Leaving School issue 29

MANAGING EDITOR

Oliver Lee

SUB-EDITOR

Sara Carbery

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara Carbery, Diana Clement, Fiona Terry, Peter White PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elana Bai, Tim Cuff, John Davidson, iStock, David James, Joanne McCloy, Peter McDermott, Paula McInnes, Alan Stevens, Logan West, Nicola Wilhelmsen, Faculty of Engineering

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ISSN 2463-3380 (Print)

ISSN 2463-3399 (Online)

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

04 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT | ASHLEIGH VAN UFFELEN

An environmental management degree brings a love of the outdoors, animals and the environment together for sustainable change in agriculture.

06 PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT | PARIS CUTLER

Understanding thoughts and emotions: how the role of ‘listener’ amongst her friends led this 21-year-old to a degree in psychology.

07 KAIHAUTŪ (LEADER/MENTOR) | AMBER TE TAU

Working with students to increase engagement in science, technology, engineering, maths and mātauranga Māori (STEMM).

08 ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS | ALYSSA PILKINGTON

Passionate about research, travel and nature? Interested in how the Earth works? Earth science and environmental physics might be for you.

10 GLAZIER | KASSIUS BELL

A BCITO apprenticeship is helping this 18-year-old break into the world of glass and keep his NRL dreams alive.

11 HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYOR | KATE DOWNES

Discover what lies beneath the ocean – hydrographic surveying combines maths and geography with a love of being on the water.

12 DAIRY FARMER | MADDIE LYNCH

From Wellington to wellies – you don’t need to have grown up on a farm to love farming.

13 RESEARCH TECHNICIAN | JACK GREIG

Collecting, measuring and sampling – how information from the field plays a key role in dairy research and development.

14 DECK BOSUN | TE MANAPOURI WERA

Six weeks on, six weeks off: working aboard a fishing vessel brings good money and work-life balance.

15 LABORATORY MANAGER | CHARLOTTE HARRISON

Attitude is the key to s uccess for this young woman leading the way in the aggregate industry.

16 NOTICEBOARD

Key dates, websites and events to help you navigate life after school.

18 PLUMBER | MARIA CONTREAS HUERTA

Meet the award-winning plumber who’s on a mission to inspire other young women to give plumbing a go.

20 VETERINARY NURSE/RURAL ANIMAL TECHNICIAN | LEXIE ALLAN

How a love of horses led to a career helping animals in the clinic and out on farms.

23 CIVIL ENGINEER | BHANU RAVEENTHIRAN

Engineering solutions to improve lives with infrastructure – a fulfilling and rewarding career.

24 HEAVY AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING APPRENTICE | BRITTNEY LYON

Excavators, dump trucks and Formula 1 racing – working in the heavy machinery industry is full of surprises.

26 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | EMMA MALES

Theory and on-the-job training is a winning combination for this ECE teacher from Blenheim.

27 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT | FRANCIS FLORES

If you thought accounting was just about numbers, think again; it’s a profession that taps into all areas of business.

28 BUILDER | MIKE MATENE

Building a future with BCITO – this recently qualified builder talks about his training and what he loves most about his job.

29 CAREER ADVICE

Uni, trade or learning on the job? A careers expert shares advice to help you choose the best pathway.

30 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

If you want to impress employers, here are seven key skills they’re looking for.

HELPING FARMERS MAKE SUSTAINABLE CHANGES PEOPLE AND POLICY

Growing up in urban Palmerston North meant ASHLEIGH VAN UFFELEN did not have much exposure to the farming community – but that all changed at the end of her time at Freyberg High School.

“I didn’t have any family involved in agriculture and didn’t really know much about it at all. I’d always been interested in the outdoors, animals and the environment so I started looking at environmental degrees. One night watching the news, I saw a story on the environmental management of agriculture, and I thought that combines everything I am really passionate about,” says Ashleigh.

“I called up some local rural professionals and farmers and just volunteered to get some experience to see if it was something that could be right for me, and I really enjoyed it.”

Now, the 23-year-old is an environmental consultant with the AgriBusiness Group based at Lincoln in Canterbury. Ashleigh joined the group last February after graduating from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours), majoring in Environmental Management. She says it is a role with plenty of variety and no two days are the same.

“You can be on a farm helping dairy farmers to implement sustainable land use change or improve water quality – and then you could be working in the office on research projects to find innovative solutions to environmental constraints or assisting with the implementation of policy frameworks.

“I work about half the time one-on-one with farmers and the remainder working with local and central government, as well as industry bodies in the agricultural industry. People are a huge component of the job, and it is definitely quite rewarding working with farmers and regulatory authorities within that environmental space.”

Ashleigh says her degree gave her many of the tools she needed to hit the ground running in her role, but she has also completed further study to advance her understanding of sustainable land management and greenhouse gases. She was also proud to present her honours dissertation as a published paper at the New Zealand Grassland Association conference held in Rotorua last November.

writer PETER WHITE photographer JOHN DAVIDSON

In Year 13, Ashleigh took Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, Economics, English and Food Technology. She says there are opportunities for school leavers available across a wide variety of positions –including scientists, economists, journalists and accountants, plus advisory, marketing and engineering roles.

“There is something just about for everyone.”

DairyNZ supported Ashleigh through her university studies which opened up excellent mentoring and networking opportunities.

“The agricultural industry also offers a tremendous number of scholarships, so I recommend students keep an eye on those university scholarship websites. It is not just about great grades at high school. A lot of them put strong value on your involvement in the community, degree choices, and sport and cultural activities.

“Not being from a farm may well have provided an advantage rather than disadvantage as it helps to highlight your commitment and drive to grow your knowledge in agriculture.”

NOT BEING FROM A FARM MAY WELL HAVE PROVIDED AN ADVANTAGE RATHER THAN DISADVANTAGE AS IT HELPS TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMITMENT AND DRIVE TO GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE IN AGRICULTURE

ASHLEIGH VAN UFFELEN

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH

THE POWER OF PSYCHOLOGY

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer NICOLA WILHELMSEN (KELK PHOTOGRAPHY)

Growing up, PARIS CUTLER often found herself in the role of ‘listener’ with friends and family, so it’s not surprising she chose to study psychology – the study of the mind and behaviour – and sociology –the study of human social relationships and institutions.

“[Playing this role] naturally steered me towards a deeper interest in understanding people’s thoughts and emotions,” says the 21-year-old.

“Seeing the impact that empathetic listening and support could have on individuals’ well-being made me want to use these skills professionally and help people on a larger scale.”

Paris says moving from Palmerston North to study at the University of Otago pushed her out of her comfort zone, something she encourages other young people to do.

“Each new challenge is a chance to learn and grow.

“Living in Dunedin has allowed me to become more independent and self-reliant. It’s been an adventure that has not only enhanced my academics but also allowed me to meet new people from diverse backgrounds.”

Beyond academics, Paris is involved with various clubs and societies, and has taken on a leadership role in Te Rōpū Pūtaiao (the Māori Science Students Association).

She speaks highly of Pūhoro, a charitable trust dedicated to empowering Māori rangatahi by providing them with opportunities and support in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Mātauranga Māori) fields.

“Connecting with organisations like Fonterra opens the door to many opportunities for rangatahi to not only grow personally and professionally but to gain real-world practical experience.”

