THE WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL

x output!

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
02
04
Building industry leaders of the future
10
Apprentice scholarship
20
Engineering for zero fees
06
Discover tours
Got a trade week
12
Raising the bar
22
08
Are you qualified for more?
14
14 Building Technology
16 Electrotechnology
18 Land Surveying and
Civil/Electrical
Engineering
24
Fighting bush fires more safely
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015 01

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
Calling all motivated career seekers. The building and construction industry wants you now. This is the message the Building and Construction Industry Training
Organisation (BCITO) is keen to convey to students and young people looking at plotting a career path.
BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says that the organisation has launched a major drive to raise awareness of the opportunities for apprentices in an industry that is experiencing a skills shortage. This has been caused by a boom in construction that has seen the sector grow at a rate of
9 percent since 2012, compared with the wider economy which is experiencing rates of growth of around 2.5 percent.
“This has never happened before,” says
Ruma. “Construction is now one of the fastest growing parts of the economy and is predicted to grow by 3.2 percent per annum until at least 2017.”
The $100 billion industry boom has been caused by a number of factors, among them the demands of an unquenchable Auckland residential construction market and the logistics of the Christchurch rebuild after the earthquake in 2011.
“The construction industry has always tended to follow cyclic patterns but this is very different from anything we have experienced in the past,” Ruma explains. “The recent recession hit us longer and harder than ever before but what has been particularly unusual is the speed of the recovery. We really came out of the recession rapidly.
“Christchurch played quite a big part in that as the quake happened in the middle of the recession and helped build momentum before we entered the recovery phase. The whole of the country is now buoyant but
Auckland is dramatically different from other areas. It just grows and grows.
“There is a lot of other activity in Auckland such as convention centres and massive activity at the airport, but the residential sector is still driving growth in a major way.”
Ruma is spearheading a campaign to inform career seekers of the exciting options offered by taking an apprenticeship in the industry. Recent research by the organisation reveals that 98 per cent of graduated BCITO apprentices are in fulltime employment. Of these, 32 percent expect to progress into supervision or management roles in the next two years and 27 percent envisage starting their own businesses.
“Compare these numbers with some other pathways and we’ve got a very positive
02 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

proposal. By comparison only 56 percent of
Bachelor Degree graduates get a job in their first year after graduating.
“Another of the key issues we are honing in on is student loans. We’ve always been a bit perplexed by the ‘elephant in the classroom’ that is the $14 billion in student loans that plague many learners. The average students’ debt in 2014 is up 57 percent on
2011 to almost $25,000. We’re trying to get the message out there that it doesn’t have to be this way. Our apprentices don’t have student loans; they have jobs.”
Rumer says that although the BCITO have plenty of school leavers taking up apprenticeships, the average age is 25-26:
“Ten percent of our current apprentice intake have been to university and have either finished their degrees or decided it wasn’t for them. We get a lot of people who have been working previously in areas such as hospitality or retail who have realised the opportunities an apprenticeship offers.”
He says that they have hundreds of employer groups looking for apprentices.
Currently the BCITO has 9,700 apprentices but the ideal level would be between 10,500-
11,000. “There are some sectors that have pretty good penetration rates, such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical, but others such as brick and block layers are falling well short and need much higher penetration.”
The BCITO targets traditional avenues for getting their message out, including the
Build-Ability Challenge and Gateway formal work experience programme in the school sector. Career advisors and technology teachers are a key contact point and they are involved with government schemes such as Vocational Pathways. “We attend all the relevant conferences and expos. One opportunity we have found particularly useful is to have our representatives attending parent/teacher evenings where possible.
Having both the student and parent together is particularly useful.
“Some of our internal research which needs more verification but is very interesting is that in terms of parental influence the male voice is becoming increasingly quiet and mum has more involvement. Often they have different aspirations for their children and many view the industry as dangerous and dirty so we need to actively address that misconception.”
And the BCITO has moved with the times and embraced the world of social media as a mainstay of encouraging under-30s to enter apprenticeships. “Although we do
‘real world’ campaigns with things such as billboard advertising, communicating through the social media has become the mainstay.
Most of the conventional methods drive people to our Facebook and Twitter sites— we’re very active on them as that’s the way young people gather their information and then they’ll move on to checking out our website for information.
“We really do have an important message to get out there. We are experiencing an exceptional period of sustained growth in our industry. This is the best time in many decades to enter an apprenticeship, do the training and come out qualified into an industry that will still be very buoyant. This is probably the best time ever to establish a successful career in the building and construction industry.”
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015 03

