism, History, Agriculture and Maths in Year 13, but she would have loved to have taken more practical courses if they had been available. Growing up with a love of cars, it was no surprise that she ended up going down the automotive path. After leaving school, she did a pre-trades (or pre-apprentice) course at UCOL in Palmerston North, gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering. “I thought I’ve had a big passion for vehicles my whole life but I never thought about it as a career until I saw the pre-trade information. I did the course for one year while working part-time so I was able to earn some money while studying.” Holly highly recommends school leavers who are interested in the trades do a pre-trades course before they commit to an apprenticeship. “I know if I didn’t do the pre-trade, it would have been more difficult. The course definitely helped. “The people are so helpful that no matter what skills you have, you all start at the same level and they go through it all step-by-step.”
KEY FACTS ■ HOLLY ANTROBUS IS AN APPRENTICE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN WORKING AT TRC TOYOTA IN FEILDING. ■ SHE COMPLETED A PRE-TRADES COURSE AT UCOL IN PALMERSTON NORTH AND GAINED A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING. ■ HOLLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDS SCHOOL LEAVERS DO A PRE-TRADES COURSE BEFORE BEGINNING AN APPRENTICESHIP.
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For more information on career opportunities with Toyota New Zealand, visit www.careers.toyota.co.nz
WIRED UP FOR SUCCESS Learning new stuff is what apprentice electrician WIARI TUITE loves most about his job. “I tend to learn at least one little thing every day and I like the variety of stuff we do. “I am doing something different most days and there is a good range of work in the electrical industry,” he says. His main tasks are prewiring and rewiring houses, finding faults in dairy sheds and working on new commercial sheds. “I like the fault-finding work best, having to figure out why things aren’t working and how you are going to get them to work.” The 20-year-old from Temuka began his apprenticeship with Etco and was placed with Plunket Electrical in Timaru in January 2019 and expects to qualify sometime next year. In July, he finished third in the Timaru regional round of the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge. Later this year, the top five will then complete five two-hour modules in their search for the top title at the finals. Wiari, who has affiliations with Ngāiterangi and Muaūpoko iwi, says it was important to do well in the competition. “It was a good chance for me to go and try something new and challenge myself. It was also a chance to learn more and develop my skills.” After leaving school, Wiari enrolled with Etco, The Electrical Training
Company, who place apprentices with electrical companies and contractors through their group apprenticeship scheme. “They really gave me the first boost into being able to do what I do now. They took me up to Auckland for a starter course for two weeks, which gives you a taster of what you are going to be doing. “I have a coordinator who looks after me, so if I have any problems then I can ask. “Basically, they are a good help with your bookwork and you don’t feel like you are on your own. With Etco, you get more opportunity to ask for help if you need it.” Wiari went to Roncalli College in Timaru. In Year 13, he took Outdoor Education, Maths, Physical Education and Resistant Materials Construction. “At college I knew I didn’t want to go to uni. I ended up doing Gateway in Year 13. “I got put with Plunket Electrical for a few taster days. I asked the boss if I could work for them during the holidays and after that they offered me a job through Etco.” Wiari is excited about what the future holds for him in the electrical industry. One of his main goals is to one day own his own business. His advice for school leavers wanting to get into the industry is to be keen, to ask questions (don’t be scared!) and be respectful to the people you are working with. “Just give it a go. It is great to earn money straight out of school too.”
writer PETER WHITE photographer VIVIENNE LAURSEN
I AM DOING SOMETHING different most days and there is A GOOD RANGE OF WORK IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY. WIARI TUITE
KEY FACTS ■ WIARI TUITE IS AN APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN, HE EXPECTS TO QUALIFY IN 2022. ■ HE ENROLLED WITH ETCO AND BEGAN HIS APPRENTICESHIP WITH ETCO HOST PLUNKET ELECTRICAL IN TIMARU. ■ WIARI IS COMPETING IN THE FINALS OF THE MASTER ELECTRICIANS APPRENTICE CHALLENGE LATER THIS YEAR, AFTER PLACING THIRD IN THE TIMARU REGIONAL ROUND.
For more information on training and apprenticeships through Etco, visit www.etco.co.nz or call 0800 ASK ETCO
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE HEADED TO FINALS
11
ACCOUNTANT TOURISM
A COLLABORATIVE, LOGICAL CAREER
12
CREATE MEANING WITH ACCOUNTANCY writer SARA CARBERY // photo courtesy WETA DIGITAL
PEOPLE THINK OF ACCOUNTING AS JUST PLAYING WITH NUMBERS OR DEALING WITH TAX. KELLY YE, CA
“Working in accounting is far, far more interesting than studying accounting,” says KELLY YE, corporate accountant at Weta Digital, the visual effects (VFX) company behind iconic characters, like Gollum and Kong, and magical worlds, such as Middle Earth. “Accounting has taken me to lots of different the most appropriate accounting treatment, then “A lot of people think of accounting as just playing organisations and over the world too – it’s nice developing excel workbooks for these items. with numbers or dealing with tax but, in reality, to work in a profession that is relatively global. accounting is about creating meaning out of “I rely a lot on the expertise of others for my work financial information, providing value and helping “Also, some of the best people I know I met – both within the finance team, and the wider users make decisions. To do this well, you have through accounting – it’s surprising how far from organisation – and as cheesy as it sounds, I do to understand different businesses, how they the stereotype accountants generally are.” love the collaboration aspect of my work.” operate and what things are important to Kelly (30) completed a Bachelor of Commerce She also loves that she is constantly learning and different stakeholders. at Victoria University of Wellington, majoring in the reassurance that comes from things following “What I’m saying is that you can pretty much take accounting, commercial law and Chinese. She a logic. any subject and it’ll probably find its way to being combined part-time study with fulltime work and “This is how I felt about accounting at high school useful later in life.” become a Chartered Accountant while working at – as long as everything balanced in the end, you EY New Zealand. If you’re interested in becoming an accountant, know you did it right.” Kelly’s advice is “do it”, even if you haven’t studied She has been with Weta Digital for just over a year In Year 13 at Hutt Valley High School, Kelly took accounting at school. in a role that sees her analysing and reporting on English, Statistics, Music, Economics, Accounting financial information. “At the end of each month, “Something that I didn’t realise about accounting, I look at what’s happened during the month – for and French. or university in general actually, is that you can example, revenue billed or expenses incurred – and While Statistics, Economics and Accounting all pretty much study whatever you want at university put this data into a financial statement format.” helped to provide a foundational understanding of without having studied it in high school. So, it’s commerce, Kelly says most subjects can be useful She also spends a lot of time analysing complex never too late to come into accounting if you want information and using her judgement to determine for accounting. to try your hand at it.” KEY FACTS ■ KELLY YE HAS A BACHELOR OF COMMERCE FROM VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON, MAJORING IN ACCOUNTING, COMMERCIAL LAW AND CHINESE. ■ SHE WORKS AS A CORPORATE ACCOUNTANT AT WETA DIGITAL. ■ KELLY STUDIED ENGLISH, STATISTICS, MUSIC, ECONOMICS, ACCOUNTING AND FRENCH IN YEAR 13 AT HUTT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL.
LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
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For more information on careers in accounting, visit www.youunlimitedanz.com
ACHIEVING FINANCIAL DREAMS
writer SARA CARBERY // photography BRENNAN THOMAS
KNOWING THAT YOU CAN HAVE a MAJOR ROLE IN HOW CLIENTS CAN GROW THEIR BUSINESS is POWERFUL.
ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN
NOT JUST A NUMBERS GAME
13
BAYLEY TAYLOR-LAW
As soon as she finished her Year 13 exams, BAYLEY TAYLOR-LAW started a three-week internship at BDO Gisborne, working on an IT project. Those three weeks turned into three months, which gave Bayley a real insight into working in a leading audit and accounting organisation and led to her pursuing a Bachelor of Business Studies through EIT Tairāwhiti. Enrolling in part-time study, Bayley continued working take a snapshot of a business now to see how it is If you have a passion for numbers and could see yourself helping individuals and businesses achieve part-time at BDO while studying for her degree. She performing in real-time reporting. their financial dreams, Bayley says “accounting is a moved straight into studying for her Accounting “Knowing that you can have a major role in how great career choice”. Technician certification through Chartered Accountants clients can grow their business is powerful.” Australia and New Zealand when she graduated. “It is a career with such amazing opportunities with One of the challenges of the job is the amount of so many different pathways that you can explore.” Put simply, Accounting Technicians prepare and reading involved. manage financial accounts across different areas of If you like the thought of business studies but are finance and business. Organisations employ qualified “Accounting is perceived as a numbers game, but unsure what area you’d like to major in, Bayley there are a lot of articles, standards and tax law accounting technicians in roles such as account recommends doing a Bachelor of Business Studies changes that we need to keep up with, which can management, payroll, budget preparation or as it introduces you to a range of courses, including be quite time consuming.” assistant finance manager. accounting, law, economics, finance and computing. Bayley grew up in Gisborne and went to Lytton “As an Accounting Technician, no two days are “It is a great start to take those papers and get a feel High School, where she took English, Calculus, the same,” explains Bayley (24), who works in the for which pathway you are most passionate about, commercial advisory team at BDO Gisborne. “I assist Statistics, Economics and Physics in Year 13. and if that is accounting then that’s awesome.” in looking at efficiencies for where businesses can “I wish my school had offered accounting as a class Study options to become an Accounting Technician improve and ultimately increase productivity.” so I could have had a taste of what accountancy include the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level is like before jumping straight in at EIT,” she says. 5) Accounting Strand or complete at least one year She enjoys working in a team and having regular “Having both economics and maths as prior of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) of a contact with a key group of clients. “I also enjoy subjects was useful, but accounting would have Chartered Accountants ANZ accredited degree and doing such job tasks as management reporting been more in line with what I do today.” pass subjects in required AT areas. and cashflow forecasting. It’s great being able to KEY FACTS ■ BAYLEY TAYLOR-LAW HAS A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES THROUGH EIT TAIRĀWHITI. ■ SHE WORKS AS AN ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN IN THE COMMERCIAL ADVISORY TEAM AT BDO GISBORNE.