Last summer Paris interned at the Fonterra research and development centre, where she carried out research on mental health and gained an understanding of how the organisation operates.

“It was really enjoyable, and I’m glad I took this opportunity,” she says. “I look forward to seeing more rangatahi get involved with this awesome kaupapa and thrive within the STEM workforce.”

In Year 13 at Freyberg High School, Paris took Physics, Biology, Statistics, English and Physical Education.

She says Biology gave her a solid understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying human behaviour, which is crucial for studying psychological disorders and brain functions.

English has been invaluable for articulating complex ideas clearly, a skill that is useful when writing research reports, and Statistics has been essential for analysing research data in psychology labs and helping develop skills to design studies and interpret results.

“Together these subjects have provided me with a well-rounded foundation to excel in my degree.”

Calculus would have been helpful too, she adds. “I feel like it would have strengthened my mathematical and analytical skills, making me better prepared for the quantitative aspects of psychological research.”

When she graduates next year with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, Paris plans to gain work experience overseas for a year before pursuing postgraduate studies.

“Ultimately, I want to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field, advocate for mental health awareness, and use my skills and empathy to support our people, especially youth.”

PARIS CUTLER

PASSIONATE ABOUT MĀTAURANGA MĀORI

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

writer PETER WHITE // photographer PETER McDERMOTT

To say AMBER TE TAU loves her job does not do justice to what it means to her. The 23-year-old has been a Kaihautū (leader/mentor) at the Pūhoro Charitable Trust in Palmerston North since January 2023 after spending three years as a tutor and lead tutor.

The trust works with Māori students to increase their engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Mātauranga Māori or Māori knowledge (STEMM).

“It is the most rewarding work I have ever done,” she says. “I am really passionate about helping people and this job allows me to do that directly.

“Coming through the programme myself at school, I can see myself in some of these students. It is really motivating on a day-to-day basis.”

Amber works directly with students in high schools around the Manawatū. This year, she is working with Year 11 students.

“We have 10-15 students in each year group and what we cover are things like Tuakiri, or looking at cultural identity and a sense of belonging within your own culture. We find many of our students are either connected to their culture and struggle with STEMM – while others are quite disconnected from their culture but have more experience within STEMM.

“We also look at 21st century skills like networking, how to write a CV, how to do a job interview and how to communicate with others – essential skills you need to do well in our society. We also cover career exposure, similar to Leaving School magazine, that exposes them to stuff they may have never thought of before.”

Amber went to Palmerston North Girls’ High School. After taking Biology, Chemistry, Painting, Art History and Statistics in Year 13, she gained a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Genetics) from Massey University – before starting work as a tutor at Pūhoro during her second year.

Working as an intern at Fonterra’s research and development centre in Palmerston North at the end of her first year at university played a big part in Amber’s development.

“I felt under-qualified when I started there but I found the team I was put in really boosted my confidence. They taught me that it is all good to make a mistake – it is just something you learn from. Getting that experience in that type of organisation was quite inspiring for me. They all loved their jobs, and it gave me the motivation to finish my degree.

“Now in my current mahi, I am able to help facilitate these types of opportunities. I know the impact that they can have to learn awesome new skills, meet new people and network, and just really enjoy themselves.”

Fonterra has extended the partnership with the Pūhoro STEMM Academy.

The goal is to enhance Māori representation in STEMM-related careers within Fonterra and to further develop the relationship between Pūhoro and Fonterra’s research and development centre.

“The people there at Fonterra are so passionate about what they do so just knowing that both them and Pūhoro are on the same wavelength is so encouraging,” says Amber.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SCIENCES HOW THE EARTH WORKS

writer SARA CARBERY photographer LOGAN WEST

If you’re passionate about research, travelling and nature and don’t want a nine-to-five desk job, 20-year-old ALYSSA PILKINGTON recommends investigating some of the lesser-known science courses offered at universities.

Alyssa is in the third year of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, working towards a double major in Environmental Physics and Earth Science.

Earth Science explores the earth’s processes and how they interact to produce natural phenomena such as volcanoes, glaciers, cyclones and ocean currents – “It essentially explains the world around us,” says Alyssa – while Environmental Physics (her main area of interest) focuses on the physics involved in these processes.

Having enjoyed physics at school, Alyssa was searching up ‘Physicist’ on the careers.govt.nz website when she stumbled upon environmental physics.

“After reading through the large branch of oceanic, space, atmospheric, and structural physics processes that the career can go into beyond the degree, I realised it was perfect,” she says. “It essentially encompassed all the topics that I most enjoyed across physics, chemistry and biology.”

Last year Alyssa spent a semester in Iceland as part of the university’s exchange programme, an experience she describes as “absolutely life-changing” and highly recommends.

I GOT to see THE NORTHERN LIGHTS , WATCH A VOLCANIC ERUPTION , WALK OVER GLACIERS AND IN ICE CAVES , SEE RAINBOW - COLOURED MOUNTAINS , WATCH

NEVER - ENDING SUNSETS AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR SCENERY I HAVE EVER WITNESSED.

ALYSSA PILKINGTON

“I got to see the northern lights, watch a volcanic eruption, walk over glaciers and in ice caves, see rainbow-coloured mountains, watch never-ending sunsets and experience some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever witnessed.”

Living with other exchange students in shared accommodation, she also made friends from all over the world.

“It was an incredible time for character growth and completely changed my perspective of the world as well as directed my interest in earth science/ environmental physics.”

In Year 13 at Westlake Girls High School, Alyssa took Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus and Drama.

While Biology helped her discover a passion for the earth, Alyssa has found Physics, Calculus and Chemistry most useful for her degree.

In hindsight she wishes she had taken Earth and Space Science at school and says Geography may also have been helpful.

Alyssa is thoroughly enjoying university, especially the weekly experimental labs and research she has across all her courses.

“I have made clouds, tsunamis and tornadoes the size of me, studied rocks, minerals and fossils, and measured sound waves, fluids and so much more.”

She also loves the field trips, the most recent of which was to Taranaki where she studied coastal cliffs, rivers and Mt Taranaki itself.

If what you’ve read sparks your interest, Alyssa says don’t let concerns about job opportunities deter you from choosing a specialised degree like she has.

“There are so many incredible opportunities out there and I have many different careers that I could go into.”

Alyssa hopes to complete a masters, potentially in Iceland, and is deciding between becoming an atmospheric physicist or a geophysicist specialising in volcanology.

“I always only wanted to be an atmospheric physicist until I went to Iceland, studied volcanology and discovered the geophysics of monitoring volcanic activity/predicting volcanic eruptions.”

KEY FACTS

BREAKING INTO THE WORLD OF GLASS

APPRENTICESHIP OPENS DOORS

writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST

KASSIUS BELL is smashing through the early part of his three-year Glass and Glazing apprenticeship. The 18-year-old started working for Auckland-based Woods Glass last year after signing up for his apprenticeship through BCITO.

Kassius has fitted in well with the other workers after initially getting work experience with Woods Glass last year through the Gateway programme he took in Year 13 at One Tree Hill College in Penrose. The core subjects of English, Maths and Trades he studied there have been very helpful.

“I went to Woods Glass every Wednesday. It was great to get some experience in how the business operates at quite a famous company in the glazing industry. I started in the factory using the machines and then they took me out on site to see what that was like,” says Kassius.