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
He might be newly-qualified, but 26 year-old Shane Brunning of Quinn
Rees Decorators Ltd in Christchurch has already painted his way to several prestigious industry titles and is well on his way to a colourful career.
“In 2013 I won the ‘CPIT Apprentice of the
Year Award for Painting and Decorating’ and the ‘CPIT Maori and Pasifika Apprentice of the Year across all trades’. In 2014 I won the
‘New Zealand Decorating Apprentice of the
Year’ award, sponsored by BCITO, Master
Painters and Resene.’ I’m committed to building a successful career in the industry and I keep pushing myself to be better.
“If you want to be a successful apprentice you need to be willing to learn and be able to listen; watch what you’re being shown and pay attention—no matter who is showing you; and accept that we all learn from each other. Most of all, you need to be dedicated and be prepared to work hard.
“I really enjoy what I do and I take a lot of pride in my work and in the end results
I achieve. It’s rewarding working in a job where you get to transform the whole look of a building.
“In 10 years’ time, I’d like to think I’ll be running my own business - maybe even taking over from Quinn, my boss! This is a definite career goal for me. You’ll still find me on the tools though, I just really like what I do—but I’ll be the one doing the training!”
Shane’s a perfect example of a young person who’s made it as a qualified professional in the painting sector of the building and construction industry and now he’s reaping the rewards.
Here’s the three best reasons why to get into a building and construction apprenticeship right now:
We are at the start of a $100 billion construction boom which will last well beyond 2020. As a qualified tradesperson in any construction trade you’ll be in high demand and will earn good money.
Shane Brunning
Many apprentices say the best part of their job is seeing what they’ve created with their own two hands. You’ll also build a great career, lifestyle and success.
You don’t need to do a pre-trade course or go to university. The total fees for most
BCITO apprenticeships are $3,000 to
$4,000. You’ll also be paid from day one by your employer.
BCITO supports career seekers through a dedicated job-matching service. If you’re looking to join the construction industry visit BCITO.org.nz/looking-for-work and complete a work profile. BCITO may be able to match you with an employer in the industry who is looking to take on a new apprentice, or call BCITO on 0800 422 486 for more information.
04 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014 11

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
Whether you’re a young person getting ready to enter the workforce, or a teacher or parent guiding a young person into a worthwhile career, the Competenz
Discovery tours in Got a Trade Week in August will give you the practical information you need to understand the benefits of a career in the trades.
As an industry training organisation that works with companies to build skills in 37 industries across New Zealand, we know the trades offer great opportunities for interesting, productive, well paid careers.
Trades careers have other benefits too. Most training takes place on-the-job, meaning that learners graduate with practical skills, with a paying job and without a student loan.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the profile of Chad. And read on to learn more about the Competenz Discovery tours
—coming to a part of New Zealand near you in August.
Got a Trade Week 2015,
24-28 August, nationwide
• These tours are a chance for students and parents to visit trades workplaces around
New Zealand and discover the huge range of interesting work they undertake.
• The tours will take place outside school hours to enable parents and caregivers to attend.
• The tours will include practical demonstrations, presentations and opportunities for students to take part in hands-on activities.
The Discovery tours are hosted by
Competenz and the companies we work with as part of national Got a Trade Week. For more information about the tours and how to take part, please visit www.gotatrade.co.nz
.
(www.gotatrade.co.nz)
Got a Trade Week is the joint initiative of seven industry training organisations
(ITOs). Together these ITOs cover more than 100 industries and help 120,000 New
Zealanders gain national qualifications in their workplaces each year.
06 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

For Chad Whitehead, an engineering apprenticeship with Waiuku-based New
Zealand Steel makes good use of his practical abilities and offers the variety and financial independence he seeks in a career.
As a child, Chad was always ‘hands-on’, and the structured, practical nature of an apprenticeship suits him well. Now in the final year of his formal learning, Chad loves the variety in his work. “I can be machining new parts, repairing gear boxes or making repairs to hot metal rollers. There’s so much different equipment and so many machines
I can work with.”
Chad also values the financial independence an apprenticeship brings. “I’ve been able to pay my own way for everything.
I don’t have to rely on my parents!”
Chad Whitehead
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014 11