For more information on studying to become an Accounting Technician, visit www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/at
■ BAYLEY STUDIED ENGLISH, CALCULUS, STATISTICS, ECONOMICS AND PHYSICS IN YEAR 13. SHE ALSO RECOMMENDS STUDYING ACCOUNTANCY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A SIMILAR CAREER. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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TOP TIPS TO TOP YOUR EXAMS
STUDY TIPS
EXAM TIME IS CREEPING UP 14
writer SARA CARBERY image iSTOCK
It’s staying brighter for longer and starting to feel like summer ... we must be getting close to exams! Before you start panicking, take a look at these tips to help you make the most of your study leave. ceiling, or writing skeleton essays. Find a ■ A few weeks out from your exams, draw up a to look over your notes and commit them to combination that works for you. study timetable that lists what you’re going to memory. (Your brain processes new memories study and when. Be as specific as possible by while you’re asleep.) ■ Making notes is a great way to memorise a breaking each subject up into topics you need lot of information. (The aim is to move the ■ Make the most of your study time by to study. This helps you to get straight into study information out of your short-term memory minimising distractions. each day knowing what you’re going to do. and into your long-term memory.) You’ll Leave your phone in another room and shun remember better if you write your notes out by ■ Mixing it up is good. If you stick to one subject all social media. Ideally switch off the Wi-Fi hand rather than typing them. Reading your for too long, your brain can start to switch off, if you don’t need it for study. study notes aloud can help the information so schedule some algebra after novel studies, ■ Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks stick because you’re processing your notes for example. If possible, mix up where you to keep your brain humming. audibly as well as visually. study too to keep things interesting. Have a number of quiet, distraction-free spots and ■ Take short, frequent breaks. Research shows ■ Make sure it’s not all work and no play. move between them. that shorter 25–30 minute study sessions People who find the right balance between work best as your concentration levels are higher. ■ Don’t spend time revising stuff you already study and leisure are the ones who get the At the very least, aim to break every 50 minutes know. If you don’t understand something, top marks. for 10 minutes. ask for help, or go online and see if you can Exercise, in particular, is really important as find the answers. ■ Look at plenty of past exams and exemplars. it increases your heart rate and makes your These are available at: ■ There are many ways to revise, including blood circulate faster. www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualificationsdrawing mind-maps or diagrams, making This supplies more oxygen to your brain which standards/qualifications/ncea/ notes, answering past exam questions, increases productivity and reduces tiredness subjects/ writing cue cards, asking someone to test you, and stress. Fresh air helps too. highlighting important words or ideas, putting ■ Mornings, when you’re feeling fresh, is a good key-word posters on your bedroom wall or time for note taking. Before bed is a good time Happy studying!
LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
contributor
CAREERS.GOVT.NZ
THE 7 SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT
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.
EMPLOYABILITY TOOLS
PRESENT YOURSELF IN YOUR BEST LIGHT
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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. image iSTOCK
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 selfmanagement. 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.
■ 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.
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.
For more information on employability skills and creating your CV, visit careers.govt.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY SIGN MAKING
TURNING DESIGNS INTO QUALITY SIGNS
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writer PETER WHITE photographer LUKE MARSHALL
Being crowned Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021 at the NZ Sign & Display Awards of Excellence means everything to NICK LIGHTFOOT. The 24-year-old signwriter won this prestigious award due to the work he carried out during his final two years of apprenticeship, 2019 and 2020. This major achievement follows a gold and two silver awards he won at the NZ Sign & Display Awards of Excellence in 2019. Nick works at The SignShop Nelson and is now fully qualified. He says going through an apprenticeship in sign making has enabled him to be a better artist and more “hands on”. “My creativity grows every single day and my imagination has expanded. Having this qualification means I can continue being a signwriter wherever I go, and I plan to stay one for as long as I work. “I truly owe it to my bosses and co-workers for the training and opportunities they have provided me to get me where I am today.” One of the things he loves about being a signwriter is interacting with customers – from discussing ideas and designs, through all the processes, to the finished product on cars and buildings. “I am involved with everything from design work to manufacturing signs to installing them. It is a very physical job and there is a lot of customer involvement, so it is quite a big process. “It is totally worth it. I love driving around in my car with my girlfriend and showing her everything I have done. At the end of a job, it is quite cool to stand back and take a look at what you have created.” A career as a signwriter was always one of Nick’s favoured options. “Ever since I was young, I’ve been interested in graphic design and I like to think I have a creative mindset.
AT THE END OF A job, it IS QUITE COOL TO STAND BACK AND TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE CREATED. NICK LIGHTFOOT
“Going through high school, I was so conflicted about all the other career options out there. “I thought about doing graphic design courses, going to university to become an art/design teacher, becoming a qualified painter and decorator, but in the back of my head signwriting has always been a trade I’ve strived for, and I could not be happier with how things worked out.” At Waimea College in Nelson, his favourite subjects were Painting, Graphics and Design. These subjects helped him grow his creativity and pursue a career where he could keep improving his skills.
In Year 13, Nick benefited from the Gateway programme, which is when he started working for his current employer. His advice to school leavers interested in graphic arts and signwriting is to take the subjects that help you the most. “If you want some sort of creative job, stick with subjects like Painting, Graphics and Design. That skillset has really helped me get where I am now. “You need a lot of creativity because the job is mostly down to design. You want people to go past your sign and go, ‘Wow that is very in-your-face’.”
KEY FACTS ■ NICK LIGHTFOOT IS A QUALIFIED SIGN MAKER AND WORKS AT THE SIGNSHOP NELSON. ■ HE WON SIGNEE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2021 AT THE NZ SIGN & DISPLAY AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE, HAVING PREVIOUSLY BEEN AWARDED A GOLD AND TWO SILVER AWARDS IN 2019. ■ NICK RECOMMENDS STUDENTS INTERESTED IN CREATIVE WORK TAKE NCEA SUBJECTS LIKE PAINTING, GRAPHICS AND DESIGN. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on apprenticeships in sign making, visit www.signee.nz
DEEP-SEA FISHING
BENEFITS AND GOOD PEOPLE
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writer PETER WHITE photographer LUKE MARSHALL
WHERE CREW BECOMES FAMILY “You can’t spend your money while you are out at sea,” says NATHAN CLIFFORD. The ability to save lots of money while he is away at sea is one of the best features of his job for the 17-year-old. Nathan has been with Sealord for nearly 12 months and is one of the younger deep-sea fishers working for the company. He is a Fisher C factory hand on board FV Tokatu, the newest vessel in the impressive Sealord fleet. FV Tokatu was built in 2018 and is the first deep-sea trawler commissioned for the New Zealand fishery since Sealord’s Rehua in 1997. It is designed to fish all species, including mackerel, southern blue whiting and squid, as well as the prime target of hoki. Nathan has his family to thank for giving him some good advice about deep-sea fishing as a career. “I never really planned to become a fisherman until my grandad and uncle recommended it to me. My grandad thought it would be a good job for me, and my uncle helped me get a job on the Tokatu.”
He says the best things about working for Sealord is having equal time at sea and back home on shore leave, while he is getting a year-round salary. “Apart from the fact you can’t spend your money out at sea, you get good time off, get paid on trip off and meet a lot of good people from all around the country. “Also, the crew looks out for you, so it is like a home away from home.” Nathan works a six-weeks on, six-weeks off roster although depending on the weather and catch available it can sometimes be longer or a little shorter. When he is at sea, he works a split shift of eight-hours, which is followed by a break of eight hours. The long shore leave is ideal to relax and catch up with friends and doing stuff he likes, including playing rugby. Nathan says the biggest challenge when he first started with Sealord was being away from friends and family. But the future looks bright in the industry for young fishermen like Nathan.
He has set himself some goals to achieve over the next few years. “First, I want to get my deck-hand ticket then go through the ranks and one day become a skipper.” Nathan went to Buller High School in Westport. In his final school year, Year 11, he took PE, Woodwork, Maths, Science, Cooking and English. His advice for school leavers who want to get into deep-sea fishing is to have the right attitude and to work hard within a team. “A good attitude is everything in this job, plus good hand–eye coordination would help a lot.” Future job prospects for school leavers with Sealord look good as reliable, friendly crew members are always needed.
YOU GET GOOD TIME off, get PAID ON TRIP OFF AND MEET A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE FROM ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY. NATHAN CLIFFORD
KEY FACTS ■ NATHAN CLIFFORD WORKS FOR SEALORD AS A FISHER C FACTORY HAND ON FV TOKATU. ■ HE WORKS A SIX-WEEKS ON, SIX-WEEKS OFF ROSTER. WHEN HE IS AT SEA, HE WORKS A SHIFT OF EIGHT HOURS, FOLLOWED BY A BREAK OF EIGHT HOURS. ■ NATHAN RECOMMENDS SCHOOL LEAVERS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE AND GOOD HAND–EYE COORDINATION. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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
CARING FOR ANIMALS IN THE OUTDOORS STEVE SELWOOD
PIG FARMING
FARMING ISTHE WAY TO GO
writer SARA CARBERY photographer
IT IS very REWARDING, AND YOU GET SO MUCH MORE OUT OF IT THAT YOU DON’T EVEN REALISE UNTIL A FEW YEARS DOWN THE TRACK.
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COURTNEY GLOISTEIN
If you’re passionate about animals, 22-year-old COURTNEY GLOISTEIN recommends giving farming a go. “It is very rewarding, and you get so much more out of it that you don't even realise until a few years down the track,” she says. “You learn good communication skills, respect, responsibility and you always feel like you have achieved something.” Courtney was named NZ Pork’s 2021 Stockperson of the Year, selected from trainees who have completed their National Certificate in Pork Production (Level 3). “This has been my biggest achievement,” she says. “I am very proud of it. “I didn't stand a chance to get much in the way of qualifications in school because I'm not an academic person; I'm a hands-on learner. That's why I only stayed in school until I was 16.” After leaving Rangiora High School at the end of Year 11, Courtney worked part-time on sheep farms before starting fulltime work on a pig farm in North Canterbury when she was 18. She was originally looking for a fulltime job on a sheep farm but when she saw an ad on Trade Me for a pig
farm worker at Kilgour’s Farm, she decided to try something new. She has been working with pigs for four years now, a busy job that sees her feeding and checking on the pigs every morning (her favourite part of the job), laying new straw for bedding, checking water, mixing food and many other jobs. “I’m always flat out with a variety of tasks to complete.” Growing up on a small lifestyle block in North Canterbury, Courtney enjoyed helping her parents to hand-raise lambs. She got her first farm job when she was 12, working weekends and school holidays to pay for her horse’s food and farrier bills. “I was contracting tractor work, hay carting, fencing, drilling, harvesting, sheep work,” she says. “From there, word of mouth got out that I was a good help on the farm, and I ended up having a few jobs on the go, helping farmers out on their sheep farms when they needed an extra pair of hands.” In Year 11, Courtney took Maths, English, Science, Equine Studies, Agriculture and Agriculture Plus. Agriculture taught her a lot about farming she says, and maths skills have also been useful. “On a farm you are always having to calculate figures somewhere.”
“Farming is hard work but it's so rewarding,” she says. “You come home every day feeling like you have achieved something good. “If you love the outdoors and caring for animals, farming is the way to go! The pork sector offers many opportunities for people looking to work with livestock, with a combination of on-job and off-job training and strong career paths. New Zealand has a relatively small but significant pork sector. There are 93 commercial pig farms, with 55 per cent of pigs bred indoors and 42 per cent outdoors, while three per cent are free range. The commercial herd is of a high health status and operates to high animal welfare and biosecurity standards. The sector has a small environmental footprint, producing just 0.2 per cent of New Zealand’s agricultural emissions.
KEY FACTS
■ COURTNEY GLOISTEIN IS A PIG FARM WORKER ON KILGOUR’S FARM, For more information on apprenticeships NORTH CANTERBURY. n sign making, ■ SHE WAS NZ PORK’S STOCKPERSON OF THE YEAR. THE AWARD IS GIVEN visit www.signee.nz TO A TRAINEE WHO HAS COMPLETED THEIR NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN
PORK PRODUCTION (LEVEL 3). ■ COURTNEY RECOMMENDS FARMING AS A CAREER OPTION SAYING IT IS HARD WORK BUT VERY REWARDING.