“Before deciding if I wanted to work there full-time, it was good to know how the factory operates and what happens out on site. It was really good how they gave me choices. It was not like they just made me stay in the factory.”

Kassius and his family were delighted when he was offered an apprenticeship with the help of BCITO.

“I love how BCITO gives you opportunities to get into a career like with me here at Woods Glass. I am grateful for that. They also gave me a $1000 tools grant which is so good so I can get the tools I need.

“They also encourage me to keep playing rugby league, which I love, and to see how far I can get in the game as well as doing my apprenticeship.”

With an apprenticeship through BCITO, you will have an experienced glazier, glass processor or auto glazier working beside you, who will guide you along the learning curve with on-site coaching and all the support you will need. There is also the added guidance of a BCITO Training Advisor to help when needed.

Kassius is excited to be working on the restoration of the Britomart Station CPO (Chief Post Office)

THEY ALSO ENCOURAGE ME TO KEEP PLAYING RUGBY LEAGUE, WHICH I LOVE, AND TO SEE HOW FAR I CAN GET IN THE GAME AS WELL AS DOING MY APPRENTICESHIP

KASSIUS BELL

building in downtown Auckland. The CPO is a pivotal part of the City Rail Link which is New Zealand’s largest-ever transport infrastructure, building the country’s first underground railway between Britomart and the Mt Eden Station 3.45 kilometres away.

“We are working on these voids there and each one has glass around it on the escalator going down to the trains. It is great working there. I have my scissor lift licence, so I am allowed to drive to the top of the voids.”

Playing rugby league for the Mangere East Hawks is Kassius’s sporting love. Like all top young club players, Kassius has his eye on maybe one day making it to the NRL and the professional game.

He says there are similarities between being successful at work and in rugby league.

“You always have to work as a team – not as individuals. Helping each other out is so important so always help your mates out when you can.”

For more information on Building

WHAT LIES BENEATH THE OCEAN?

WORK IN THE SPATIAL INDUSTRY

“What we do is create maps of the sea floor or any body of water including rivers and lakes. We measure everything relating to the water, including depths, tides and currents,” says KATE DOWNES, a senior hydrographic surveyor at Discovery Marine Ltd in Mount Maunganui.

“One of our main tasks is updating nautical charts, which is what I am really interested in. We also do other surveys to support engineering works for building infrastructure around the marine environment, port surveys and we provide depth information for dredging operations.”

The nautical charts need to be updated for the safety of navigation. Kate says many of the charts are quite old and were done using old technology that is mostly inferior to what is used today.

“The main equipment we use is called a multibeam echo sounder, which essentially gives a 3D picture of the sea floor using sound measurements. Back in the day, they used a singlebeam echo sounder which does not give a full picture of the seabed. So when we do these charting surveys, we do find discrepancies and pick up uncharted features that are significant for navigating vessels around safely – sometimes we even find shipwrecks!”

Kate and her Discovery Marine Ltd colleagues worked with Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) last October and November on the Gisborne Hydrographic Survey. They produced ‘What lies beneath? Discovering the secrets of our seabed’ – a geospatial Virtual Field Trip (VFT) for schools.

“We updated the nautical chart in Gisborne and around Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay. We spent six weeks there this summer with our 7.7m survey vessel Tupaia and one week last summer with a larger 24m vessel surveying the deeper areas.

“My role as the surveyor involved monitoring the quality of the data being collected and working with the vessel skipper to safely navigate around the survey area.”

Kate is excited the VFT will be launched for access by New Zealand schools on 10 June.

“I don’t think we get a lot of coverage in what we do. Most secondary school students have absolutely no idea about this sort of career, and it might be an option for them. The more publicity we can get out there about it, the better, because it is such a cool career that allows you to explore some amazing parts of New Zealand and the world.

“Yes, it is exciting that students will get a glimpse of what an actual day looks like out on the water

and what we do in the office processing the data. It should be a really good insight for them, particularly for students who are into Maths and Geography and like being on the water. This career creates a really good option to combine those interests.”

Kate attended Taieri College in Mosgiel where she enjoyed core subjects of Geography, Calculus, Statistics, Graphics and Physics. By Year 12, she knew she wanted a career in surveying. After finishing high school, Kate completed a Bachelor of Surveying from the University of Otago.

For more information on hydrographic surveying careers, visit www.surveyspatialnz.org

If you would like details on the launch of the Virtual Field Trip (VFT) for schools on 10 June 2024, visit https://www.learnz.org.nz/ mapping241

FROM CITY LIFE TO COUNTRY LIFE

RURAL GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT

MADDIE LYNCH

MADDIE LYNCH is proud to be one of eight graduates selected for this year’s intake of the Grassroots Dairy Graduate Management Programme. The 21-year-old is working on a dairy farm near Ashburton but her pathway to get there is not your typical rural upbringing story.

Maddie attended Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington. In Year 13 she took Biology, English, German, Photography and Statistics. She was not specifically looking at dairy farming as a career but had always been interested in animals, the environment and science growing up, so decided to do a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University.

In her first year studying, in 2021, Maddie worked on a dairy farm for the practicum work and loved it. She knew that was what she wanted to do, despite not having worked with cows before. Her move to Ashburton through the graduate programme was quite a step outside her comfort zone in Wellington but she has adapted well to her new world.

“With the programme, I do four hours of modules each week and it runs from February to November. The modules cover quite a range like animal health, to personal goals, farm and personal finances, and pasture management. It is super helpful, particularly for me coming from the city, with the on-farm learning as well as the modules that broaden my understanding of farming systems,” says Maddie.

“The programme is really important. It can be really hard as a graduate finding roles so it takes the stress out of finding a really good employer. It also helps you to network which is really, really important in any industry but especially the ag industry. It helps you to really flourish in the industry and grow your career faster than others may do.”

Maddie loves her life as a dairy farmer. The combination of working outdoors and seeing the sun rise every morning – plus the rewards of working with animals and seeing your hard work pay off in terms of production – are winning factors for her.

“I just love cows. They are like big dogs. I love going up to them and giving them a good scratch and a pat. My passion for the industry has grown ever since I moved here. It is such a rewarding job.

“There is plenty of variety as well. You are not just working with animals. You could be working in the office doing finances or pasture management, that requires a lot of maths, and there is problem-solving in the job every day.”

Maddie encourages young females to consider a career in farming. Yes, it can be daunting and is hard work, but she says the rewards are great and it is exciting being one of the females leading the way in the industry.

“School leavers can come into farming with any range of skills and will fit in somewhere. You might be good at maths or good practically - you can be catered for in farming and really grow from there.”

■ MADDIE LYNCH GREW UP IN WELLINGTON AND NOW WORKS ON A DAIRY FARM NEAR ASHBURTON

■ DESPITE GROWING UP IN A CITY, MADDIE’S INTEREST IN ANIMALS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE LED TO HER COMPLETING A BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY

■ SHE IS ONE OF EIGHT GRADUATES SELECTED FOR THIS YEAR’S INTAKE OF THE GRASSROOTS DAIRY GRADUATE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

for more information on career options within the dairy sector, visit www.godairy.co.nz

writer PETER WHITE // photograph JOANNE McCLOY

A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH RESEARCH HELPS FARMERS

“Working in the farming sector is more of a lifestyle than a job,” says JACK GREIG, a research technician with DairyNZ based in Lincoln, Canterbury.

