Graduate Profile

Alec Burnett - Mechanical Engineering

Alec completed a three-day welding course at NorthTec and decided to continue his studies on with a Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.

“I’m motivated to finish this programme because it means I get a head start on an apprenticeship or employment.
“I like the diversity in what we are learning, it’s very safety-focused to make sure we all know what we are doing. It’s teaching me all the basic skills I need to operate safely and effectively in the workplace. The tutor is really supportive and there are some good guys in the class - we all get along.

“It’s not like school, it’s pretty chill and it’s a nice environment to learn in. My favourite part is learning about fabrication – getting to make stuff and see it as a finished product, it’s pretty rewarding.

“It’s pretty important that we get to spend time in the industry while we study. I spend two days a week working with Archwell Engineering, and three days at NorthTec. Through this I know what I’m aiming for and what I can get out of doing this course. It prepares you for life after course, it prepares you for employment – what you’re going to be doing in the real world.

“If you’re thinking of starting a career in Mechanical Engineering, come to NorthTec first because they teach all you need to know before you get into the workplace. The tutors are a great support and they can potentially help you find a job too.”
 

Cole Peirson-Harrop - Mechanical Engineering

“I chose to come here because of the diversity of what the course covers. I wasn’t interested in school and I knew this was where I could come to learn about what I’m interested in. My Dad has an engineering business so I grew up tinkering with mechanical stuff.”

“I thought I’d be keen on the fitting and turning part of the course but have found out I really like welding. Everyone is so approachable here and we can ask anything we need to know. We each do our own thing but we all help each other. ”

“The coolest surprise to me was that I had just enough money saved to be able to do the course, and then found out that because I’m under 18 it was free.”

“NorthTec sets you up for lots of good opportunities to go on and do more courses. It opens doors. After this I want to the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering then get an apprenticeship so I can become a fully qualified machinist or welder.”

“One day I’d like to follow Dad’s footsteps in his engineering business and maybe eventually take over the business.”

Declan Menefy - Mechanical Engineering

“I loved making motorbikes at school in engineering, but apart from that school was not my thing. Dad was into metal and motors so I was always interested in what he was doing. My grandmother knew about this course because she works at NorthTec so I decided to give it a go.”

“The best part of the course for me is the focus on machines. We learn machining, fabrication and welding, and machinery overview, and we come out with a certificate in all three. In our apprenticeships we can either specialise in one area or continue in all three. I like to design and build things that involve machining parts, welding parts, and fabricating parts.”

“Because of what I’ve done before I’m finding this course a bit cruisy. I expected it to be harder. The paper work stretches me though so I get help from my Dad and the tutors for that. We have a great mix of students of all ages, backgrounds and experiences so we learn short cuts from each other as well as from the tutors.”

“I’m trying to get work experience now as part of the course but it’s a bit harder than I thought so I’ll just keep putting myself out there. From that, I want to get an apprenticeship to continue with all aspects of machining.”

“The ultimate for me is to build four wheel drives from a pile of parts.”

Michael Pereira - Mechanical Engineering

“I wanted to go farming but my Dad suggested it would be better to get a trade first. He is in engineering and I always liked being in his workshop so I thought I’d give it a go. I’m only 16 so I’ve got time on my side.”

“I’m loving having a play on the machines and the course is a lot more hands-on than I expected. I thought we’d spend more time on computers. I’m also surprised at how good I am on the lathe. Getting the measurements sorted is a bit of a challenge for me but I get support with that here.”

“Now that I’m into it, when I finish the course I want to get an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering working with lathes and milling machines.”

“Eventually I’m keen to take over Dad’s workshop. He does general engineering but specialises in polish and chroming for superyachts - like making handles and rails.”

Mitchel Wood - Mechanical Engineering

“I had done some mechanical work and was looking for an apprenticeship last year but realised it would be easier if I did this pre-training course first. The stand-out of the course for me is that all the content is relevant to what I want to do and the tutors help us get two days a week of work experience. I’m currently getting experience in heavy fabrication which is the field I’m keen to work in.”

“The course is broader than I expected and covers machining and general mechanical engineering as well as fabrication and give us better chance of getting an apprenticeship. I’ve already lined one up with my existing work experience employer.”

“Longer term I think I’ll stay with heavy fabrication, and I’m applying it to site maintenance at my current job.”   
 

Phillip Rangi Harding - Mechanical Engineering

“I wanted to upskill and train in a trade. I love this programme so much - I’m always here early, and we learn new skills and info every day. I knew some of the basics but there are big gaps in my knowledge and I want the qualification.”

“Everything is a challenge here because I haven’t studied for years but the tutors help me to wrap my head around it and all of the students bounce off each other. The support net here is amazing. I like that our learning is very hands-on and everything I touch here I enjoy. We learn about a huge range of things from welding, to AC currents and gravity but it’s all connected.”

“After the course I’m keen to get a job maybe in welding and maybe in a boatyard we visited recently that is expanding so is looking for a lot more staff. My real passion though is customizing cars. I already build and sell cars now, and when I complete the course I’ll know more about working with air bags and panel-beating so will be able to extend the scope of what I can do with cars.”