For more information on careers in the pig industry, visit www.nzpork.co.nz For more information on studying pork production through Primary ITO, visit www.primaryito.ac.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER 20
INSPIRED TO BE A TEACHER IMPART A LOVE OF LEARNING
writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST
To inspire young people with a love of learning is what motivates JOSEPH NGANU to become a primary teacher. Joseph is in his second year of a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) – Primary at the University of Auckland’s Tai Tonga Campus in South Auckland. The degree prepares students for a career as a primary or intermediate teacher to work with children aged between 5–12 years and includes 24 weeks of practicum teacher placements. “The course really focuses on the child. It digs deeper into child psychology and deeper into the Māori aspect of teaching te reo in primary schools and learning about the history,” says Joseph. “The staff at the campus are genuinely nice and caring towards students and help any way they can. The more experienced students are really supportive when it comes to needing assistance with assignments and/or practicum.
SEEING THE PASIFIKA VALUES THAT I SEE IN MYSELF IMPLEMENTED INSIDE THE THE CLASSROOM WAS EYE-OPENING.
“My favourite thing about studying there is definitely the commons room. We have the open-kitchen space for students and lecturers
JOSEPH NGANU
KICKSTART YOUR CAREER WITH SIT Enrol for 2022 at sit.ac.nz info@sit.ac.nz
0800 4 0 FEES
The SIT Zero Fees Scheme (ZFS) is subject to NZ government policies.
For Joseph, the practicum placements have been the highlight. He finds them uplifting and motivating. “The experience has been amazing. Last year I was in a Samoan bi-lingual unit and just being in that classroom and seeing the Pasifika values that I see in myself implemented inside the classroom was eye-opening. “This year I was with Years 5–6 children and just engaging with them really helped me realise what I’m doing now is what I want to do in the future. “A key thing is learning from your own mistakes. On the two practicum I’ve been on, I’ve noticed
that when students realise teachers make mistakes and own up to them then the students will own up to their mistakes as well.” Joseph’s family is from the Cook Islands. He grew up in west Auckland and went to Henderson High School up until Year 12, before he finished high school at Kimberley College in Brisbane, Australia. In his last year he took Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English and Biology. Returning to Auckland in 2015, he worked for five years as a teacher aide at Papatoetoe South School, which really made him want to become a primary teacher. “I worked with PHAB, which is a group for youth with disabilities and just the experience I gained from that has really inspired me to become a teacher.”
Joseph would love to go back to Papatoetoe South School as a permanent teacher when he graduates. “What inspired me there was the dedication and the amount of work the teachers put in both inside and outside of class time and in the school holidays. Even during lockdown, they still sent resources out to students to make sure they got the learning they need to move on to the next year.” Joseph’s advice to school leavers who are considering primary teaching as a career is to look at yourself as an individual first; look at your values and beliefs and how you can use them to inspire the children you will teach one day. The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary is taught at three university campus locations: Epsom (central Auckland), Tai Tonga (south Auckland) and Tai Tokerau (Whangārei).
KEY FACTS ■ JOSEPH NGANU IS STUDYING A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TEACHING) – PRIMARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. ■ HE WORKED AS A TEACHER AIDE AT PAPATOETOE SOUTH SCHOOL FOR FIVE YEARS, WHICH IS WHERE HE AIMS TO RETURN AS A TEACHER. ■ JOSEPH RECOMMENDS PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS USE THEIR VALUES AND BELIEFS TO INSPIRE THE CHILDREN THEY TEACH.
Become tomorrow’s great teacher Study the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from New Zealand’s top university. The programme offers innovative and practical teaching and learning experiences to prepare you for your teaching career. •
Choose primary teaching English or Huarahi Māori streams
•
Get first-hand practical experience in schools and kura, supported by your teachers and mentors
•
Study with us at our Epsom Campus (Auckland), Tai Tonga Campus (South Auckland), or our Tai Tokerau Campus (Whangārei)
Find out more and apply: auckland.ac.nz/teach Get in touch: education@auckland.ac.nz
For more information on studying a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) through the University of Auckland, visit www.auckland.ac.nz/teach
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
to have an opportunity to catch up and have general conversations.”
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PARAMEDICINE
PROGRESSION IN EMERGENCY CARE
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING Following in his father’s footsteps, and wanting to help his local community, JARROD PAGET-KNEBEL began volunteering with St John three years ago. He hasn’t looked back.
“It feels like I’m contributing to the maintenance of the health and wellbeing of our people and advocating for the vulnerable,” says Jarrod, who is from Te Iwi o Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, with Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine and Te Whakatōhea descent. Volunteering led to Jarrod taking on a permanent position as an emergency medical assistant (EMA) at Ōpōtiki Station and enrolling in the New Zealand Diploma in Ambulance Practice with St John. He will graduate as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in October. Next year, Jarrod (29) will begin a Bachelor of Health Science (majoring in paramedicine) as a distance learner, so he can continue to work fulltime as an EMT. Having grown up on a large whānau land block in Ōmāio in Te rohe o Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, near where he works in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Jarrod loves working and volunteering in his community. While he worried that he might not be able to handle the challenges that come with the job, with the right training and support from his friends, workmates and whānau, Jarrod has thrived. “I think it’s a must to have a good support system around you, especially
within emergency care, due to some of the things you witness.” At Ōpōtiki College, Jarrod took a variety of subjects including English, Maths, Information Technology, Science, Legal Studies (through correspondence) and Te Reo. “For me, continuing to study Te Reo was very important. Not only for my own identity as Māori, but also for the fact that I am working in an area with a large Māori community where te reo and cultural competency is a vital tool to connect with many patients.” Maths and English have helped him “immensely” with his studies, Jarrod says. “Without proficiency in numeracy and literacy, no matter your career path, I believe it would be quite difficult.” Information Technology was also extremely important as a lot of studying is online. “Being computer literate is a must.” On reflection, he says NCEA Chemistry would have been helpful and “paying more attention in Science wouldn’t have hurt either”. “However, you shouldn’t be burdened by your decisions in high school,” says Jarrod, who left school halfway through Year 13. “You have plenty of time to learn after school if you have the motivation. Life is about continuously evolving.” Jarrod wishes he had known about the St John Cadet Programme when he was at high school. “That would have been a great experience and I would have loved to have been part of it.”
writer SARA CARBERY photographer
JAZMIN TAINUI MIHI
I THINK It’S a must to have a GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM AROUND YOU, ESPECIALLY WITHIN EMERGENCY CARE, DUE TO SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WITNESS. JARROD PAGET-KNEBEL
KEY FACTS ■ JARROD PAGET-KNEBEL BEGAN VOLUNTEERING WITH ST JOHN THREE YEARS AGO, AND NOW WORKS AS AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANT AT ŌPŌTIKI STATION. ■ HE ENROLLED IN THE NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN AMBULANCE PRACTICE WITH ST JOHN AND WILL GRADUATE AS AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN IN OCTOBER. ■ JARROD WILL BEGIN A BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE (MAJORING IN PARAMEDICINE) NEXT YEAR. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on careers with St John, visit https://join.stjohn.org.nz/ ambulance-careers/home
NATURAL SCIENCE AND INNOVATION Three years into a Bachelor of Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury, ROBYN PATIENT is a passionate advocate for a career in forestry. “Forestry is such an exciting industry because there’s so much growth yet to come,” says the 20-year-old. “There are a lot of opportunities that have been presented for innovation and development in the future.”
FORESTRY IS SUCH AN exciting INDUSTRY BECAUSE THERE’S SO MUCH GROWTH YET TO COME.
FORESTRY SCIENCE
FORESTRY SETTO GROW
ROBYN PATIENT
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Growing up at Waikuku Beach, a small coastal community in Canterbury, a career in forestry seemed like the perfect opportunity for Robyn to combine her love of natural science with a rural lifestyle.
writer SARA CARBERY photographer STEVE SELWOOD
“The multitude of scholarships available and impressive, diverse job prospects for graduates” were additional drawcards. In what she describes as a “really broad” degree, covering biology, chemistry, economics, land management and civil engineering, Robyn has learnt how to perform statistical analyses and use models to answer questions about forest management. “I have particularly enjoyed learning about soil properties and wood properties on a cellular level, how to utilise GIS software and the government’s climate change and afforestation schemes.” In her final year at Kaiapoi High School, Robyn took Chemistry, Biology, History, English and Geography – all subjects that have proven useful. “Chemistry gave me an advantage in my courses because I had a good basic understanding of organic chemistry. Additionally, in Biology it was very useful understanding topics such as cellular respiration, photosynthesis and genetic inheritance. “History taught me useful skills like how to find credible sources and how to structure my academic writings in an effective and concise manner.” Physics would have been helpful “to get a grasp of some of the basic concepts that I use today”. In the future, Robyn is keen to participate in conversations around kaitiakitanga and the effects of land management practices on ecosystems. She is passionate about using research and innovation to influence positive changes in the forestry industry and New Zealand landscapes. “I would love to help develop the foundations for a greater diversification of New Zealand’s forests,” she says. “Work involving the environmental and cultural services of forests for tangata whenua is also of interest to me.” Robyn is a recipient of the Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships, created by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service to encourage participation
in tertiary-level study, specifically the Diploma in Forest Management through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, the Bachelor of Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury, and the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in forest engineering at the University of Canterbury. “This scholarship programme was created particularly for Māori and those who identify as female, who are underrepresented in the technical and management roles in forestry,” explains Robyn. The scholarship scheme also provides internship placements, which have provided Robyn with valuable work experience and industry connections over two summers.
KEY FACTS
■ ROBYN PATIENT IS COMPLETING A BACHELOR OF FORESTRY SCIENCE AT THE For more information on apprenticeships UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY. n sign making, ■ SHE WAS AWARDED A NGĀ KARAHIPI URU RĀKAU – FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP, visit www.signee.nz WHICH WAS CREATED TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF MĀORI AND THOSE WHO IDENTIFY AS FEMALE IN TERTIARY-LEVEL STUDY. ■ ROBYN ALSO SECURED INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS THAT PROVIDED HER WITH VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE AND INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS.
For more information on careers in the forestry industry, visit www.forestrycareers.nz and www.nzfoa.org.nz For more information on the Ngā Karihipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships, refer to www.mpi.govt.nz/forestryscholarships
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.
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Michael Jordan
JOB HUNTING These websites will help you find a job! AWF – 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 2021 /2022 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 Term 3 holiday: 1 Oct–16 Oct 2022 Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz
NATHAN CLIFFORD FISHERMAN – SEE PAGE 18
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 A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. Albert Einstein
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 www.moneyhub.co.nz/students
STUDENT ALLOWANCE AND LOANS
BAYLEY TAYLOR-LAW ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN – SEE PAGE 13
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 2021. Sign up for info at www.studylink.govt.nz
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
ROBYN PATIENT FORESTRY SCIENCE – SEE PAGE 23
There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything. Vince Lombardi
Pablo Picasso JARROD PAGET-KNEBEL PARAMEDIC – SEE PAGE 22
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. Theodor Seuss Geisel
Visit www.keytolife.org.nz
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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
BEN STANLEY PLUMBER – SEE PAGE 36
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/
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IMPORTANT NOTICES
When I was a child my mother said to me, “If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general. If you become a monk, you’ll be the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.