The 23-year-old grew up on a farm on the west coast of the South Island and always knew his career would be in agriculture. He attended South Westland Area School in the small town of Harihari.

In Year 13, he took Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Economics, which have been helpful to him since leaving school.

Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours from Lincoln University before joining DairyNZ in December 2021. His research technician role is varied and interesting – with about 60 percent of his time

spent on farms and 40 percent back in the office.

“It is a key role in research and development for the dairy sector,” he says. “There is plenty of variety. We don’t do the same thing every day, that’s for sure. This includes conducting all the practical research for the scientists’ research projects. We go out on farms collecting samples, measuring pasture and supplement feeds, as well as milk sampling and urine sampling.”

What Jack loves most about his job is the interaction he has with dairy farmers. Meeting so many different people can have its challenges but is ultimately very rewarding.

“Having good communication skills and understanding how to encourage farmers to share information about

writer PETER WHITE photographer JOHN DAVIDSON

their key farm decisions is important. Helping them adapt to changing times is essential.”

While making a difference in the efficiency of farms and improving yields for famers is important, the environmental aspects are the priority for Jack and his colleagues.

“Trying to reduce nitrate leaching is a key one. The first project I was leading was around ways to understand nitrogen losses on farm using bulk milk urea tests as a key factor. These days there are pressures coming in from government and environmental agencies, so finding ways to respond to these is key.

“How we are going to adjust to climate change is part of it as well. We did a trial looking at cows under heat stress. If things get hotter, how

will they react? Cows don’t really eat when they are hot so to get rid of that hot energy they just stand there and breathe which reduces their milk production.”

Jack would love to see more school leavers take up the numerous opportunities that exist in the agricultural sector.

“Once you get into the dairy sector, you can easily move your way up. There are plenty of opportunities to grow in the role. You might start off milking cows, but it doesn’t take long to learn how to feed your cows and how to look after them.

“You don’t necessarily have to be from a farming background. You can definitely progress a career really quickly in the sector – there are plenty of opportunities.”

WORKING IN THE FARMING SECTOR IS MORE OF A lifestyle than a job

JACK GREIG

CATCHING A BREAK GOOD MONEY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE

TE MANAPOURI WERA’s first trip on a deep-sea fishing boat was at the age of 18. He’d heard about the benefits of working on a Sealord vessel from his aunt and uncle, who are both crew members on the 66-metre-long trawler Rehua.

“I liked what they had been able to do for their families thanks to their careers at sea,” says Te Manapouri.

His first job involved working in the factory on the same vessel, on machinery used to cut fish. Having climbed up the chain of command, he’s

writer FIONA TERRY photographer TIM CUFF

now a bosun out on the deck, helping cast and haul the net, and has ambitions to get his Mates ticket, which would enable him to take on more responsibility.

“I have a personal goal for the next five years to get more qualifications and Sealord supports crew members through these.”

Now, at 21, he’s appreciating the things he’s able to do for his family as a result of his career.

“I’ve been able to put away money because I’m not spending it while I’m at sea, and help my family too,” he says.

I ’VE BEEN ABLE TO PUT AWAY MONEY because I ’M NOT SPENDING IT WHILE I’M AT SEA , and help my family too. TE MANAPOURI WERA

Another thing he likes about being at sea is that there’s so much to learn. “You gain lots of skills out on the boat you can take back to land,” he says.

“Part of my role involves making sure everyone on deck is safe too and that the trawl net is in good condition. Learning to tie knots has been really useful – these days I can pretty much create a whole net.”

In Year 13 at Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga in Huntly, Te Manapouri studied Science, Maths, Te Reo Māori, English and Toi Whakaari Performing Arts.

“I hadn’t planned to be on deck, but my uncle and aunt encouraged me to try it. I liked that the job was really active,” he says. “To see the sunsets is another one of the bonuses. It’s a pretty satisfying job – you get an adrenalin rush and we have fun too.”

He loves the camaraderie. “The crew is pretty tight, there’s a special bond,” he says.

And the food’s another aspect of life at Sealord he highly recommends. “It’s beautiful!” he says. “The cook makes sure there’s a lot and there’s so much variety.”

It took a few trips on the boat before Te Manapouri realised he wanted to make a career of it. “It was my first time ever at sea and I’d heard it was a bit challenging. Everyone at school was telling me I’d never be able to make it out here so that’s what pushed me, to prove that I could. I like a challenge so I gave it a go.”

Te Manapouri works on a roster of eight hours on, eight hours off duty. “At the start I found it a bit hard to get to sleep at the end of a shift but because you’re working hard, by the end you’re ready because you’ve used up your energy.”

Sailings are up to six weeks, with the same amount of time on land in between, during which he enjoys spending time with his family, riding his motorbike and playing rugby.

“I’d really encourage other youngsters to come and give it a go. You’re never going to know if you’ll like it out here unless you try.”

ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

CAREERS IN AGGREGATE

writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST

CHARLOTTE HARRISON is rightly proud to have reached a senior leadership role in the aggregate industry at the age of 25. She has 11 staff reporting to her in her role as a laboratory manager at Winstone Aggregates in Auckland.

“On a day-to-day basis as a lab manager, the key is leadership,” says Charlotte. “The majority of my work is to do with people, plus health and safety is a huge part of my role, and it is also technical knowledge.

Our laboratory provides a lot of support to our quarry team and our external customers.

“The favourite thing I get to do is develop my staff.”

Charlotte says her attitude towards how she works has been a major factor in her career success so far.

“Showing I wanted to learn, and I wanted to progress and that I was interested in the industry.

For me it wasn’t just a job to do – I wanted career progression. I spoke to my managers about that and put my hand up for things.

“It is about communicating with your employer about your future, and what you can do for them,” she says, “but also what they can do for you.”

Charlotte went to Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton. In Year 13 her favourite subject was Classics, but she also took Physics and Chemistry as she knew they would be useful in the future. But on leaving school, she wasn’t sure what career path she would go down.

“I had achieved Level 3 English the year before. I wanted to keep my employment options open. I didn’t want to go to university so thought I would do a gap year of work experience,” she says.

“A role came up with Fulton Hogan as an intern in the laboratory. They asked if I would be interested in going out to sites, testing aggregate and soil. I said yes, this would be perfect.”

Charlotte spent five years with Fulton Hogan before joining Winstone Aggregates as a laboratory manager nearly two years ago.

One of the key organisations in the industry is the Aggregate & Quarry Association (AQA).

“They do a lot of work with local councils, quarry businesses and work hard to ensure we are all upholding best practice,” says Charlotte.

“There is a lot that goes into quarrying that I did not know before I started. I was not aware that the AQA works really hard in the public space as well to lead our industry in the right direction.”

KEY FACTS

The job market for school leavers in the aggregate and quarry fields looks very positive.

Charlotte says there are huge opportunities for hard-working young people – including young females – to get into the business.

“We don’t just have quarry operators or truck drivers or labs. We have people in the background handling our resource consents and dealing with environmental concerns, health and safety teams, even sales managers.

“It is very broad. There are just so many opportunities available.”

