Engineers of the future
Connections with local businesses are helping students develop the skills and experience they need to gain employment in automotive engineering.
For more a decade, Tony McDonald, of Capital City Motors in Wellington, has been taking two to three people every year from WelTec’s level-four certificate in the subject via its managed apprenticeship programme.
He sees this as beneficial to both parties, giving students a chance to gain work experience and allowing him to find employees.
“The students are well-skilled and ready for work when they arrive,” says McDonald, pictured right. “I’ve been doing this for more than 10 years and every apprentice has been fantastic.
“The classes keep them up to speed. They’re constantly learning and equipped to progress to more technical jobs.”
McDonald’s focus is on upskilling the students and giving them a wide range of experience so they can gain practical experience in all aspects of automotive repair. Many of his current employees have come through WelTec’s apprenticeship scheme and have stayed on afterwards.
Michael Jordan, of Upper Hutt, is completing his apprenticeship at Capital City Motors. The 23-year-old, pictured left, wasn’t sure what his career would look like after leaving school.
But after overseas travel, he was convinced by the government’s fees free programme to enrol in WelTec’s level-three certificate in automotive engineering. He is now only months away from completing his level-four managed apprenticeship.
Jordan was recommended to McDonald by his tutors and moved to an apprenticeship after a short trial.
“You really need that practical experience in a workshop,” says Jordan, pictured above left with McDonald. “WelTec gives you the core knowledge and building blocks. Then the apprenticeship provides on-the-job experience.”
Throughout his apprenticeship, Jordan has worked on vehicle servicing, general repairs and technical diagnostics.
WelTec students can balance their classes with full-time work due to flexible class times. They work during the day and attend a weekly night class from 5.30-8pm.