Tough times never last, but tough people do. Robert H. Schuller SHENAY FRASER COMPOSITES APPRENTICE – SEE PAGE 28
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
It’s always important to make sure that you are on the electoral roll and ready to take part in national and local elections. How else can you be sure that you are ready to have your say on the big issues affecting you and your family? www.elections.org.nz/voters
These magazines and past issues can be read online at www.leavingschool.co.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
TOTAL JOB SATISFACTION ON OFFER
GLAZIER GASFITTER
GOAL-DRIVEN GLAZIER
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KEENAN TAMARAPA was proud to win the Most Promising Apprentice of the Year award at the national Glass and Glazing Awards held in Auckland in July. “It means the world to me. I have never received an award like this before. It was definitely a goal of mine when I first heard about the award, as I am very much goal-driven,” says Keenan. “It has been a massive confidence boost and it has made me feel I made the right decision by doing a glazier apprenticeship.” The 24-year-old works for The Glassman New Plymouth. He is two-and-a-half years through his apprenticeship and hopes to qualify as a glazier in six months’ time. He believes a key reason he won the award was not just the quality of his work but his personality as well. “How you interact with customers, how you present yourself and just being confident is so important.” A typical day working for Keenan is busy with total job satisfaction. “I go to about eight houses a day, fixing broken windows, measuring up for glass balustrades at high-end properties, showers, double glazing, plus work on the automotive industry side of things as well – anything to do with glass basically.” Keenan went to New Plymouth Boys’ High School. He left after Year 11 to focus on a potential rugby league career. He loved his studies in PE and Science but at that stage was not sure what he wanted to do. “After school I did my Level 4 in Fitness at WITT (Western Institute of Technology). It was only a few years ago I decided I wanted to get into a trade to secure my future.” In 2019, Keenan started his apprenticeship through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). His rugby club connection was how he got the job initially as The Glassman New Plymouth sponsored his team.
writer PETER WHITE photographer GLENN JEFFREY
HOW YOU INTERACT WITH CUSTOMERS, HOW YOU PRESENT YOURSELF AND JUST BEING CONFIDENT IS SO IMPORTANT. KEENAN TAMARAPA
Keenan is grateful to BCITO for all their support so far. “My training advisor has been awesome to deal with, he has been right there when I need him. I have also learnt a lot from the tutors at my block courses, these are part of my BCITO programme. “They are more like life instructors as well.” Keenan has a clear vision of where he wants to end up in the industry.
“When I am qualified, I want to be a leader. I’d like to do some business management papers so I can run my own teams in the future, train other apprentices and play a role in the office. “The end goal for me is I would like to possibly have my own business.” Keenan says school leavers should consider an apprenticeship as soon as they leave school as the pathways and career opportunities that they offer are massive.
KEY KEYFACTS FACTS ■ KEENAN TAMARAPA HAS ALMOST COMPLETED HIS GLAZIER APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATION. HE WORKS FOR THE GLASSMAN NEW PLYMOUTH. ■ HE WON THIS YEAR’S MOST PROMISING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE NATIONAL GLASS AND GLAZING AWARDS. ■ KEENAN RECOMMENDS APPRENTICESHIPS TO SCHOOL LEAVERS AS THE BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY OFFER ARE WIDE. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on apprenticeships and a career within building and construction, visit www.bcito.org.nz
IT’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO START YOUR APPRENTICESHIP CALL BCITO
TODAY
0800 4 BCITO (422 486) OR VISIT BCITO.ORG.NZ
COMPOSITE APPRENTICE 28
CARBON FIBRE AND FIBREGLASS BEAUTY
ROCKETING TO AN EXCITING FUTURE writer SARA CARBERY // photograph courtesy of ROCKET LAB You’ve heard the saying, ‘It’s not rocket science’, but nineteen-year-old SHENAY FRASER’s career comes pretty close! Two years into a three-and-a-half years composites apprenticeship through the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy of New Zealand (MAST Academy), Shenay builds rockets at Rocket Lab in south Auckland. “In short, composites is laminating, trimming, drilling, sanding and fitting pieces of carbon fibre and fibreglass to build a product,” explains Shenay. “Carbon fibre is a part of many diverse industries, from space to the racetrack, sailing the oceans [think: the America’s Cup boats], and on farms. It can take you anywhere in the world to build anything!” Another way of thinking of composites is it’s any material made of two or more distinct materials. “The composites industry is based around combining a large range of resins with a large range of reinforcement materials to make an
GET
I ENJOY WORKING ALONGSIDE A TEAM OF LIKEMINDED PEOPLE, HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH LAUNCHES LIVE FROM MISSION CONTROL. SHENAY FRASER
even larger range of new products,” explains MAST Academy on its website. Shenay left Waiuku College two months before her final Year 13 exams when she was offered an apprenticeship at Rocket Lab – a company she had proactively researched and contacted while looking for work experience opportunities. She describes Rocket Lab as a fast-paced and ever-developing environment where she can learn new skills and master others.
EXPERIENCE GET
QUALIFIED GET
OUT THERE
Our Launch It, School to Work Year 12 & 13 students gain valuable new skills on their way to an apprenticeship. Working with an industry employer, they’ll earn an internationally recognised trade qualification and kickstart their career. Find out more at:
mastacademy.com
“I enjoy working alongside a team of likeminded people, having the opportunity to watch launches live from Mission Control and appreciating the hard work we’ve collectively put into it.” She admits finding some aspects of the job challenging, such as heavy lifting, but that “just means I’ve got to find a solution to make those situations work better for me”. Many of the subjects Shenay took at school have proved useful in her work. “Physics and Mathematics for important and precise calculations, Graphics for the skill of reading technical drawings, and Hard Materials Technology for learning how to use basic tools and machinery.” Her advice to high school students is “get out there and give things a go. Try a week of work experience, do a short course, and have a part-time job. All of these build your CV, knowledge and cultivate pathways!” Shenay also recommends reaching out to contacts and talking with people who work in jobs or industries you’re interested in learning more about.
MAST Academy also runs a ‘Launch it, School to Work’ programme to introduce students to work. The programme is an opportunity for students to experience work they are keen to investigate while they are still at school. MAST Academy offers a diverse range of pathways including not only composites, but boatbuilding, marine systems, sailmaking and many more. Students are employed on a part-time basis usually spending 1–2 days per week at work and 3–4 days at school. To find out more, visit www.mastacademy.com KEY FACTS ■ SHENAY FRASER IS COMPLETING A COMPOSITES APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH THE MARINE AND SPECIALISED TECHNOLOGIES ACADEMY OF NEW ZEALAND. SHE WORKS AT ROCKET LAB IN SOUTH AUCKLAND. ■ SHE SAYS MATHS, GRAPHICS, PHYSICS AND HARD MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY ARE THE NCEA SUBJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN MOST USEFUL IN HER LINE OF WORK. ■ SHENAY RECOMMENDS STUDENTS PROACTIVELY INVESTIGATE THE INDUSTRY THEY ARE INTERESTED IN AND LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO PURSUE – SUCH AS WORK EXPERIENCE, COURSES IN THAT AREA OR A PART-TIME JOB.
A NEW R O F G N LOOKI IS SUMMER? JOB TH We’re friendly, down-to-earth, and energetic - we work hard and we love what we do. Check out what jobs we have available via the QR code or countdown.co.nz/careers, or drop a CV off in your local store. We have all sorts of roles available right around the country - there’s something for everyone!
We’re committed to having equal opportunities for all
Come as you are | Haere mai rā
For more information on MAST Academy apprenticeships, visit www.mastacademy.com
COMPOSITE APPRENTICE
MAST ACADEMY
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STORE MANAGEMENT
NO MATTER WHICH DEPARTMENT YOU START IN, THERE IS A PATH TO TAKE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A STORE MANAGER ROLE.
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ASHLEE RUTHERFORD
EMPOWERED AND ESSENTIAL COUNTDOWN STORE MANAGER
writer SARA CARBERY photography GARETH GARDNER
Ever since New Zealand first went into lockdown in March last year, supermarket employees have become recognised as essential frontline workers who play an important role in keeping the country running, whichever alert level we are in. “Over the past two years we have learnt that being an essential worker “No matter which department you start in, there is a path to take which can comes with some challenges, but it also makes you feel so empowered to lead to a store manager role,” she explains. continue the work you do to deliver for the customers and community,” “Once you reach the senior roles in store you can be eligible for the Store Manager says 28-year-old ASHLEE RUTHERFORD. in Training programme, which sets you up for success.” Ashlee is store manager at Countdown Pakuranga in Auckland, where In Year 13 at Rotorua Lakes High School, Ashlee completed a Gateway programme she manages a team of 65 in-store and works with a group of 10 other in Childcare and Nursing and studied English, Biology, Mathematics, Health, store managers. Sports, Tourism and Food Technology in her final years. “I love having the freedom to contribute to the wider business and build our In hindsight, she says NCEA Accounting and Business Studies would have been overall brand through building relationships with customers and community useful subjects for the career she has chosen. groups,” she says. “I enjoy the different aspects that make up the business structure, including people, financial and commercial. Every day is different.” While dealing with people is an “amazing” part of her job and what drew her to a career with Countdown in the first place, she admits it is also the most Having started as a checkout operator after school and on weekends while in Year 11, Ashlee continued to work part-time at Countdown while completing difficult part of her job. her first year of nursing training. “In supermarkets we open our doors every day to the general public, and this “I found that I could achieve my love for people and supporting my community comes with opinions, complaints and conflict that can make things challenging through working at Countdown just as much as in the medical field, so I chose but the business has training material for all levels of leadership to ensure we to explore Countdown further by applying for the assistant checkout manager are equipped to deal with any situation that may come up.” role and that's where my career took off.” Countdown offers a range of opportunities to ensure employees achieve their As part of Countdown’s leadership programme, Ashlee has worked in many goals, including apprenticeships, a SEEDS Gateway programme and graduate different departments, including customer service and fresh food. and development programmes. KEY FACTS ■ ASHLEE RUTHERFORD IS STORE MANAGER AT COUNTDOWN PAKURANGA, MANAGING A TEAM OF 65 IN-STORE STAFF. ■ SHE HAS WORKED IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND WAS SELECTED FOR COUNTDOWN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. ■ ASHLEE RECOMMENDS STUDYING ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS STUDIES FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN STORE MANAGEMENT.
LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on career opportunities with Countdown, visit www.countdown.co.nz/ about-us/careers
WORKING WITH BIG MACHINERY
writer PETER WHITE photography ALAN STEVENS
Working out how to fix large Hitachi excavators is a challenge CHARM ATKINS-HADDON looks forward to every day at work. The 19-year-old is in the second year of an equipment technician (heavy plant and machinery) apprenticeship with CablePrice in Rotorua. “I always had an interest in cars but never thought “I’m constantly learning and I get to see quite a bit Her MITO Industry Training Advisor visits her and her I would end up where I am now,” Charm says. Rather of the country as well, which is a bonus. I enjoy the supervisor regularly, providing added support. than fixing cars, she ended up working on much variety of work I get to do and experience.” “That has played a big part. A lot of what I am bigger machinery. Charm went to Hamilton Girls’ High School where going to be doing at work – like diagnosing and “Through a SpeedMeet event I was presented with she excelled in netball and softball. In Year 13, stuff – is all the theory I have learned. It has the opportunity to be an apprentice technician here she took Maths, English, Health, PE and Sport. helped me lift my skills.” at CablePrice and I grabbed it,” she says. A key step along the path to her apprenticeship Charm’s advice to school leavers is not to rush into was doing Trades Academy one day per week “I am really hoping to see more women in this making a decision about your future. industry going forward. I am not the strongest, but at Wintec. “People ask you what you are going to do after I find different ways of going about things rather “It was really helpful because it was one of my school. There are always opportunities out there. than having to depend on being big and strong. main subjects that I really enjoyed doing as it I didn’t know this heavy machinery equipment was so practical. “Sometimes you have to adapt and think of a industry existed. smarter way to solve a challenge. I like to stop, “Year 12 was just a taster and in Year 13 it was more “Go talk to the right people, get some basic take a minute and get a bigger-picture look at in-depth automotive. It really helped me make my understanding of what is out there. Mostly just what I am doing and work out a solution.” decision last year to do my apprenticeship.” enjoy it and have fun.” Charm likes how every day is different. Three days Charm is completing her apprenticeship through a week she gets opportunities to go out into the MITO, who she says have been very helpful with both field, to work with customers and service or repair theory via eLearning and the practical training aspects excavators. Back in the workshop, she works on of her New Zealand Certificate in Automotive machines going out to customers. Engineering – Heavy Vehicle qualification.
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ADAPT AND THINK OF A SMARTER WAY TO SOLVE A CHALLENGE. CHARM ATKINS-HADDON
KEY FACTS ■ CHARM ATKINS-HADDON IS COMPLETING AN EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN (HEAVY PLANT AND MACHINERY) APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH MITO. SHE WORKS AT CABLEPRICE IN ROTORUA. ■ SHE COMPLETED TRADES ACADEMY WHILE AT HIGH SCHOOL, A DECISION SHE SAYS GREATLY INFLUENCED HER CHOICE TO BEGIN AN APPRENTICESHIP.
For more information on apprenticeships in the automotive industry, visit www.mito.nz
■ CHARM IS STUDYING TOWARD A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING – HEAVY VEHICLE AS PART OF HER APPRENTICESHIP. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
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PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER 32
SHAPING THOSE FORMATIVE YEARS
writer PETER WHITE photography ALAN STEVENS
TEACHERS CAN CHANGE LIVES
TEINA NEHA’s passion for teaching is obvious as soon as you start talking to him. He loves working with the Years 7–10 students at Rototuna Junior High School, in the growing north-east area of Hamilton. The 25-year-old started as a teacher aide in 2018 and is now in his first year of study to be a fully qualified primary school teacher, which he is doing while still working. “When I found the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme available at Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand in Hamilton this year, I decided to study for my teaching degree.” This is the first year Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand has offered a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree, in addition to its early childhood education programmes. The course is a mixture of online and practical learning, with two days each week in schools, observing and learning alongside a registered teacher. “We have more time in schools, two days not one like other courses, and we have more flexibility studying because nearly all our stuff is online.”
“When I am not doing my student teacher blocks, I am still doing my teacher aide work, and the good thing is my work ties in with my study. “It gives opportunities to put what you're learning into practice at your field base school and gain experience while studying. “And having the majority of our course online gives the freedom for work and other commitments.” Working with young people is more than just a job for Teina, whose iwi affiliation is Tainui and Ngāti Maniapoto. “I am pretty lucky that at my age I can connect and make bonds with any students I work with straight away. The only challenging time is if they have done something wrong, but I have learned how to manage those boundaries a lot more over the years. “I like the fact that not every day is the same. I don’t think I could be in a job where it is predictable. Yes, it is very challenging at the same time but that allows for personal growth. Teina attended Fairfield College in Hamilton. Advanced Physical Education, Sports Studies
and Recreational Leadership were his favourite subjects in Year 13. After leaving school he attended Wintec and completed a Level 4 certificate in fitness training. The turning point, however, was when he started working for local holiday programmes and after-school care. Teina realised he loved working with younger people so applied for his current teacher aide role at Rototuna Junior High School and has not looked back. His advice to school leavers is to consider a teaching career because it is something you really want to do – not just another job option. “We are dealing with kids in such formative years. We can change lives in this role, so please make sure you are passionate about this, as it is rewarding and amazing but really challenging at the same time. “You learn how to become a teacher along the journey of the course so having the right attitude at the start is what matters.”
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 The more training you complete the more you can earn. Part-time or full time hours available to work around your life, apply now.
www.kfcjobs.co.nz www.carlsjrjobs.co.nz www.pizzahutjobs.co.nz www.tacobelljobs.co.nz www.restaurantbrands.co.nz/our-people
TEINA NEHA
KEY FACTS ■ TEINA NEHA IS COMPLETING A BACHELOR OF TEACHING (PRIMARY) THROUGH TE RITO MAIOHA EARLY CHILDHOOD NEW ZEALAND. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THEY HAVE OFFERED THE PRIMARY TEACHING DEGREE. ■ HE WORKS AS A TEACHER AIDE AT ROTOTUNA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN HAMILTON.
For more information on studying teaching through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand, visit www.ecnz.ac.nz/study
■ TEINA ENJOYS TEACHING BECAUSE NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME. HE SAYS IT IS A REWARDING AND AMAZING CAREER OPTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING.
Bachelor of Teaching Become a qualified registered teacher with our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE or Primary) programme
I can’t speak highly enough of the lecturers and all the staff at Te Rito Maioha. They are amazing! My knowledge in tikanga Māori I have found very useful in my current job and a lot of the staff I work with ask for advice and I have shared some of my knowledge in staff meetings. I recommend making use of the learning support which is offered as it really helps you to achieve high marks and you get one-on-one tuition all included in your fees. Wonderful supportive staff! - Melanie Morrison, Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Whether you want to be an ECE, intermediate or primary teacher, our programmes will give you the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to kickstart your teaching career. Why study with Te Rito Maioha ECNZ? • All our programmes have a bicultural focus • Gain practical experience in real ECE/classroom settings and earn while you learn • Study from anywhere in NZ and contribute to your community • Graduate as a highly qualified teacher that is already employed or employment ready Employers have indicated they prefer graduates from Te Rito Maioha thanks to their extensive practical experience and bicultural knowledge.
CATEGORY PROVIDER
1
This means you can have absolute confidence in the quality of all our programmes.
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
I LIKE THE FACT THAT NOT EVERY DAY IS THE SAME. i don’t think i COULD BE IN A JOB WHERE IT IS PREDICTABLE.
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writer NZ DEFENCE CAREERS // photograph courtesy of NZ DEFENCE FORCE
PILOT OFFICER
ENGINEERING A CAREER IN THE AIR FORCE
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REALISING A DREAM
Mechanical engineer XIN CEN is realising her dream of using her skills to help others through her role in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). In July, she graduated from the 17-week RNZAF Officer Commissioning Course at Base Woodbourne in Blenheim. Pilot Officer Cen, 22, from Mt Albert, Auckland studied a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering after high school and said she has always aspired to utilise her skills and ability in engineering to help others. “After coming across an Air Force advertisement on social media, I soon realised that there would be no better place to realise this dream than the Air Force.” Growing up in China and arriving in New Zealand when she was eight years old, Xin said her mother had inspired her. “In the journey leading up to joining the Air Force and throughout my training, my mother has been my biggest inspiration and role model.” “I was raised by a solo mum who juggled work, study and parenting, and the amount of commitment and passion she had towards all aspects of her life has inspired me to put my best efforts into everything I do,” Xin said. She said that joining the Air Force has not only been a way for her to realise her aspirations for humanitarian engineering, but also to challenge herself – “much as my mum did when she decided to pack her bags and come to a foreign country by herself.” Xin said her experiences on course have been both educational and eye-opening. “Apart from the technical knowledge I have acquired, I have learned leadership skills that could not be found in any other workplace. “This is what I expected as the military is a unique working environment that requires its personnel to be able to deal with complex and ambiguous situations,” she said.
THE MILITARY IS A UNIQUE WORKING ENVIRONMENT THAT REQUIRES ITS PERSONNEL TO BE ABLE to deal WITH COMPLEX AND AMBIGUOUS SITUATIONS. XIN CEN
She is looking forward to the next steps of her journey, including the opportunity to apply the lessons she has learned. “I expect the next part of the Air Force journey to be filled with many new experiences in both the technical and interpersonal space. “I am posting to Maintenance Support Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai, which is
an exciting opportunity to meet more people, as well as seeing how an engineering officer operates within the Air Force. “This country was foreign to me when I first arrived 14 years ago but has now become my home. “I am very excited to commit to a career that helps to protect the land and the people that I love.”
KEY FACTS ■ XIN CEN HAS RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE (RNZAF) OFFICER COMMISSIONING COURSE AT BASE WOODBOURNE IN BLENHEIM. ■ SHE HAD EARLIER STUDIED A BACHELOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AND JOINED THE RNZAF SO SHE COULD UTILISE HER SKILLS AND ABILITY IN ENGINEERING. ■ XIN IS POSTING TO MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SQUADRON AT RNZAF BASE AUCKLAND AT WHENUAPAI AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO APPLYING THE SKILLS SHE HAS LEARNED ON THE COURSE. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on the variety of careers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz
NEW ZEALAND ARMY MEDIC
BOTH PHYSICAL AND ACADEMIC I JOINED AS A MEDIC AS I WANTED A JOB THAT REQUIRED PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, AS WELL AS ACADEMIC ONES.
NEW ZEALAND ARMY MEDIC
contributor NZ DEFENCE CAREERS // photograph courtesy of NZ DEFENCE FORCE
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WILLIAM WALLACE
The ability to think on his feet and be fit was the drawcard for WILLIAM WALLACE to join the New Zealand Army as a medic. He has just graduated from Defence Health School “Along with that, I have really enjoyed getting a his medic training into practice. He said anyone taste of the different services medicine, including based at Burnham Military Camp following wishing to join the NZDF should ensure they do the aeromedical evacuation course.” two-and-a-half years of study where he earned their research. himself the Peers Choice Award and Top Trainee Award. He is looking forward to the next part of his “Make sure you read all of what the trade requirements Private Wallace, 22, from Riverton, tried university New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) journey, are and that you are medically and physically fit including returning to university. after high school but it wasn’t right for him at the – this will put you in good stead for whatever job time, so he enlisted into the Army. you would like to do.” “I am looking to further my understanding of “I joined as a medic as I wanted a job that required military and clinical medicine and ensuring that NZDF medics train in a tri-service environment any patients I treat in the field, on operations, or physical challenges, as well as academic ones. at Defence Health School based at Burnham at the Health Centre, are given the best care. In a It seemed to fit what I wanted in a job the most: Military Camp. The training takes two-and-a-half requiring a lot of thinking, as well as being physically medical sense, I will also be furthering my study years and is a mixture of theory and practice. through a Bachelor of Paramedicine.” fit,” he said. They also experience on-the-job training at Health Centres across Defence Force camps, ships and bases William said he has enjoyed the operational phases William will now be posted to Southern Health around New Zealand. of training, particularly the parts based around trauma. Support Squadron in Burnham where he will put KEY FACTS ■ WILLIAM WALLACE IS A MEDIC IN THE NEW ZEALAND ARMY. HE RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM DEFENCE HEALTH SCHOOL, WHICH IS BASED AT BURNHAM MILITARY CAMP. ■ HE COMPLETED TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS OF TRAINING, WHICH WAS A MIXTURE OF THEORY AND PRACTICE, AND INTENDS TO FURTHER HIS MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE BY STUDYING A BACHELOR OF PARAMEDICINE.
