Four UCOL automotive engineering students have secured jobs before completing their studies, reflecting strong demand for skilled trainees across the motoring and heavy-vehicle sectors.
Leighton Riley, Blaise Palatchie, Hayden Pedley and Braydon Riddell-Hansen are completing the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering and have already transitioned into paid roles or apprenticeships after industry placements.
UCOL executive dean of engineering and applied technologies Danny Reilly says the results show the programme is closely aligned with workforce needs.
“We ensure our programmes align with workforce demand, which this outcome has highlighted,” Reilly says.
“Having students gain jobs and apprenticeships before their programme finishes demonstrates the content they’re learning transfers directly to employment, and the quality of graduates UCOL produces is sought after by employers.”
Palatchie, who completed his practicum with Norwood and has now secured an apprenticeship, says the programme paved the way for his career.
“The programme was awesome. We learnt a bit of everything, and the tutors were always around to help out. There were heaps of online resources too, which made learning a lot easier,” he says.
“Working hard at UCOL and doing work experience every week has paid off with me securing an apprenticeship in an area I’ve loved ever since I was young, when I tagged along with my dad when he was an automotive field tech.”
Pedley, who undertook work experience with Scania, approached the company proactively and was offered a full-time role.
“It shows that if you get the study work done before it piles up, take opportunities that you’re offered, and make opportunities, such as I did with my work experience, it pays off big time,” he says.
“I only heard good things from family and friends about the courses UCOL offers, and I can see why. I really enjoyed learning how to strip down and rebuild engines into a running state, which is a skillset I’ll be able to use in my new job.”
Riley, who discovered his interest in automotive at high school, says the supportive environment helped him secure part-time work with Kelvin Grove Auto Centre.
“Having such an amazing and knowledgeable tutor and how he encouraged and pushed me along with my work was a huge help, plus my classmates were super helpful and supportive,” he says.
“I enjoyed every part of my work placement with them. I made sure I showed up on time, was organised and prepared to work on anything thrown at me.”
Riddell-Hansen has begun an apprenticeship with PTS Logistics and says UCOL made the pathway into the industry clear and accessible.
“The whole application process was really easy, and all of my lecturers were supportive. They were always ready to help whenever needed,” he says.
“I have lots of family members on my dad’s side who are mechanics, so I knew from a young age I wanted to work with bigger vehicles like trucks and tractors.”
He says the programme led him directly into work he enjoys.
“I enjoyed learning about engine systems and drive lines the most during the programme, and now I’m getting to use the skills I gained with the work I’m doing at PTS Logistics.”
Automotive lecturer Tema Ala’ifaiva says seeing students reach employment so quickly is rewarding.
“I’m really proud of them and how far they’ve come. They have lived and breathed the programme, applying themselves incredibly well and prioritising their study around work experience and other commitments,” he says.
“UCOL lecturers are passionate about ensuring ākonga are work-ready with the skills businesses are looking for, and this has really shone through with these three students.”