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
The New Zealand Army takes on many roles. On any given day, it could be involved in disaster relief, rebuilding communities or bringing stability and infrastructure to war-torn countries.
To get the job done it needs people with specialist skills and qualifications. Sparkies, chippies, engineers, drivers, plumbers… these are the people who really make our
Force tick.
Right now, the New Zealand Army is looking for more skilled people and a programme has been set up to fast-track the careers of recruits with qualifications.
If you come with a trade qualification, and you see yourself as more than just a
‘tradie’, then the Army will give you greater responsibility and opportunity from the get go.
In the civilian world you would have started off as an apprentice. Limited responsibility and lots of “starting from the bottom up”.
In the Army, you’ll need to complete
Basic Training to learn the basic soldier skills required, but after that your hard-earned qualifications are given the respect they deserve, you’re immediately put to high-level work and recognised for it.
Your offer of service and rank upon entry is all tailored individually to your qualification and experience. You won’t be treated like the new guy and you can expect to earn anything you can get on civilian street.
No other organisation gives its personnel greater responsibility in such a short space of time. You won’t just be doing routine maintenance and repairs on the same gear, day in day out. For one, you’ll be working on the most advanced equipment and vehicles in the world. You will also be involved in leading teams, planning and project management.
Skills that will stand you in good stead no matter where your career takes you.
One thing’s for sure, your world will be bigger than just a workshop or a van. Your trade could take you around the globe and give you life experiences that you could never put a dollar figure on. The New Zealand
Army gives you the opportunity to take what you know, build a career in double time and use your skills to actually make a difference in the world.
If you think you’re qualified to do more, the
New Zealand Army will do more for you. Right now we are recruiting for Vehicle Mechanics,
Electrical Fitters, Electronics Technicians and
Maintenance Fitters. Visit defencecareers.
mil.nz/army/qualified
08 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015
BRING YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS TO THE
NEW ZEALAND ARMY AND BUILD A CAREER IN DOUBLE TIME.
NZA 1308 Qualified Trade_v14.indd 1 18/05/15 11:32 AM

BRING YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS TO THE
NEW ZEALAND ARMY AND BUILD A CAREER IN DOUBLE TIME.
NZA 1308 Qualified Trade_v14.indd 1 18/05/15 11:32 AM

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
Cameron Bowman has always had an interest in cars. He’d been a customer of
Napier’s Greenmeadows Panel and Paint
Limited, was impressed by what he saw, so he asked owner Tony Carson for a job.
Tony agreed, Cameron was signed up for a MITO apprenticeship and he hasn’t looked back since.
Having completed his National Certificate in Motor Industry Panelbeating, and Collision
Repair Extension Programme (Level 4), and being a CRA Golden Hammer award winner, the 26 year old is now one of two 2015
Hawke’s Bay recipients of MITO’s Clyde
Cunningham QSM Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship enables Cameron to undertake MITO’s National Certificate in
Business (First Line Management), which he is very excited about. He loves what he does—while every job has its challenges, the simple satisfaction of seeing a customer’s vehicle looking like new again is highly motivating. Cameron is also engaged by the fact there is constantly more to learn. “It is going to be great to learn the business side of collision repair and the overall business operation,” says Cameron. Cameron’s employer Tony Carson, agrees. “Cameron is a really hardworking guy who is very good at his trade, but what’s more, he always wants to extend himself and is constantly interested in more training,” said Tony.
Cameron is quietly proud of his achievements, which give him increased motivation to do well, learn more and take on challenges.
“Don’t give up and keep pushing yourself,” Cameron said when asked about advice for those in the early stages of a collision repair apprenticeship. “It can be hard work, and a juggle, particularly once you have children, but it’s well worth it.”
Cameron would like to own his own restoration place one day, but for now is happy learning all facets of the trade. In his spare time Cameron enjoys spending time with his children, fishing, and doing what he loves, working on cars. the achievement of high-quality, nationally recognised qualifications. Each year, MITO helps thousands of New Zealand learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
MITO also offers a suite of annual scholarships to people who are passionate about learning and want to develop their specialist skills in their chosen area of expertise, including automotive, road transport, logistics, mining, gas and resource recovery.
To find out more about MITO, contact
0800 88 21 21 or visit www.mito.org.nz.
MITO works with the motor, extractives, transport and logistics industries to facilitate
10 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