For more information on the variety of careers in the New Zealand Army, visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz
■ WILLIAM EARNED THE PEERS CHOICE AWARD AND TOP TRAINEE AWARD DURING HIS STUDY. HE WILL BE POSTED TO SOUTHERN HEALTH SUPPORT SQUADRON IN BURNHAM, WHERE HE WILL PUT HIS MEDIC TRAINING INTO PRACTICE. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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PLUMBER AND GASFITTER 36
HANDS-ON AND EXCITING WORK DYSLEXIA HELPS PLUMBER SUCCEED Rather than holding him back, being dyslexic has helped BEN STANLEY succeed in the plumbing trade. “Dyslexia is amazing for how your mind works,” says Ben, who finished his Masterlink plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship in July 2020. “If you take something apart, I can put it back together in my head. I can envision what it will look like when people say what they want for a new bathroom. It is something that other dyslexic mates of mine can do as well. “It is all about our imagination and it is really cool to see other bosses taking on apprentices with dyslexia.” Ben, 23, finished up at Napier Boys’ High School after Year 12 and freely admits he did not have the best time at school. All he wanted to do was to finish and get into an apprenticeship to be a plumber and gasfitter. And that is exactly what he did. Through Masterlink, Ben was placed with East Coast Plumbing & Gas in Hastings in July 2016. He won a Plumbing World Scholarship at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards in 2019. A highlight of the scholarship was attending the New Zealand Plumbing Conference held in Australia. One reason Ben won was because he developed a cost-saving, on-the-job stock tracking system that was adopted by his company. “I helped the boss’ wife set up a stock management system. When we have over stock, we can put it directly into our phone apps that we have for work, so we know we don’t have to buy other gear for another job. ” Ben says one of the advantages of going through Masterlink is that they manage their apprentices’ block courses and pay them while they attend – something that doesn’t always happen with other employers. “It was just super easy. I just turned up to do courses when I was told to and got the job done. It was really good in that aspect.”
Masterlink Regional Manager Bob McCoy says Ben’s paperwork through his apprenticeship was excellent. “I hate paperwork so much that I get it right the first time. I keep all my documents and am really good with my returns.” Ben says having a mentor is another positive aspect of having a Masterlink apprenticeship. “Knowing someone who is going to set you up and do well by you is really key. “With Masterlink being a very well-known name, they get you in contact with people if you need any extra help or anything.”
writer PETER WHITE photography SIMON CARTWRIGHT
His advice to school leavers with dyslexia who are keen to get into a trade apprenticeship is to do it as soon as you can. “With myself, and lots of other young people, it is not that we are lazy but the fact we are not being challenged enough. “So I think being thrown into the deep end of learning something new, exciting and hands-on is a really good way for us dyslexics to get out of our own heads and really get stuck into something.”
IT IS REALLY COOL to see OTHER BOSSES TAKING ON APPRENTICES WITH DYSLEXIA. BEN STANLEY
KEY FACTS ■ BEN STANLEY COMPLETED HIS APPRENTICESHIP IN GASFITTING AND PLUMBING THROUGH MASTERLINK IN 2020. ■ HE WORKS AT EAST COAST PLUMBING & GAS IN HASTINGS. ■ BEN WON A PLUMBING WORLD SCHOLARSHIP AT THE NEW ZEALAND PLUMBING AWARDS IN 2019.
LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on training in gasfitting, plumbing and drainlaying through Masterlink, visit www.masterlink.co.nz
writer SARA CARBERY photography LOGAN WEST
CONSIDER A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION Put simply, quantity surveyors are responsible for figuring out how much a construction project will cost, and for keeping projects to budget and on time. STACEY OTENE discovered quantity surveying when she attended an open night at Massey University’s Albany campus and was inspired to enrol in a Bachelor of Construction (quantity surveying). “Completing a Bachelor of Construction majoring in quantity surveying gives you the option of two careers – one in construction management and the other in quantity surveying,” she says. “Both jobs pay well, are interesting and give you the opportunity to further your skills and knowledge.” Having graduated two years ago, Stacey is now working as a graduate quantity surveyor at Rider Levett Bucknall, assisting with construction estimates and scheduling. She also completes post-contract work, such as cost reports and assessment of works, and attends site and design meetings. “Rider Levett Bucknall has a great group of people with a great wealth of knowledge,” she says. “These people take time out of their busy lives to help me better understand the construction industry.” The most challenging aspect of her job is juggling parenthood and a fulltime job. “I think a normal work challenge is having a good work–life balance and that is something that Rider Levett Bucknall encourages.” At Glenfield College on Auckland’s North Shore, Stacey took English, Classical Studies, Geography, Visual Art and Social Studies. English and Maths, which she took up to Year 12, have proved the most useful for her study and career. “Maths for all aspects of the role and English for writing reports. Surprisingly I have had to use Pythagoras’ theorem after high school.” While having Year 13 Maths would have been useful, Stacey took a fundamental of maths paper at university to fill in her knowledge gaps.
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
QUANTITY SURVEYING
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MORE AND MORE WOMEN ARE ENTERING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EVERY DAY. STACEY OTENE
She admits that one of the things that puts people off quantity surveying is the worry they’re not good enough at maths. “Don’t let this hold you back,” she says. “I was terrible at maths in high school. That’s why I took the fundamental of maths paper.” And don’t let your gender stop you from working in the construction industry, she says. “More and more women are entering the construction industry every day and a good percentage of the people in the Auckland Rider Levett Bucknall office are women.” According to the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), quantity surveyors need to know about building methods and materials, be able to
interpret building plans, and estimate costs for a project’s building, material and labour costs. They also need to be able to think logically and analytically to solve problems and they need to be good communicators as well, with negotiation and relationship management skills. To qualify as a quantity surveyor, you can either gain a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (quantity surveying), a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying or construction economics, or postgraduate, graduate or master’s in quantity surveying.
KEY FACTS ■ STACEY OTENE WORKS AS A GRADUATE QUANTITY SURVEYOR AT RIDER LEVETT BUCKNALL. SHE SAYS MORE AND MORE WOMEN ARE ENTERING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. ■ SHE COMPLETED A BACHELOR OF CONSTRUCTION (QUANTITY SURVEYING) AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY’S ALBANY CAMPUS. ■ STACEY STUDIED ENGLISH, CLASSICAL STUDIES, GEOGRAPHY, VISUAL ART AND SOCIAL STUDIES IN YEAR 13, AND MATHS TO YEAR 12.
For more information about the study options to become a quantity surveyor, visit www.nziqs.co.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
CARTOGRAPHER AND TOURISM GEOSPATIAL ANALYST
CARTOGRAPHER AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYST
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GEOGRAPHY MEETS ICT
writer SARA CARBERY photography STEVE SELWOOD
An interest in Geography and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch led to two very interesting job titles for ANDREW DOUGLAS-CLIFFORD: cartographer and geospatial analyst. After leaving high school, Andrew undertook a Bachelor of Science, majoring “Geospatial analysts commonly perform a wide variety of tasks working with in geography at the University of Canterbury, followed by a Master’s in Geographic location (or ‘spatial’) data,” explains Andrew, whose work falls into the field of Information Science (MGIS). GIS (Geographic Information Systems). “Studying geography at university introduced me to GIS and geospatial Recent examples of projects he has worked on as part of Tonkin + Taylor’s geospatial solutions team in Christchurch have included supporting projects analysis, which provides the technical tools to take spatial information about that aim to help New Zealand better plan and adapt to climate change, creating our world and make sense of it.” field data capture tools to help Pacific countries improve how they manage their So, what have been the most useful school subjects for a career in GIS? “Geography waste, and providing mapping support to agencies involved in the response to and ICT were the most useful for sure,” says Andrew. “GIS sits at the intersection natural disasters. of these two subjects. ICT supports the technical knowledge of the ‘how’ to “Many of the projects that Tonkin + Taylor works on are generally in areas that process and analyse location data. Geography provides the ‘where’ and ‘why’ I find not only interesting but are also immensely important for issues I personally we do it – to know and understand more about how our world works.” care about – sustainability, addressing the climate crisis and improving the Andrew admits it can be tough to know what you want to do when you leave communities we work and live in,” says Andrew (28). school. “I chose to study geography because that’s what interested and engaged The other part of his job, as a cartographer, sees Andrew making and designing me at the time, but it also led me in some unexpected directions. maps, a creative process that relies as much on art and design judgement as it “I would have never guessed that I would have started a freelance mapping business, selling maps as art bought by thousands of people all over the world. does on the science and the technology of GIS. “For me, this is the part of the Of course, this isn’t necessarily a path for everyone – but the space and time job that I enjoy the most!” that study gave me to discover my passion was what allowed it to happen.” Before joining Tonkin + Taylor three years ago, Andrew built a large following online creating and selling artistic maps through his freelance cartography business, The Map Kiwi. “What originally began as a hobby for me opened many doors and opportunities – and even awards!”