HARRISON

■ CHARLOTTE HARRISON IS A LABORATORY MANAGER AT WINSTONE AGGREGATES LTD IN HUNUA, SOUTH AUCKLAND

■ SHE STARTED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY SEVEN YEARS AGO, WORKING AS A LABORATORY INTERN WITH FULTON HOGAN

■ CHARLOTTE SAYS THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET INTO THE AGGREGATE AND QUARRY INDUSTRY

For more information on career opportunities in the aggregate and quarry industry, visit www.aqa.org.nz

CHARLOTTE

A fantastic resource providing expert advice and confidential, free information on all things education and employment – including choosing school subjects, enrolling in study or training and applying for jobs. Call their free advice line on 0800 222 733, free text CAREER to 434 or chat online by visiting their website at www.careers.govt.nz

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.

John Lennon

The

future

belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their

dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

JOB HUNTING

These websites will help you find a job! Allied Work Force – www.awf.co.nz

Trade Me Jobs – www.trademe.co.nz/jobs

MyJobSpace – www.myjobspace.co.nz

Student Job Search – www.sjs.co.nz

Do Good Jobs – www.dogoodjobs.co.nz

Work and Income –www.job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz

UNIVERSITY/POLYTECHNIC OPEN DAYS 2024 CAREERS NEW ZEALAND

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

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

Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year. Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.moneyhub.co.nz/students

worry and depression can surface. www.thelowdown.co.nz ideas and people who can help you get unstuck and get to a better place. you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover. Mark Twain

HOLIDAYS 2024/25

Term 2 holiday:

6 July–21 July 2024

Term 3 holiday: 28 September–13 October 2024

Term 4 holiday:

No later than 20 December 2024 through to no earlier than 27 January 2025

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

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING

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

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

Admission to the Expo is free for all visitors. www.careersexpo.org.nz undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.

AND LOANS

If you are about to leave school and you’re looking at tertiary study, there’s going to be a lot to think about. If it’s anything to do with financial support while you’re studying, StudyLink can help. You need to apply by 16 December 2024. Sign up for info at www.studylink.govt.nz

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

0800 787 797 available 24/7 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz opportunities to develop your skills in new and interesting ways as well as providing valuable real-world experiences – all important attributes to your CV when applying for your Visit www.keytolife.org.nz

INSPIRING FEMALE PLUMBERS

AWARD-WINNING APPRENTICE DREAMS BIG

Currently in her final year of a Masterlink Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying apprenticeship, MARIA CONTRERAS HUERTA (22) inspires other young women to give plumbing a go through her Instagram page, @shes_the_plumber.

“I think it’s great to see so many girls in the trades,” she says. “Each time I see one on site or online it makes me so happy and proud.”

The recipient of numerous awards, and currently nominated for the NAWIC Apprentice Excellence Award and a Plumbing World Scholarship, Maria is considered a bit of a superstar in the industry, but she admits being apprehensive when she first started work.

“I was worried that I wasn’t going to fit in and be accepted – that I wasn’t going to be strong enough or looked at the same as a bloke would be.

“But on my first day all my worries went away because everyone was super nice and inviting.”

While some clients question her abilities, Maria says it doesn’t bother her.

“You go in there, see what’s wrong, and get the job done.

“My experience with customers has been mostly great actually; they are always impressed to see a girl arrive because they aren’t used to it.”

Her papa (father) was a big influence on her decision to choose a trade.

“I would always help him do jobs around the house and that’s how I learnt to use tools. He made me realise that I could do anything if I set my mind to it and that using tools wasn’t just for the boys,” says Maria, who emigrated to New Zealand from Chile when she was six years old.

For a while it was a toss-up between building and plumbing until a Gateway programme

convinced her that plumbing was the path she wanted to take.

“Getting water to one area from another was just so fascinating and seeing how everything functioned together was just like wow to me.”

While she admits there are challenging days when lots of patience and problem-solving skills are called for, Maria loves what she does.

“I love that I’m able to do different things every day. One day I could be replacing a hot water cylinder at someone’s house and the next

I could be doing a new renovation at a kohanga/kura (school).

“Every day I’m learning something new and expanding my knowledge.

“The other thing I enjoy is seeing the end results and knowing that I did that with my hard work and dedication.”

After she completes the last of her apprenticeship exams in May, Maria hopes to get her limited electrical licence and do a backflow IQP course.

Long-term, she would like to start her own plumbing business, donating profits to the Mental Health Foundation.

“I would give job opportunities to anyone who is willing to work and learn.

“It wouldn’t matter who they are –whether they are struggling, are less fortunate and don’t have the proper support system in their lives. I would help them thrive and encourage them to learn practical skills for the future.”

i THINK IT’S GREAT TO SEE SO MANY GIRLS IN THE TRADES . EACH TIME I SEE ONE ON SITE IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY AND PROUD

MARIA CONTRERAS HUERTA

■ MARIA CONTRERAS HUERTA IS IN HER FIFTH YEAR OF A MASTERLINK PLUMBING, GASFITTING AND DRAINLAYING APPRENTICESHIP, WORKING FOR MORRINSVILLE PLUMBING & GAS

■ ALONGSIDE THE GATEWAY PROGRAMME, MARIA TOOK TE REO MĀORI, JAPANESE, ART, ENGLISH AND GEOGRAPHY IN YEAR 13

■ SHE RECOMMENDS TAKING ENGLISH AND MATHS AND SAYS METALWORK/ HARD TECHNOLOGIES WOULD ALSO BE USEFUL

Supporting future tradies now & into the future

There are plenty of reasons why Kiwi tradies trust Plumbing World to have their back. So here are a few of the things we’re doing behind the scenes to support our mates looking to join the trade.

Championing the next generation.

The plumbing trades are an attractive career option for all school leavers to consider, so we’re proud to continue to support the Masterlink and ATT apprenticeship schemes, especially in these uncertain times. We’re also very proud of our Young Plumbers and Young Plumber of the Year initiatives as they help future proof our Industry and support and celebrate excellence.

Keeping business moving.

We work alongside Master Plumbers and closely with our suppliers advocating to MBIE and the Government on behalf of the plumbing trades to ensure business keeps functioning while global supply is disrupted.

We’re your Team in Black

Supporting equality.

We’re focused on providing a supportive and inclusive culture for all our team members.

Plumbing World is also a NAWIC supporter (National Association of Women in Construction) and is behind the Women in Trades Expo series.

Keeping the flame alive.

We’re dedicated to getting to a zero carbon future so are working to ensure our operations are efficient.

We are also focused on instilling confidence in the future of NZ’s energy mix as we move away from fossil fuels to further cut our countries emissions.

At Plumbing World we’re committed to developing our people throughout their careers. To support this we have teamed up with all the best industry players to make our industry hum. We’re here to keep our industry safe, inclusive and open so everyone’s journey is rewarding. If the Plumbing trades sound good to you please drop us a line.

plumbingworld.co.nz

20

WORKING WITH ANIMALS LOTS OF VARIETY

writer SARA CARBERY // photographer ELANA BAI

LEXIE ALLAN didn’t set out to become a vet nurse when she left school at the beginning of Year 13, but today she’s happily employed as a veterinary nurse/rural animal technician at VetCo Kennington, near Invercargill.