Image: www.leavingschool.co.nz
At the age of 21, Julius Bloem completed his MITO automotive technician apprenticeship and landed his dream job with international rally car specialists Possum Bourne
Motorsport. He spends his time building, preparing and servicing world-class race cars and one year later is a
2015 MITO Business Skills Scholarship recipient.
www.mito.org.nz 0800 88 21 21
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
12 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015
BAR
Otago Polytechnic’s Automotive and
Engineering programmes don’t just follow industry standards—they raise them. Students learn the practical,
All programmes involve experiencebased learning—and use the latest equipment. “Every aspect of a programme is about getting students ‘work-ready,’ says life, and industry skills essential for John. In addition to practical skills, students today’s workplace.
There is currently a high demand for skilled learn workplace-based tasks, such as health and safety, costing, and sustainable workers in Automotive and Engineering practice. An emphasis on team skills and industry, according to John Stocks, lecturer personal motivation ensures graduates are in Mechanical Engineering Trades at Otago ‘well-rounded’.
Polytechnic. “We’ve got to the point The teaching style is learner focused. where employers are competing for our Lecturers work alongside students – shoulder
Level 3 graduates,” he says. Many of the to shoulder—teaching them to explore for programmes involve valuable off-site work themselves. Industry posters, arranged experience, which helps students transition around the workshops and learning spaces, into the workplace.
allow students to self-diagnose and problem
The Certificate in Automotive and solve with their tutors.
Mechanical Engineering (Level 2) provides Recent graduate, Ethan Beattie-O’Neill, is valuable practical experience, while improving full of praise for Otago Polytechnic’s School literacy and numeracy. Students learn various of Architecture, Building and Engineering. skills, such as how to service engines, brakes Ethan was nervous about starting and fuel systems; and general engineering polytechnic because of learning issues he tasks like welding, fabricating and machining.
had confronted at school. “I couldn’t believe
The National Certificate in Motor Industry the tutor support and guidance I received
(Entry Skills) (Level 2) prepares students for the automotive industry. This programme first term,” he says. “Now, I am a capable provides the fundamental skills and welder, with mechanical engineering skills I knowledge to advance into Level 3 and 4 can apply in a range of settings.” apprenticeship-based qualifications.
from staff to build my confidence in the
The Certificate in Engineering (Level 3) is a pre-apprenticeship programme that will reduce the amount of off-job training required during an apprenticeship. The programme covers design, manufacture and maintenance of machinery, equipment and tools.
The Certificate in Automotive Engineering
(Level 3) prepares students for an automotive career. This could mean repairing, maintaining, modifying, or selling vehicles and parts. It provides a good range of practical knowledge
—including fundamental servicing, electrical, engineering and welding skills.

BAR
www.facebook.com/otagopoly www.youtube.com/otagopolytechnic www.twitter.com/otagopolytech
Learn how to carry out servicing on engines, brakes or fuel and electronic control systems, install automotive accessories and carry out general engineering tasks in welding, fabricating and machining. You will also build valuable contacts in the industry through work placements, undertake a range of work-based projects with ‘real-life’ clients and gain the skills needed to move onto an apprenticeship.
Get the practical skills you need to advance into Level 3 and 4 apprenticeshipbased qualifications. You will complete 160 hours of work experience and undertake a lot of hands-on learning in our on-site automotive workshop.
This hands-on pre-apprenticeship programme will give you the opportunity to work on a range of exciting hand and machine-built projects in our modern workshops, while gaining valuable off-site work experience. Completion of this
Certificate will reduce the amount of off-job training required once you take up your apprenticeship.
Develop sound knowledge and techniques in automotive engineering. You’ll learn a range of servicing procedures, engineering and welding skills; and about braking, ignition and wiring systems. You will undertake work experience as part of your studies.
We also offer free fees on our Level 2 programmes and we offer numeracy and literacy support if you need a hand with this side of your studies. Please see our website for more details.
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014 11