KEY FACTS ■ ANDREW DOUGLAS-CLIFFORD WORKS AS A CARTOGRAPHER AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYST ON TONKIN + TAYLOR’S GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS TEAM IN CHRISTCHURCH. ■ HE STUDIED A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MAJORING IN GEOGRAPHY AND A MASTER’S IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY. ■ ANDREW RECOMMENDS STUDYING GEOGRAPHY AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AT SCHOOL FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING A SIMILAR CAREER PATH. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on profile sponsor Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, visit www.linz.govt.nz and for more information on studying geographic information science (GIS) with various tertiary providers, visit www.linz.govt.nz/studying-gis
writer PETER WHITE photography LOGAN WEST
BIG PLANS ONTHE HORIZON
APPRENTICE BUILDER
FROM LITTLE PROJECTS TO BUILDER
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It was working on some home projects during her gap year that set MIETTE WOOLLER on the path to becoming a qualified builder. The 21-year-old is into the second year of her building apprenticeship and is delighted with the career path she chose. But she admits she was not sure what she wanted use tools properly. We did all our safety operations Miette was taken on by Bindon Construction Limited in Auckland and started her apprenticeship to do at school. At one stage she thought of through the course too, which meant after that straight after finishing the course. She says they becoming a social worker. year I was able to go off and get a job.” have been fully supportive. She has big plans for In Year 13 at Rutherford College in west Auckland, Miette’s study at Unitec was funded by the Māori her future in the building industry, so is going to and Pasifika Trades Training Auckland (MPTT) Miette took Biology, Chemistry, English, Statistics scholarship programme, which is available through study part-time towards a Bachelor of Construction and Drama. (construction economics) while working. several polytechnics throughout Auckland. “Nothing to do with trades,” says Miette, who is of “The main idea with getting qualified is eventually Ngā Puhi descent and is from Panguru, Northland. MPTT is a group of training and industry to get my own business up and running. That’s the organisations working together to help Māori and goal, so I can support others who were in the same “I had some down time after school and started to Pasifika succeed in the trades. She is grateful for situation I was in once.” do some little projects around the house. I knew the opportunities the scholarship gave her. then that I really loved the trades. Her advice to school leavers is to take your time “They make such a difference, 100 per cent. They working out what suits you for a career. “I had always been told to use my brain, not my are so warm and welcoming. I mostly interacted “There will be hits and misses along the way to body. The classic advice for females is not to get with Tu Nu’uali’itia, who was my MPTT Relationship finding out what you want to do and messing up into things like building. That definitely made me Manager. He made sure absolutely everyone was along the way is completely fine.” more determined to prove I could do it.” taken care of, even if you did not have a scholarship.” Miette did a one-year pre-trades course in carpentry “The scholarship also took care of funding for tools (where she gained a New Zealand Certificate in so you could get out there and do the job.” Construction Trade Skills) at Auckland’s Unitec, The MPTT programme provides extra training in work which was a game-changer for her. readiness to increase your chances of finding work. “It was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend It includes one-on-one career coaching to help you the course. It gave me the basic foundations to stay motivated and support you to become fully understand all the trade jargon and how to actually qualified in your trade. KEY FACTS ■ MIETTE WOOLLER IS CURRENTLY COMPLETING HER BUILDING APPRENTICESHIP. SHE WORKS AT BINDON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED IN AUCKLAND. ■ SHE TOOK A ONE-YEAR PRE-TRADES COURSE IN CARPENTRY AT UNITEC, AND GAINED A NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN CONSTRUCTION TRADE SKILLS. ■ MIETTE’S STUDY AT UNITEC WAS FUNDED BY THE MPTT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME. THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDED HER WITH MANY OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING FUNDING, EXTRA TRAINING AND PERSONALISED CAREER COACHING. LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
For more information on trades covered by the MPTT programme or to apply, visit www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz /trainees
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
WELLBEING
YOU CAN HARNESS SOME OF THE STRESS FROM THIS YEAR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.
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HARNESSING PERFORMANCE STRESS
writer JENNIFER BECKETT image iSTOCK
GET INTO YOUR OPTIMAL ZONE
2021 has brought another round of 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, very long, intermittent 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. 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.
LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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. 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. 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 runs Sea-Change Psychology Online Therapy Clinic.
IF YOU’RE STUCK FEELING BAD VISIT THELOWDOWN.CO.NZ TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH
It doesn’t matter what’s worrying you or getting you down, The Lowdown covers it – friends, whānau, sex, school – you name it. And if you’ve been feeling bad for ages we’ll help you figure out if it’s something more, like depression or anxiety.
APPRENTICESHIPS
WANT TO PASS GO AND GET EARNING?
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writer DIANA CLEMENT image iSTOCK
FULFILLING CAREERS OUTSIDE UNI
Don’t want to go to university? You’re not alone. Plenty of school leavers skip uni, pass Go, and start earning money. Chances are you’ll be better off financially than your friends slogging away fulltime at uni or polytech. One of Jennie’s owns sons didn’t want to do An apprenticeship, other trades training, or a job in the best classrooms because you get paid and get tertiary study. A period of time spent pushing qualified without racking up a student loan.” other fields can lead to very fulfilling careers, says trolleys at New World told him what he didn’t freelance career consultant Jennie Miller. There’s also Earning from day one gives apprentices a better want to do. no reason why you can’t simply work for a couple financial start than their university counterparts. of years until you’re ready to decide, she adds. Jennie used the same investigative skills on her The research found that in the middle of their son that she would apply to any student or school Time in any job might help you find that direction careers, apprentice-trained workers have paid off leaver. She asked him how he wanted to be living or even find what you don’t want to do, says Jennie. most of their mortgage and have no other debts. in 10 years’ time. Research for the former Industry Training Federation “At the end of their working lives, there is little to The answer was in the country. He now has a no difference between a university graduate and found that university graduates don’t necessarily job at a horticultural company and is studying an apprentice.” earn more in their lives, says Josh Williams, part-time to get formal qualifications. country manager for Global Apprentice Network Trades aren’t the only option for school leavers who (New Zealand). Apprentices contribute to savings “Developing self-knowledge is really important,” want to pass Go and get a job. earlier and pay off their mortgages early. she says. So too is understanding that you don’t Plenty of New Zealanders have fulfilling careers in “Free fees is a good thing. Even better is getting sectors that don’t involve apprenticeships or fulltime know what you don’t know. Many of the young people she works with have paid in your first year,” says Josh. “Workplaces make study, says Jennie. never heard of careers that would be ideal for them. When you decide what you want to do – for now or for the long-term – you will need to be proactive, says Jennie. Eight out of 10 young people get jobs through networks, not advertisements. If you’re under 20, the training or starting out wage for those in trade training is $16 per hour. Over the age of 20, the adult minimum wage is $20 per hour. In the current market, says Josh, you may get more. As you become skilled in an apprenticeship or other job, you’re likely to move up the pay scale. You might need to switch jobs or gain extra skills or qualifications to do so. It’s always a good idea to have your eye on what can help you earn more. Whether you’re earning $16, $20, $25 or more an hour, one of the big tricks to master when you get your first job is budgeting. Those people who end up most comfortably off in life aren’t always the ones on huge salaries. They’re the ones who learn how to manage what they have early in their life.
KEY FACTS ■ IF YOU’RE UNDER 20, THE TRAINING OR STARTING OUT WAGE FOR THOSE IN TRADE TRAINING IS $16 PER HOUR. OVER THE AGE OF 20, THE ADULT MINIMUM WAGE IS $20 PER HOUR. ■ EIGHT OUT OF 10 YOUNG PEOPLE GET JOBS THROUGH NETWORKS, NOT ADVERTISEMENTS. ■ EARNING FROM DAY ONE GIVES APPRENTICES A BETTER FINANCIAL START THAN THEIR COUNTERPARTS STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY. LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
To get career ideas and help you know yourself better, use the range of tools available on www.careers.govt.nz For more information on starting an apprenticeship, visit www.gotrade.co.nz
writer DIANA CLEMENT image iSTOCK
BECOME A KIWISAVER PRO You’re never too poor for KiwiSaver. Even students working part-time will benefit from saving tiny sums of money in KiwiSaver. A few dollars a week drip-fed into KiwiSaver now will add up to many thousands of dollars far quicker than you think, thanks to investment growth and free top-ups from employers and the government. The thing about KiwiSaver is you only have to put away a minimum of three per cent of what you’re earning. So, if you earn $100 in the week it’s just $3, which is less than one energy drink or coffee. You won’t even notice that if it’s transferred to KiwiSaver automatically before you receive your pay in the bank. You probably don’t think about yourself in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time. If you start saving that small percentage from your very first part- or fulltime pay packet, you’ll thank yourself big time in a decade when (believe it or not) you might start to think about buying a house. It happens. By then you’ll have a good chunk of a deposit saved without much effort. What makes KiwiSaver a good deal is the free money that comes with it. From the age of 18, your employer has to double your contribution. But do be careful as some employers don’t always play by the rules. In particular, if you’re on minimum wage, they must pay their three per cent over and above your wage. The other reason to start early is that you get into a good habit. If you learn to put money aside BEFORE spending, you will find it easy. You can make additional voluntary contributions direct to your KiwiSaver provider any time, says Gillian Boyes from the Financial Markets Authority. There’s a very good reason to do that if you can. That’s because the government tops your contributions up by 50 cents for every dollar you put in, up to a maximum of $1024 each year, which is $20.03 a week, says Gillian. It doesn’t matter if you drip feed your money to your KiwiSaver provider every week or pay it in as a lump sum. Even if you can’t make up the full $1024, you will still get a 50 cent top-up for every dollar you invest up to that sum. Contact your KiwiSaver provider to find out how to make extra payments. If you get to the stage where you want to buy a home, there’s more free money. After five years
KIWISAVER TIPS
MAKE THE MOST OF IT
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WHAT MAKES KIWISAVER A GOOD DEAL IS THE FREE MONEY THAT COMES WITH IT. saving in KiwiSaver you can withdraw your savings, your employer’s contribution, and investment growth to buy your first home. If you’ve been putting at least three per cent in for that time, you’ll most likely also qualify for the $5000 HomeStart grant for a first home (or $10,000 for a brand-new home). Couples can put their grants together to double their money to $20,000, which is a lot of free money. The very best advice is to look for excuses to invest that tiny three per cent into KiwiSaver each week. Your future self will be grateful in the not-too-distant future. Just the free $521 government contribution alone will add up to $50,000 over 40 years. Every
one to two per cent extra of your wages or salary you save equals more to spend on your first home or tens of thousands of dollars later in retirement, says Gillian. For more information on KiwiSaver and how it works, visit www.sorted.org.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
| LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
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 14 jobs from across the service industries. Each profile includes detailed job descriptors and some insightful statistics.
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| LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
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LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
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Please note: The occupations listed have been colour coded to their predominant service industry sector colours using the Vocational Pathway colour chart.
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Also known as: Heavy truck driver; heavy vehicle driver; bus driver; train driver; taxi drivers; chauffeur; delivery driver. Drivers drive trucks, vans, buses, taxis, trains, and other vehicles. They may transport passengers or cargo. They may also steer equipment such as aircraft refuel vehicles. Qualifications that are required will vary depending on the specific role, as drivers are required to hold the appropriate class of vehicle licence. The licence might need endorsements for particular types of work (such as transporting passengers or dangerous goods) or vehicles (such as tow trucks). For most driving roles, qualifications beyond the appropriate licences and endorsements are not a requirement. Some licensing requirements might require a person to be 20 years of age. There is an NZTA approved course that will reduce the wait time between a learner and a full heavy-vehicle class licence. Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: None. Pay scale: P ay will vary depending on the specific role. The average estimated income for vehicle, bus and train drivers is $54,600 per year.
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Also known as: Call centre operator; emergency call centre operator. Contact centre workers answer phones, emails and website queries for companies and other organisations. They may take complaints or provide information or advice to customers, while some also call potential customers, and try to sell products or services or conduct surveys. There are no formal entry requirements to work as a contact centre worker, but employers will usually require training to be undertaken before starting the role. A New Zealand Certificate in Contact Centres – Level 3 or 4 may be useful. Emergency services have specific training for people working in their communication centres, and these workers may need to undergo security checks and vision and hearing tests. An NCEA subjects that is useful in this role is Business Studies. Job prospects are average as employment is projected to decline for this occupation. While falling employment numbers might mean it is harder, particularly for inexperienced workers, there may be enough turnover to provide opportunities. Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: None. Pay scale: The average estimated income for call centre workers is $50,000 per year.