Having grown up riding horses, Lexie initially enrolled in the Sporthorse Stable Assistant course at SIT | Te Pūkenga’s Telford campus, with the intention of heading overseas to work at a stud. When the programme didn’t run in 2021, due to a shortage of enrolments, she transferred to the Rural Animal Technician course which trains students to assist veterinarians in areas such as herd/flock testing, reproduction, lab analysis and large animal health.

“I absolutely loved it,” says Lexie (21). “The large equine focus was definitely a drawcard, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with other livestock.”

Lexie was awarded the Clutha Vets Trophy for best all-round student at Telford and was inspired to study veterinary nursing at SIT | Te Pūkenga’s Invercargill campus.

“Veterinary nursing was the natural choice, with surgery and anaesthesia being something that caught my interest from the get-go,” she says. “I knew I loved large animal work, but I wanted to be useful to a vet clinic in more than just one way, and variety in work has always been important to me.”

VETERINARY NURSING

During the first year of her veterinary nursing studies, Lexie received an SIT | Te Pūkenga Fletcher Challenge Award. “There’s no doubt that I worked hard in my studies that year,” she says, “but I think I can credit my involvement in other projects within SIT, including being on the Vet Nursing Advisory Committee and my role as class representative.”

A typical day at VetCo might see her in the clinic administering medications, monitoring anaesthesia for surgical cases, carrying out nurse consults such as injections and nail clips, admitting and discharging patients, and undertaking lab work.

As a rural animal technician, Lexie also visits farms to carry out seasonal work such as teat sealing, blood collection and microchipping foals for Harness Racing New Zealand.

“I thoroughly enjoy the variety in my work,” she says. “No two days are the same.”

Lexie particularly likes caring for emergency and intensive care patients and hopes one day to specialise in this area.

She admits it’s an emotionally strenuous job, with lots of highs and lows, so it’s important to work in a strong and closeknit team.

Lexie grew up in Queenstown and attended Wakatipu High School before moving to Auckland half-way through Year 12.

LEXIE ALLAN

Of the subjects she took in Year 12, Biology and Statistics have been the most useful, along with a theory-based Physical Education class she took in Year 11 which focused on anatomy and physiology. Chemistry would also have been useful, she says.

If you’re considering veterinary nursing as a career, Lexie suggests focusing on the sciences at school and making the most of the three-day clinic experience students are required to do before entering the course.

VETERINARY NURSE/ RURAL ANIMAL TECHNICIAN

■ LEXIE ALLAN WORKS AS AN VETERINARY NURSE/ RURAL ANIMAL TECHNICIAN AT VETCO KENNINGTON, NEAR INVERCARGILL

■ SHE COMPLETED A NZ CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY (RURAL ANIMAL TECHNICIAN) AT SIT | TE PŪKENGA’S TELFORD CAMPUS AND A NZ CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY AND A NZ DIPLOMA IN VETERINARY NURSING AT SIT | TE PŪKENGA’S INVERCARGILL CAMPUS

■ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING VETERINARY NURSING AS A CAREER, LEXIE SUGGESTS FOCUSING ON THE SCIENCES AT SCHOOL AND MAKING THE MOST OF THE THREE-DAY CLINIC EXPERIENCE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO DO BEFORE ENTERING THE COURSE.

WANT TO STUDY ENGINEERING?

FUTURE ENGINEERS START HERE.

Engineering Info Evening

Join us at one of our Engineering Info Evenings to become well-equipped with all the information you need to kickstart your journey in Engineering.

Auckland (in-person & online)

14 May

University of Auckland

Faculty of Engineering

20 Symonds Street, Auckland

Wellington (in-person only)

16 May

Engineering New Zealand Level 6, 40 Taranaki Street

Wellington

2024 ENGINEERING EVENTS

Engineering Faculty Tours | 09 & 23 MAY, 05 JUN, 03 JUL

Led by our current students, these tours will allow you and your whānau to explore our engineering buildings, facilities and the services we offer.

Mānawa Mai Info Evening (Online) | 25 JUN

Join us online to learn about your study options and get answers to your questions about your first year at University.

Future Me | 26-27 JUN

Spanning across two days, this event designed for Māori and Pacific students in Year 10, involves a variety of activities to provide insight into the world of Engineering.

Enginuity | 09 JUL

The Faculty of Engineering’s annual day for Year 12 and 13 female students to explore the possibility of a career as an engineer, during a day of hands-on activities.

Mānawa Mai Open Day | 24 AUG

Explore our vibrant campus in the heart of Auckland and get a glimpse into what your future could look like as a student at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Engineering Experience Day | TBC

Experience what life could be like as an Engineering student at the University of Auckland by getting involved in hands-on activities within our faculty.

Final Year Project Display Day | OCT

Come along to view the practical demo and exhibition component of our Engineering students’ Final Year Projects.

Visit our website for the most up-to-date event information, including new events.

auckland.ac.nz/engineering/events

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS IMPROVING LIVES WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

writer SARA CARBERY // photograph FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Civil engineers plan and design the critical infrastructure we depend on, such as motorways, bridges and water supply networks. “I like that civil engineering is broad – there’s a lot to explore,” says twenty-year-old BHANU RAVEENTHIRAN , who is in her third year of a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at the University of Auckland.

After volunteering at a school in Fiji, where she taught English and helped to build amenities, Bhanu knew she wanted a job that made a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

“Because civil engineers get to solve real-life problems affecting real communities, you can help shape a better tomorrow, which is fulfilling and rewarding,” she says.

An internship as a student civil engineer in the bridges and civil structures team at Aurecon in Wellington reconfirmed Bhanu’s choice of career.

“It was a great networking opportunity for me to make connections, apply my theoretical skills from university to practical problems, and envision what my future as a civil engineer could look like,” she says.

In Year 13 at Botany Downs Secondary College in Auckland, Bhanu took Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus and Digital Programming – which she found helpful for the first-year coding paper.

“Calculus was helpful too as every year there is a mathematical modelling paper that relies on a good foundation of number knowledge.”

Bhanu says good communication skills and being able to express complex ideas in an easily understood manner is important and it’s a bonus if you enjoy writing reports because preparing calculations and plans and reporting findings is a core part of an engineer’s job.

Bhanu recently carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of a new bridge on Puketutu Island in the Manukau Harbour, an assignment she thoroughly enjoyed. “We went through the EIA report process to ascertain whether the bridge would positively or negatively impact the island.”

If you’re interested in studying engineering at the University of Auckland, Bhanu recommends attending one of the Engineering Info Evenings, which are being held online and in-person in Auckland on 30 April and 14 May, and in-person in Wellington on 16 May.

“The Engineering Info Evening gave me a better understanding of engineering, what to expect, where I fit in amongst it all, how the university is run and what it means to be an engineer,” she says. “It really helped me make my decision to study there.”

Three of the things Bhanu learnt that night: the University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering is ranked the highest in New Zealand, there is lots of support available for students, and engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving.

Bhanu also recommends attending the University’s Mānawa Mai Open Day, which is being held this year on Saturday 24 August. “It’s a great opportunity to explore the campus and envision your potential life there.”

