Case Studies
Here are some case studies on possible career and training pathways.
Richard Mehana, Quality Bakers
Level 4, Plant Baking
2009 was a big year for Auckland baker Richard Mehana. By completing his Plant Bread Baking Level 4 qualification in February through Competenz, he became eligible to qualify for the New Zealand’s Young Baker of the Year award.
Not only did he walk away with the overall title, he picked up a $10,000 research grant to up skill overseas in new technology and processes.
Richard says he values the support and guidance he was given throughout his training and continues to get as a graduate baker still at Quality Bakers.
“Many people don’t realise how much technology goes into becoming a good baker, but I’ve had plenty of encouragement to do more training and the team here has faith in me to do well.”
Richard’s supervisor, Goodman Fielder technical training manager Joe Jarkiewicz says Richard hasn’t looked back since he started his apprenticeship.
“He’s gained confidence and really grown as he has learnt more and applied that knowledge,” says Joe.
“Richard’s all round performance won him the award, and he also did excellent work on his research topic.”
The Plant Bread Baking Level 4 qualification recognises the specialist skills and knowledge required to produce bread products in large volumes using automated bakery equipment.
A Quality Bakers apprentice baker has won the national title for the past three years — testament to the high standards the company sets for consistently producing such high performing up-and-coming bakers.
Jesse Laing, Spotless Maintenance Services
Level 4, NCME Maintenance
Jesse Laing can lay claim to being the first apprentice in New Zealand to complete the new National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 4, in Maintenance Engineering.
Now that he has done so he has some words of wisdom that he thinks young people considering a trade should take notice of.
Jesse recommends trying to secure work experience which can often lead to an apprenticeship; and when you do find one, “don’t muck around — go in hard.”
Another pointer is choosing the appropriate subjects at school. “I knew I wanted to work in the mechanical engineering field so dabbling in electrical technology, furniture making and engineering helped me along the way.”
Jesse’s work experience in a commercial laundry and some time as a Trades Assistant with Spotless led him to entering and completing his apprenticeship with Spotless.
He’s really happy with what he does and finds the work interesting and varied — a recipe that he feels has helped him complete his apprenticeship quickly and successfully.
“Self motivation, discipline and a desire to get on with the job will help an apprentice complete successfully. If you don’t like what you are doing, you are wasting your time. You really have to want to do it,” says Jesse.
His commitment and passion for his work shines through and he has every intention of staying at Spotless. In fact he is considering starting the new NCME Level 5 qualification and also looking to complete his electrical EST B paper.
Chris Watson
Level 4, NCME Fitting and Machining
Chris Watson is doing something most people can only dream of — he’s combined a hobby he loves with a career in gunsmithing.
Chris works at Gisborne-based company True-Flite, and was offered his apprenticeship after doing his pre-trade work experience there. He’s working toward his Level 4 National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering qualification in fitting and machining, with a number of gunsmithing units included in his training program.
He helps to make competition-grade rifle barrels that his employer is known worldwide for. His apprenticeship will give him the high precision skills needed by qualified fitters and machinists — skills that are also valued by his employer.
Chris is developing his craft using their custom-built machinery and high-accuracy tools, learning every aspect of the trade from his boss and mentor, Grant Lovelock — a competitive shooter who understands that precision is everything.
Grant’s passing on his precision engineering skills and competitive shooting experience to assure Chris’s future in engineering and the future of his business.
“Chris has the attributes of any good tradesman — dedication to doing the job properly and consistently,” says Grant.
Chris’s future looks bright, and he says he’s really enjoying the satisfaction ‘when clients compliment us and are happy with the finished product’.
Destine Roycroft, Quality Bakers
Level 4, Plant Baking
After landing her job at Quality Bakers Destine Roycroft became interested in studying — and from there her passion for learning led her to a Level 4 Baking apprenticeship in Plant Baking, which she completed in 2009.
Destine says she has learned so much through her apprenticeship and that, as an apprentice, you have to be able to ‘listen to people, train hard and share your knowledge.’
Nights at the Roycroft household were busy — her sons were at high school — so family time was spent around the dining table with everyone doing their studies.
“I thrive on learning and soaking up knowledge,” said Destine. “My family is really supportive and the more I learn the more confident I become.”
Looking ahead, Destine says she wants to continue learning, and focus more on the technical side of baking while continuing her passion for health and safety.
Ultimately she would like to train other apprentices and eventually rise to become plant manager.
Destine has the skills and the knowledge now to go on and impart her skills and knowledge to others — “It’s a very satisfying feeling to know I’ve come a long way over the last few years.”