Automotive Students Pay it Forward

Image: NorthTec student Stacey Roy at NorthTec's Automotive Workshop in Kaitaia

NorthTec Automotive students in Kaitaia are gaining hands-on experience throughout their studies by working on people’s vehicles from the community. NorthTec tutor of six years, Doug Clarke, says the initiative started to help teach students about paying it forward.

“Our students have been working on people’s cars from the community who can’t afford to go the mechanics and get their car fixed. They work on the cars under careful supervision and provide a service to their community.

“Not only does this give them the necessary hands-on experience needed for their studies, it teaches them about paying it forward and giving back to their community. The labour is free – sometimes people bring us a packet of biscuits or some baking - but it’s just about helping people.”

Stacey Roy is completing a NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) and says this initiative is her favourite part about being on this course.

“In our workshop we have cars brought to us by people around Kaitaia who might not be in a position to afford taking them to a mechanic. We work on them, gain the skills we need, and it gives us all great satisfaction to see those cars we have worked on out in the community.”

Lucarine Barrett taken her car to be fixed by NorthTec’s automotive students a number of times. 

“The students there are just awesome. They’ve fixed up the car’s CV belt and a rusted hub, tightened wheel bearings and noticed a few other bits and pieces that I needed to fix. It’s so helpful for people like me - I’m a solo mum, with not a lot of money to spare and I need my car to get from A to B - it has helped me a lot.”

NorthTec’s NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) helps students with the essential skills needed to enter the automotive industry. Students learn all about engines and transmissions, automotive electronics and air conditioning, and how to provide great customer service and administration within the industry.