Her final words of advice? “The world needs more civil engineers, so come give it a go!”

writer PETER WHITE

photographer JOHN DAVIDSON

FROM TRUCKS TO FORMULA 1 BACK YOURSELF TO SUCCEED

Having an outstanding attitude, her dedication to her work and how she is a role model for young female workers in the heavy machinery industry, is paying dividends for BRITTNEY LYON.

Last month, the 22-year-old apprentice with Christchurch-based Japanese multinational company Komatsu was selected as the sole New Zealand apprentice to join the Williams pit crew at the Formula 1 racing event held in Melbourne.

“It was very cool. We got to watch them practise, pit stop and we helped out by pushing the car in when they changed tyres. We got to meet the drivers – it was great,” says Brittney.

“They picked one apprentice from Aussie and one from New Zealand. I got it because I was nominated for an Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) award from Australia. My dedication to work and being helpful and the industry I work in were the main reasons I was picked.”

Brittney is in the final year of her four-year Komatsu New Zealand apprenticeship. She will qualify with a New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4).

Her apprenticeship was arranged through MITO, who Brittney says have been super helpful since she started.

Brittney went to Rangiora High School where she studied English, History, Social Studies and Outdoor Education in Year 13. She admits she had no idea what she wanted to do for a career but doing some work experience at the truck company her dad works for was the key decider.

“I found I quite enjoyed working in the workshop there so then I did a pre-trade course at Ara Institute and more work experience at a couple of workshops before I got selected for the apprenticeship program with Komatsu.”

Working every day with heavy machinery has its challenges but Brittney loves how every day is different.

“I might be working on quite a small excavator and then could work on a dump truck. I like the challenges it has and all the new things you learn. You are always learning.

I MIGHT BE WORKING ON A SMALL excavator and then could work on A DUMP TRUCK I LIKE THE CHALLENGES IT has and all the new things you learn.

BRITTNEY LYON

“I have obviously gained a lot of confidence but there is still a lot more to go because everyone always says that once you are qualified, the hardest part is actually those first few years out of your apprenticeship.

“I have had a really great support system at Komatsu, and everyone has always backed me and been there if I have needed a hand or needed any guidance. Much of the confidence I have gained has been thanks to Komatsu because I have a great bunch of people I work around.”

Brittney is delighted more females are joining the heavy machinery industry. Her advice to school leavers – give it a go and back yourself.

“I have not struggled at all being a female in the industry. They have not treated me any differently. If this is something that interests you, give it a go.

“If you are not 100 percent sure, I would recommend doing a pre-trade like I did. It gives you a baseline of all the information you need, and you can go from there.”

https://www.komatsu.co.nz/company/careers-with-komatsu/apprentice-program

writer PETER WHITE // photographer DAVID JAMES

IT IS A VERY REWARDING JOB . IT IS challenging AT TIMES BUT THE GOOD TRULY OUTWEIGHS THE BAD.

EMMA MALES

HELPING CHILDREN GROW

A FUN AND FULFILLING CAREER

EMMA MALES from Blenheim has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). The three-year, full-time course was run through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ).

Emma says it was predominantly an online platform so that meant having to navigate much of it on her own. But knowing that the lecturers were available at any time to reply to an email or get on a Zoom call and discuss things if you did not quite understand the coursework was really helpful.

“We also had a requirement to do a minimum of 12-hours a week at an early childhood centre which was the in-person time with the children,” says Emma.

“The great thing about being in the centre with the children was we were learning the theory side of all the things that we needed to learn during the course – and then it was

like our time to go in and actually put it into practice.

“It was really eye-opening for me because you have this idea about what early childhood is going to be about. Then when you are actually in it, it is completely different in respects of the workload, what you do, and how you interact with the children and other teachers on the team.”

Since January, Emma (25) has been employed by Te Kupenga Preschool in Blenheim.

She has really enjoyed how it is a semi-rural, community-orientated centre, with smaller classes and lower teacher to child ratio than other centres. The children she looks after are aged between one and five years.

“It is a really nice environment to work in,” she says. “It is a cool place to be and is a lot of fun. You get some really interesting and distinct personalities. I spend a lot of my time laughing with the children and we are just having a really good time.

“I have enjoyed learning not only about children but learning more about myself through teaching children,” she adds.

Emma attended Marlborough Girls’ College. In Year 13 she took Early Childhood Education, English, Music, Hospitality and Food Technology.

That mix of subjects has helped her along her career pathways as she initially went into hospitality after leaving school.

“I thought I was going to be a chef for a long time, but it did not end up working that way. I found out through my brother having children that I really enjoyed hanging out with them – and that’s how I got intrigued about early childhood education.

“Learning early childhood education at Marlborough Girls’ really helped as we had to do a small placement and it ended up being where I went to kindy as a kid. So, it was like a full circle moment going back all these years later.”

Emma’s advice to anyone keen on a career in early childhood education – give it your best shot and volunteer at a centre. “It is a very rewarding job. It is challenging at times but the good truly outweighs the bad.”

MUCH MORE THAN NUMBERS

ACCOUNTING IS KEY TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

writer SARA CARBERY photography LOGAN WEST

If you’re inquisitive, hardworking, sociable, driven, curious and creative, consider a career in accounting, says FRANCIS FLORES . “It will take you far.

“Accounting is much more than numbers alone,” says the 26-year-old. “You would be surprised to see how many successful businesspeople are Chartered Accountants or started their career in accounting.”

As the saying goes, ‘Behind every successful business is a good accountant’.

“A lot of people start their careers in accounting one way or another and eventually pivot to a more specialised or technical role,” says Francis. “The variety you have at your disposal with an accounting degree allows you the liberty of choice while finding your feet as a young professional.

“Not all accountants are ‘number crunchers’, ” he adds. “What really attracted me to accounting was how it literally taps into every part of a business.”

Francis began his career as an auditor at Deloitte, working on various financial assurance engagements. During his time there, he also pursued projects in the sustainability and climate team working on advisory and greenhouse gas assurance jobs.

He recently pivoted into a commercial planning and financial analysis role at Fletcher Construction, where he helps to oversee the company’s financial performance.

Francis’s role as business performance analyst involves analysing and interpreting financial data, contributing to the development of financial models, and preparing reports to help with strategic decision-making.

“I enjoy the variety and challenge every day brings and getting exposure to the commercial side of the business and putting our unique lens on it,” he says.

“One day I could be working on more ad-hoc projectbased work or analysing and writing up reports and preparing presentations; another day we could be holding meetings within our team on how to improve our processes to get greater efficiencies, more synergies, and better outcomes.”

In his final year at Auckland’s Avondale College, Francis chose the Cambridge Pathway and took Accounting,

Business Studies, Mathematics and English Literature, all of which have helped him in his career.

“English literature helped with my report writing and my ability to articulate ideas; business studies to understand the underlying basics of how businesses run and what drives them to make the decisions they make; accounting to understand the framework in which businesses, charities and organisations report their financial performance, and mathematics to help with logical and sequential frameworks for decision-making.”

Francis enjoyed the sciences at school and regrets not taking Chemistry past Year 11. He says many roles today combine knowledge from typical commerce subjects, such as business studies

and accounting, with subjects like information technology and science.

While he was at the University of Auckland working towards a BCom/BA in Accounting, Economics and Taxation, Francis joined a number of clubs and societies focused on doing good and making a difference in the world.

He was also a student representative for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), which promotes the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation and the highest ethical standards.