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
What could you study?
S
Certificate in Multiskill Building
Construction Level 2
S
Certificate in Applied Technology
(Carpentry) Level 4
S
Certificate in Applied Technology
(Furniture and Cabinetmaking) Level 4
S
Diploma in Applied Technology
(Building) Level 6
Find out more at: www.building.unitec.ac.nz
Hunter Flatz was born to be a builder. in the industry there is plenty of variety and
Coming from a long line of builders his grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins are all in the trade. Finishing Year 13 at
Auckland Grammar in a class of students who all went on the University, Hunter decided he preferred a more “hands on” career and took on an ITAB apprenticeship at Unitec. Now in his third year and aged
20 he has no regrets.
Earlier this year he won the Auckland heat of the Apprentice Challenge conducted by
ITAB and he is looking forward to the finals in Christchurch.
The ITAB course involves him in one day a week formal tuition at Unitec and 8,000 hours practical work on site to qualify as a builder. ITAB coordinators visit him on site frequently to assess his work and see that he is getting the variety of work and exposure to all aspects of building that he needs. With such a large family all involved no shortage of work.
Hunter is looking forward to finishing his time and becoming a qualified builder. He sees his future quite clearly even at such a young age as following in the traditions of the Flatz family and eventually stepping into his father’s shoes. With the quality of his work to date and his obvious enthusiasm for the job that future looks assured.
Building is just one of the Building technology courses offered at Unitec.
The Certificate in Multiskill Building
Construction Level 2 is an entry level course covering many aspects of building the more advanced Certificate in Applied
Technology (Carpentry) Level 4 is the standard course for most builders. Beyond the Certificate there is the Diploma in in
Applied Technology (Building), which is a
Level 6 degree equivalent course.
14 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

As a result, you will be become confident in the use of machinery, powertools and handtools.
We will equip you with the skill of how to sketch and draw to scale, by hand or with computer software. Today, many companies are operating fully automated CNC machines, which are guided by CAD drawings.
Unitec’s Furniture & Cabinetmaking programme is proud to have supplied many students with the capabilities to serve them in the woodworking industries thoughout
New Zealand. Many of our students have become self-employed, and a few have managed to get overseas employment.
Amongst the work our students have been involved in are the Auckland Art Gallery, the superyacht “Hey Jude” (Alloy Yachts) and the penthouse of the Trump Towers in New
York, to mention only a few.
So, if this sounds like you, and you want a hands on and very fast paced learning experience, are willing to work hard for it, then don’t wait enrol now.
If it is a hands on approach to learning you want and expect from a course, then this is will be a classic Shaker style bedside cabinet in solid wood, which will introduce you not the programme for you!
only to different wood joints, but also into
The Furniture and Cabinetmaking sustainable use of timbers. Once this phase programme at Unitec is a one year study that will introduce you to the different aspects of the trade, and is suitable for any gender, age or level of learner.
Unitec is proud to be able to offer students a superbly equipped furniture machinery and assembly workshop. Highly experienced and skilled tutors will be guiding you through a of your learning is completed, you will be able to use your newly learned skills to design and build a range of furniture pieces.
The next assignment in our programme is a marine cabinet featuring veneer inlay, marquetry, and parquetry work. Many of our students surprise themselves with the achieved outcomes, once this assignment is completed and the results are displayed! year of workshop experiences.
This year long, full time study enables you to work on five different projects, each building and extending on the experience of the previous project.
From humble beginnings; building a tool chest in solid pine, you will move on to build your first melamine cabinet to introduce you into kitchen manufacturing. Your next project
All the experiences and skills gathered from each project will lead you to your last piece of work: a totally self-designed free project.
As the name indicates, you will be designing and building your very own first piece of furniture, whilst gaining understanding of planning processes, presentation, material acquisition, quoting, and writing invoices.
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015 15