INCOME
H HIG
Also known as: Sous chef; head/executive chef; commis chef; chef de partie. Chefs prepare and cook food in venues such as restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, cafes and bars. They may also design, plan and price menus, train and supervise staff, and order food supplies and cooking equipment. Food must be prepared quickly and to high standards. Some chefs choose to specialise, such as pastry chefs. To become a fully qualified chef, it is necessary to do an apprenticeship and gain two national certificates: New Zealand Certificate in Cookery – Level 3, and New Zealand Certificate in Cookery – Level 4. You can also train to be a chef with the New Zealand Army or Royal New Zealand Navy. An NCEA subject that is useful in this role is Home Economics (food and nutrition). Chances of getting a job as a chef are good due to a shortage of workers, and turnover is high in the hospitality industry. Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 1–3 years. Pay scale: Chefs usually earn $42,000–$65,000 per year. Head or executive chefs usually earn $65,000–$100,000 per year.
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Also known as: Accounting technician; assistant accountant; financial accountant; management accountant; taxation accountant. Accountants prepare financial accounts and advise on financial matters, such as tax, for businesses and individuals. They also develop, forecast and check budgets, review accounting procedures and analyse the financial performance of businesses. Working as an accountant usually requires an accounting degree or business or commerce degree majoring in accounting or finance. Becoming a professionally qualified accountant requires work experience and some further study on top of this. Most accountants are members of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, membership is preferred by most employers. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, English and Maths. Job prospects for accountants are good and should remain so due to growing demand for accounting services and financial advice. Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 2–6 years. Pay scale: T he average estimated income for accountants is $87,400. The average estimated income for fully qualified accountants is $140,700.
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ACCOUNTANT Kaikaute pūtea
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A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME SOLID CAREER OPTIONS
CONTACT CENTRE WORKER Kaimahi pokapū whakapā
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JOBS IN FOCUS
DRIVER
TRADES JOBS IN FOCUS 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
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FINANCIAL ADVISER Kaiwhakatakoto kaupapa pūtea HAIRDRESSER/BARBER Kaikutikuti makawe HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL Kaitohutohu pūmanawa tangata
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LAWYER Rōia
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LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #22
LENGTH OF STUDY
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Also known as: Solicitor; legal adviser; legal counsel; attorney; corporate solicitor; government solicitor. Lawyers provide legal advice and prepare and draft legal documents. They also conduct negotiations on behalf of clients, plead cases in courts and tribunals, and interpret, analyse, administer and review the law. To become a lawyer, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Laws and complete a professional legal studies course. You must then get a completion certificate from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education, and a certificate of character from the Law Society. Then, you must be admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand and hold a current practising certificate issued by the Law Society. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, History, Classical Studies, Social Studies and te reo Māori. Chances of getting a job are poor for newly qualified lawyers as there a limited number of entry-level lawyer positions and a large number of law graduates each year. Statistics: Job prospects: Poor. Length of study: 3–4 years. Pay scale: The estimated average income for lawyers is $114,200 per year, but this is skewed by very high incomes at the top of the industry. Graduate lawyers usually earn $42,000–$45,000 per year.
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D GOO
Also known as: Columnist; critic; investigative journalist; writer; reporter; reviewer. Journalists research and produce stories or reviews about a variety of topics for websites, newspapers, magazines, radio, television and other forms of media for social and commercial purposes. To become a journalist, most employers look for people with a diploma in journalism, graduate or post-graduate diploma in journalism, or with proven work experience in this area. A Bachelor of Communications specialising in journalism or a degree in broadcasting is also another valued qualification. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are te reo Māori, English, Media Studies, Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, and other languages. Chances of getting a job as a journalist have improved due to higher turnover in the industry and changes to the way the industry is structured. There is still high competition for vacancies. Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 1–3 years. Pay scale: Journalists usually earn $42,000–$85,000 per year. Senior investigative journalists working in broadcasting can earn over $100,000 per year.
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Also known as: Human resources adviser; employee relations adviser; training and development adviser; organisation development adviser; human resources consultant; recruitment consultant; health and safety adviser. Human resources (also known as HR) professionals are responsible for the management of people, capability, talent and culture in a business or organisation. Tasks included in their role will often include recruitment and selection, health and safety and wellbeing, employment relations, and remuneration and rewards. To become a human resources professional, workers usually need to have a diploma or degree in subjects related to human resource management – such as human resources, psychology, management, industrial relations or employment law. Work experience in human resources is also valued. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Business Studies, Economics and Social Studies. Job prospects for human resources professionals are average, as there is high competition for positions and limited job growth. However, demand for human resources professionals is expected to grow over the next decade. Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 1–3 years. Pay scale: The average estimated income for human resources professionals is $86,500 per year.
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Also known as: Hair stylist; hair artist. Hairdressers/barbers cut, colour, style and care for people’s hair and scalps. Barbers also shave and trim hair, moustaches and beards, but do not colour hair. There are no specific entry requirements for this role. To gain entry to most hairdressing or barbering qualifications, you will need at least three years of secondary education. The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) – Level 4 is usually gained after four years working as an apprentice, while the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering – Level 4 takes 2.5 years and is completed within a barbering apprenticeship. Employers generally prefer people with one of these qualifications. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Maths, Science, English, Visual Arts, and Design and Visual Communication (Graphics). Job prospects are average, however there is always demand for the service hairdressers provide. Employment prospects are more positive for fully qualified and experienced workers. Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 2–4 years. Pay scale: The average estimated income for hairdressers/barbers is $33,600 per year but this reflects the number of workers who are part-time.
MEDIUM H HIG
Also known as: Financial planner; financial risk manager; authorised financial adviser; registered financial adviser; qualifying financial entity adviser. Financial advisers give advice about financial planning, investing, insurance and other financial products and services. The term financial adviser includes roles such as mortgage brokers, insurance brokers and financial planners, as well as others whose role is to provide advice about money, financial products and investing – such as people working at banks, insurance companies and building societies. There are three different types of financial adviser: registered financial advisers, authorised financial advisers and QFE advisers. The services they provide vary. To become a financial adviser, a variety of certificate and degree qualifications are available. At a minimum, a National Certificate in Financial Services – Level 5 is required to become an authorised financial adviser. NCEA subjects that are useful in these roles are English, Business Studies, Maths with Statistics, Economics and Accounting. Statistics: J ob prospects: Good. Length of study: 1–2 years. Pay scale: The average estimated income for financial advisers is $98,300 per year.
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JOBS IN FOCUS
MARKETING SPECIALIST Ngaio whakatairanga EXECUTIVE/PERSONAL ASSISTANT Kaiāwhina whaiaro PILOT Kaiwhakahaere waka rererangi SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kanohi hokohoko
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VALUER Kaiwhakatau wāriu
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LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ
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Also known as: Real estate valuer; personal property/chattels valuer; appraiser; land economist. Valuers estimate the value of a number of assets, such as property, buildings, art and jewellery. A valuer usually specialises in valuing one type of items so they can build as much expertise as possible in a specialised area. In order to work as a valuer of real estate, you need to be registered with the Valuers Registration Board, and hold certain qualifications. To become a valuer of other types of assets, there are no entry requirements needed. However, on-the-job training with a skilled valuer and completion of a valuing related programme is highly recommended. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Art History, Business Studies, English, Economics, Mathematics, and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking Combined. Chances of getting a job for valuers is good. Employment for this profession is projected to grow in the next few years, which will make it easier for new valuers to get work. Income is high, especially for experienced workers. Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: Varies. Pay scale: The estimated average income for valuers is $96,000 per year.
JOB PROSPECTS
D GOO
Also known as: Account manager (sales); marketing representative; merchandiser/salesperson; technical sales representative. Sales representatives promote, market and sell products or services to businesses, professional establishments, and wholesale or retail outlets. Some tasks they may perform include arranging contract and payment details, training clients in the use of products, developing sales ideas to attract more clients, and organising sales budgets. There are no specific requirements to become a sales representative, as you gain skills on the job. However, a certificate, diploma or degree in business studies, sales or marketing may be useful. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths and Business Studies. Chances of getting a job are reasonable while the economy is strong. This is the most common job in Aotearoa, with over 40,000 people employed in sales representative roles. Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: None. Pay scale: The estimated average income for sales representatives is $47,500 per year.
AVERAGE
H HIG
Also known as: Aeroplane pilot; fixed-wing aircraft pilot; charter pilot; agricultural pilot. Pilots fly and navigate aircraft that transport people and goods, or spread fertiliser or bait. They also prepare or check flight plans, perform pre-flight checks of weather forecasts and the plane’s load, fuel and equipment, calculate the amount of fuel needed for flights, programme flight management systems and liaise with air traffic control. To become a commercial aeroplane pilot, you need a Commercial Pilot Licence. To get this you must be at least 18 years old, pass a Class 1 medical examination, written exams and a flying test, hold a current New Zealand Private Pilot Licence, complete 150 to 200 hours’ flying time, satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority’s ‘fit and proper person’ requirements and pass an English Language Proficiency test. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths and Physics. Chances of getting a job as a pilot are poor due to decreased demand. Entry for graduate pilots is difficult and initial income is low compared to the high cost of training. Statistics: Job prospects: Poor. Length of study: 1–2 years. Pay scale: The estimated average income for pilots is $133,500 per year.
INCOME
D GOO
Also known as: EA; PA; secretary; legal secretary; medical secretary. Personal/executive assistants help teams, managers and other professionals by performing administrative tasks. These include organising meetings and events, taking minutes, managing and drafting documents and correspondence, arranging travel, and diary management. Executive assistants to senior executives may be included in the senior management team, be involved in strategic discussions and manage direct reports. There are no specific entry requirements to become a personal/executive assistant. A business administration qualification, such as a New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) – Levels 3 and 4, or a New Zealand Diploma in Business (Administration and Technology) – Level 5, can be completed while working. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Accounting, Business Studies, Digital Technologies, Maths and English. Job prospects for personal assistants are poor for those wanting to enter the role as demand for this role is projected to decrease. Senior executive assistant roles are highly competitive. Statistics: Job prospects: Poor. Length of study: None. Pay scale: The estimated average income for personal/executive assistants is $50,000 per year.
MEDIUM H HIG
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Also known as: Marketing consultant; marketing officer. Marketing specialists develop and implement plans for promoting an organisation's goods, services and ideas. They need to identify and satisfy customer needs efficiently and profitably. Marketing professionals use many communication tools to create awareness and trial products. They also measure the success of their marketing activities. To become a marketing specialist, you usually need to have a bachelor's degree in marketing, business economics, commerce, communications, media studies or in a related field. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role include Business Studies, Media Studies, Social Studies, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics) and English. Chances of getting a job as a marketing specialist are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience. Demand for people with digital marketing skills is strong, whereas demand for general marketing skills is decreasing. Statistics: J ob prospects: Average. Length of study: 3 years. Pay scale: M arketing assistants earn between $42,000–$65,000 per year. Marketing co-ordinators earn between $42,000–$75,000. Marketing executives earn between $60,000–$85,000 per year.
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