“Becoming a Chartered Accountant represents the licence to become a trusted advisor and expert in your field of work,” says Francis.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ANZ STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Explore the accounting and finance world and receive valuable information and resources to broaden your skills and understanding. You will be invited to networking and careers events and have access to exclusive employment opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up to be a Chartered Accountants ANZ student member today.

WHAT REALLY ATTRACTED ME TO ACCOUNTING WAS HOW IT LITERALLY TAPS INTO EVERY PART OF A BUSINESS.

FRANCIS

HARD WORK AND DEDICATION BUILDING APPRENTICESHIPS

MIKE MATENE spent seven years driving trucks before he decided to join an old schoolmate building in Whangārei. That decision has proved to be an absolute winner, with Mike finishing his three-year building apprenticeship last month. His apprenticeship was organised through the Building & Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). BCITO has more than 16,000 apprentices

currently training, and over 50,000 people have completed apprenticeships over the 34 years they’ve been training successful building and construction apprentices.

“I found with them that if I had any questions related to my apprenticeship or not, then my apprenticeship advisor would answer me within a day. He was really good with communication, and he also checked in with me randomly to make

EVEN AS A YOUNG KID, SEEING PROGRESSION IN wHATEVER i was DOING WAS WHAT i ENJOYED THE MOST. SO THAT IS WHERE BUILDING HAS REALLY HIT HOME FOR ME.

sure I was doing okay mentally as well. Obviously, our job and family life can be stressful, so he was great in that way,” says Mike.

“He also walked me through step-by-step on what I needed to improve on, and he was really good at that, which kind of sped things along in terms of my apprenticeship. I never felt like I was being mucked around and he was always positive, which was awesome.”

Mike loves the physical side of building and working with a good crew – but the best part of the job for him is seeing the progression in what he is building.

“That could be retaining walls, fences or an actual house. Even as a young kid, seeing progression in whatever I was doing was what I enjoyed the most. So that is where building has really hit home for me.

“The other thing that is great is the variety of work. There are so many different aspects in the building trade to learn.”

If Mike had to pick just one part of his job that he likes the most, it would be frames and trusses for new houses.

“With our crew, we get them done within a week. I always think about people driving past who see frames and trusses done on a house in a week. It must look impressive just to see that done –just a lot of visual progress. You might be building someone’s dream home so the better you can do it, the better it will be for them.”

The construction industry offers huge opportunities for qualified builders like Mike. He would love to be self-employed in a few years and own his own business, with a small crew of builders working for him. It was not something he thought about when he was at Kamo High School in Whangārei but his dedication to his apprenticeship and hard work have him well on the path to reach that goal. Mike says he followed his father’s advice to take the basics of English, Maths and Science at school.

For today’s school leavers who are interested in a career in the building industry, Mike’s advice is to get into an apprenticeship.

“There is no wrong time to start building – there is always something that needs building, so go for it.”

MIKE MATENE

UNI, TRADE OR ON-JOB TRAINING?

ADVICE TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST PATH

contributor DIANA CLEMENT // image credit iSTOCK

SHOULD I GO TO UNIVERSITY? or GET AN APPRENTICESHIP WHERE I LEARN ON THE JOB? It’s a question that many young people ask themselves.

University is not for everyone, and nor are apprenticeships. There is a third path that is often forgotten in the uni versus trades comparison, says Jennie Miller, a career coach at Purpose Careers. Many school leavers go straight into a very wide range of careers directly, or after doing vocational courses.

“There are lots of pathways that are not a trade or uni, such as real estate or the care of animals,” she says. Also be aware that new fields emerge regularly. Careers such as data scientist, drone operator, SEO specialist, or UX designer didn’t exist when many parents were starting their careers.

It’s not unusual for parents to be hell-bent on their children going to university or doing a trade because they did but finding a career that suits you is more important than doing what’s expected of you, says Jennie.

“I’m working with a young girl at the moment whose parents are really senior in their careers. She has sent me her career vision and it’s horticulture, not law. She just adores plants.”

Going down the wrong path can be soul-destroying, says Jennie. It is not possible to survive physically, mentally or emotionally in the workplace if you are not happy.

“New Zealand can’t afford lost souls and misplaced endeavours. From a social equity perspective, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to make the most of themselves.”

Currently around 15 percent of undergraduate students drop out before completing a degree, according to Ministry of Education figures.They’re often left repaying student loans but have no qualifications to show for it.

To work out the best study, training and career path, Jennie says you first need to understand your values.

“My sessions with young people look at what they like doing, how they operate, what their personality type is, what invigorates them, are they the kind of young person that can sit in a classroom, [and] do they love being with people or not.”

Before making a career choice, it’s a very good idea to talk to people who work in the field you’re interested in, she adds.

University versus trade comparisons are often driven by salaries but Jennie says making the right career choice is not just about how much the average person earns in that field. Not all university

graduates end up in high paying jobs, and some tradespeople make a great deal of money.

“The argument [that university graduates make more money] doesn’t make sense. It’s about the individual person.

“Let’s take building as an example. If you have the personality where you like to be in a team, and do a good job, and you actually like being instructed, you will stay a builder working for somebody else. You will earn an [average] salary. If you’re an entrepreneurial builder and end up running a big construction company, you could become a multi-millionaire.”

School students interested in going into an apprenticeship should talk to their schools about pre-trades training and trades academies, that ease the transition from school to trade.

Students weighing up university versus trades or other fields can seek advice from school careers counsellors. Whānau that can afford it can book sessions with private career coaches.

For those who can’t afford to go private, Careers New Zealand offers free face-to-face or online career advice provided by trained professionals. Young people and their families can request a session by calling 0800 222 733 or emailing direct_careers@msd.govt.nz

SEVEN SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

PRESENT

YOURSELF IN THE BEST LIGHT

Have you ever wondered, ‘What is that magical power some people have that gets them a job?’ The answer isn’t magical – the key is that these job seekers demonstrate they have the employability skills employers are looking for.

The world of work is rapidly changing. While new jobs will be created in the future, others will disappear or become automated.

Employers seek workers who have the skills, confidence and the ability to adapt to new technologies and other market opportunities.

The good news is that you will have many of these skills already.

These skills can be learned in daily life by doing work experience or volunteer work, playing sport, helping your whānau, taking up a hobby or taking part in school and community activities.

WHAT ARE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS?

Employability skills, or soft skills, are the personal qualities and attitudes you have that make you ready for work, such as getting to work on time or following instructions.

Employers tell us they need young people to be work-ready – if you have the right attitude, the technical skills can be taught.

SEVEN

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Employability skills include:

1. POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A positive attitude is not just about being bubbly. It means showing that you’ll happily do the work asked of you, and you’ll stay upbeat when the work gets hard.

2. COMMUNICATION

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

3. TEAMWORK

Playing or working well with others is not just a bonus on the rugby ground or during that science project, it’s something employers value.

4. SELF-MANAGEMENT

Getting to work on time and dressed appropriately is just one part of 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.

SHOW OFF YOUR EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS ON YOUR CV

Include employability skills in the skills list, work history, interests and achievement sections of your CV to wow employers.

■ SKILLS LIST

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

■ WORK HISTORY

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

■ INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

What you do in your spare time is a powerful indicator to employers of your range of skills.

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

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