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
What could you study?
S
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
(Electrical)
S
Bachelor of Applied Technology
(Electrotechnology)
S
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering
(NZDE) (Electrical)
S
Certificate in Applied Technology
(Electrical Engineering, Electronics
Engineering, Audio Visual Engineering)
S
Certificate in Electrical and Electronic
Engineering Level 3
Vlad Gromov and Bryce Perigo working on the motor control system for their robot lifesaver.
S
National Certificate in Electrical
Engineering (Electrical) NCEE L2, L3, and L4
Find out more at: www.electrical.unitec.ac.nz
This year has seen a major change NZQA by National Engineering bodies. education is exemplified by the number of to the Electrotechnology department at
Unitec with the introduction of two new qualifications in Electrical Engineering in both the power and electronics specialisations. The addition of the electrical components of the New Zealand
Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the Bachelor of Engineering Technology
(BEngTech), means the department is now able to offer pathways for students right through the trades and into the engineering profession.
Both the NZDE and BEngTech are national programs approved and listed with
The programs are accredited by Institute of Professional Engineers NZ and are recognized internationally as engineering qualifications. Unitec already has a long history of offering these qualifications in
Civil Engineering so the addition of Electrical
Engineering in both power and electronics is a logical move to address New Zealand’s shortage of engineering graduates.
The NZDE provides a useful bridge from vocational education at Level 3 into degree level at Level 6, and leads into Bachelor and higher degrees at Unitec and other institutions. The Unitec focus on real world engineering graduates who are in demand with employers.
The Electrotechnology department has an active and vibrant culture of staff and student research and development. As part of the BEngTech and BAppTech degrees the staff and students undertake research and liaise with industry. The Department research activity currently spans four key strategic research themes of:
• Sustainability
• Productivity
• Technology Development
• Education and Discipline development
16 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

Whilst the concept of sustainability and productivity is key to all our all of our activities, Electrical Engineering research has predominantly focused on the area of
Technology Development specifically in cutting edge technology such as:
• Non-destructive testing of materials and novel sensor developments
• Intelligent Control Systems and automation
• Photovoltaic and sustainable energy
• Signal processing and Data mining
Student research is encouraged within the final year Industrial Project work. Unitec are always looking for industry partners for these projects exposing students to both industry and production realities and also research and development methodologies. Currently
Unitec students are working on such novel and exciting projects such as a medical heated fabric system, underwater robotics,
LED based intelligent lighting systems.
Simon Hartley’s project is aimed at the development of agricultural vehicles powered by Hydrogen fuel cells. The Fuel cell at the heart of this project can be considered as a mini power station converting hydrogen gas into electricity with its sole emission being water. This project would potentially see the future of farming becoming independent of the use of fossil fuels. Simon who is now a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied
Technology has decided to continue and further his work in this area by undertaking a
Masters of Design here at Unitec.
Creating sustainable housing is a major research effort undertaken by Unitecs department of Building Technology.
Electronics student Joseph Chand is assisting this research by developing a network of wireless sensors monitoring the environmental conditions at various sites in the two research houses located on the campus. These wireless sensors allow temperature, humidity and even wood moisture of the building cavities to be measured and logged remotely. The data that Joe provides allows the research team to assess differing construction materials and seasonal changes on the environment of a typical New Zealand house.
Saving swimmers on New Zealand beaches has been the focus of Bryce Perigo and Vlad Gromov’s final year project. With
Bryces’s interest in all things marine and
Vlad’s passion for electronics has seen the pair undertake the development of an autonomous rescue swimmer. The vehicle is being designed to be able to cope with all surf type conditions and stay operational even when fully submerged. A range of
Joseph Chand fine tuning the wireless sensor network in the research houses at Unitec.
Simon Hartley tackling the intricacies of the hydrogen fuel cell ATV. sensors will be added to assist the craft to not only quickly get to the victim and act as a flotation aid until help arrives, but also to avoid any other objects on route.
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015 17

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
What could you study?
S ➢National Diploma in Surveying
S ➢New Zealand Diploma in Engineering
(Civil and Electrical)
S ➢Bachelor of Engineering Technology
(Civil and Electrical)
Find out more at: www.civil.unitec.ac.nz
www.electrical.unitec.ac.nz
Yaser Shakib preparing to test concrete in the lab.
Quang Pham and Naqibullah Miakhil practice surveying.
Surveying and engineering graduates continuing to study part-time (which is an are at present some of the most sortoption if you study at Unitec).
The government has a project currently after people in the job market in New
Zealand. This trend is likely to continue for the long-term foreseeable future as
Auckland continues to rapidly grow with underway in conjunction with Unitec called the E2E project, which aims to produce significantly greater numbers of engineering and surveying graduates from the ongoing demand for new residential housing and commercial development.
In association the related infrastructure must be provided to service this growth two-year Diplomas and three-year Degree qualification. All these qualifications have a mixture of hands-on practical aspects through to design and project management. (roads, rail extension and electrification, motorways, tunnels, bridges, power, phone and internet, gas, water and water and wastewater).
If you want a career that is in hot demand
You could be in the office one day and out on site the next supervising a project, or seeing your design become a reality.
There is such a diverse selection of and paying great money then land surveying or civil engineering could be for you. Unitec is one New Zealand’s largest providers of these two and three year qualifications and all programmes have accreditation from their associated professional bodies: Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand
(IPENZ), and the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. These accreditations are internationally recognised and benchmark the qualifications to the highest world-wide standards. Graduates are starting on excellent salaries, with many taking up employment before they complete their qualification and employment opportunities that branch out from surveying and engineering qualifications, that there is something for everyone to provide both a challenging and rewarding career. All the programmes have a large practical component where you learn by getting to do it, and being able to experience first-hand the important components that support theoretical concepts. Unitec has the latest equipment available for students to use and gain valuable knowledge and skills, which will assist with our ultimate goal which is for every graduate to get a great job.
18 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014 23

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
The Southern Institute of Technology
(SIT), home of the Zero Fees Scheme is a fast growing tertiary education provider with a strong reputation with employers and links to industry. Students are able to undertake a range of high quality certificate to degree and postgraduate programmes at campuses in Invercargill,
Queenstown, Christchurch and Gore.
SIT also offers a broad range of distance learning programmes from certificate to postgraduate level so you are able to study at your own pace from anywhere in New Zealand or the world, while still under the Zero Fees Scheme.
SIT has a wide range of qualifications to help boost your career in New Zealand’s booming trades industry. SIT’s Diploma in
Occupational Health and Safety or Diploma in Project Management via distance are two of the most sought after qualifications in
New Zealand that help industry professionals to grow and add value to their organisations.
SIT commenced delivery of the New
Zealand Diploma in Engineering in 2014. This qualification has been well received by both students and industry leaders. Students have the choice of studying either a Mechanical
Engineering or a Civil Engineering major.
A good balance of theory and hands-on practical experience ensures students are well equipped to succeed in the workforce.
SIT has four fully-equipped workshops with up to date facilities, tooling and machinery: the Fabrication Workshop,
Welding Workshop, Machine Shop and
Industry Technology Centre.
SIT’s Fabrication Workshop includes a brake press, 8’ guillotine, hydraulic folders, hydraulic pipe benders and electric rollers.
In the Welding Workshop there are 20 well ventilated and equipped welding stations.
The welding processes students undertake in this work shop are TIG welding (both
Stainless and Aluminium), Mig welding (both
Stainless and Aluminium), MMA welding
(Stick Welding) and Oxy-Acetylene welding and brazing. The Machine Shops host 10 lathes, 2 mill drills, 3 milling machines, a surface grinder, and a tool and cutter grinder.
The Industry Centre sports a lot of the latest technology. Currently we have a
3D Printer and Scanner, Waterjet cutter,
Robotic arms, Virtual welder, CNC Lathe and
Machine Centre.
The Civil Engineering strand covers;
Engineering Fundamentals, Engineering
Mathematics Land Surveying, Structures,
Civil and Structural Drawing, Geotechnical
Engineering, Civil Hydraulics, Highway
Engineering and Engineering Management as well as a selection of elective choices.
The Mechanical Engineering strand covers;
Engineering Fundamentals, Engineering
Mathematics, Engineering CAD, Mechanics,
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Materials
Properties, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Engineering Management,
Manufacturing Process as well as a selection of elective papers.
Contact SIT today to kick start your future.
Call 0800 4 0 FEES or email info@sit.ac.nz!
20 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

INCOME
FEES JOB PROSPECTS
11
*Direct material costs apply

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
Build a house. Work in a commercial garage. Construct a race car chassis.
These may be dreams for many, however at Waiariki Institute of Technology all three are ACTUAL on-campus projects, helping to deliver work-ready graduates.
The Waiariki Charity House is an annual initiative whereby, under supervision, carpentry students build a house to be sold, with all proceeds donated to local charities.
“We are focused on delivering practical hands-on skills,” says Kevin Uncles, dean of
Waiariki’s Faculty of Applied Technology and
Primary Industries. “There is no point sitting in a classroom when it’s more relevant to do some theory in class while you get out and actually build a home.”
Built in conjunction with local tradespeople, students receive a construction industry primer as well as an opportunity to rub shoulders with potential first employers.
“Carpentry at Waiariki is fabulous,” says graduate Stephanie Barnes. “Retraining has been a great opportunity for me, I’d absolutely recommend it to anybody.”
Waiariki’s equally popular welding and fabrication qualification has its own annual practical experience: building a stock car chassis.
Students see their finished work roar around racetracks after learning the skills and quality requirements involved in every aspect of its creation.
“By doing a stock car chassis, we get students to work to a standard where the driver sitting inside is going to survive a crash,” says Mr. Uncles.
Miranda Ellis believes in his ethic. As owner of E&H Mechanical, she has gone from being a Waiariki automotive and engineering graduate to employing them.
“There are two types of people in my world: those who make me money and those who cost me money. Waiariki students make me money straight away.”
Mr. Uncles says what makes Waiariki automotive students so profitable is that the institute runs the only authorised and approved MTA warrant of fitness certification workshop within a polytechnic.
With clients being restricted so as not to compete with local industry, the commercial operation is unrivalled in providing a solid grounding in practical automotive engineering.
The students work on everything from cambelts to brake pads, to the standard of a first- or second-year apprentice.
“People don’t appreciate how technologically advanced trades are now. All people need to join is a good education and a commitment to be engaged,” Mr. Uncles says.
“After events like the Christchurch and
Nepal earthquakes, there is a real shortage of skilled tradespeople. Only students can help us address that.”
22 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

WORKING
The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2014 11

WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE REAL
A device designed by WelTec student
George Francis is improving the safety of those fighting bush fires in Australia.
George’s electronic remote control unit allows firefighters to remain in the safety of their fire engines while controlling their fire hoses. The device was designed as part of his final-year project for the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and is now in service in Australia.
“The water cannon sits on the front bumper of the fire engine and is controlled by a joystick from within the cab,” says George, who has been working at Fraser Engineering in the Hutt Valley for seven years. Fraser
Engineering is world famous for producing sophisticated yet rugged fire engines.
George previously studied engineering at Massey University for two years but wanted to gain industry experience before continuing with his studies.
“I wanted to learn hands-on engineering, so started on the workshop floor at Fraser’s,” he says.
“I decided that the Bachelor of
Engineering Technology was better suited to me as I wanted to advance my technical and electrical engineering skills.”
Another attraction was the final-year project that is part of the degree at WelTec.
Working with his electrical engineering tutor, Frans Weehuizen, George built specifications for the device, produced a design and prototypes, and then built a production-ready version.
“Having the backup of WelTec and Frans gave me confidence to get into a project such as this. It was great to be able to do this project as part of my course.
“Now I’ve graduated with my degree,
I’m still working on the device in my role at
Fraser’s as it needs some refinements. It’s been in use over summer when bushfires are most common and the company is producing more units for customers at the moment.
“It’s definitely satisfying to come up with something that saves time and money— and lives.”
Martin Simpson, general manager of Fraser Engineering, says the future of companies like Fraser’s depends on innovation and smart engineering solutions.
“As an industry we need smart, practical graduates like George who come along and assist with projects that really make a difference to our business.
“This monitor is relevant to all fire fighting situations. We aim to see one on every fire truck, especially in Australia where there are huge safety benefits from being able to fight fires from inside a vehicle’s cab.”
24 The Shed • TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2015

As the world gets more complex the need for engineering solutions increases. There’s a global demand for engineering skills so now is an excellent time to enter this exciting field.
Engineering goes beyond machinery, construction and circuitry. It encompasses sustainability and community, and ultimately improves the way we live.
The work of an engineer is at the heart of modern life - be it developing production models that suit the environment, providing clean water or creating technologies that bring people together.
WelTec’s new School of Engineering is now open in
Wellington. Enjoy learning in our refurbished engineering workshops.
Learn the engineering way of thinking in workspaces that are designed for collaborative learning and project work.
Be a modern world engineer. Learn how to create real solutions. Study engineering at WelTec.
WelTec and Whitireia are proud partners in The Choice Protocol, a partnership that delivers more to students.