LAUNCH A CAREER IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY

Reid Wilson has always enjoyed tinkering around with tools making things, and by the time he was 14 he had his own woodworking workshop, complete with power tools and machines.

“I spent a lot of time researching woodworking on YouTube and reading and buying books,” he says.

Reid heard about the Launch it, School to Work programme, run by the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy of NZ (MAST), through his careers advisor at Pakuranga College. He decided to investigate apprenticeship opportunities in marine cabinetry.

When he went for an interview at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders (where he is currently doing his apprenticeship) and learnt they weren’t offering cabinetry apprenticeships at the time, Reid (19) decided to give boatbuilding work experience a shot. “I soon realised that I enjoyed this just as much. There are a huge number of skills to be learnt in boatbuilding, with such a variety of work.”

He is currently completing a NZ Certificate L 4 in Wooden Boatbuilding and a NZ Certificate L 4 in Composite Boatbuilding, and intends doing a third apprenticeship in Marine Interiors.

“The thing I enjoy most about my job is the variety of work and skills, the teamwork, and the high level of quality required to produce a good boat,” he says.

“Some of the challenges are solving issues on the job, and making the working process as safe and healthy for me as possible by taking the right precautions and using PPE.”

In his final year of high school, Year 12, Reid took English, maths, chemistry, construction, allied trades (CAT), and product design.

He says CAT and product design have been the most useful subjects as they taught him basic trade skills, such as measuring, using hand and power tools, sketching, and health and safety precautions.

One subject he wishes he had taken is graphic design/tech drawing. “This would have improved my drawing skills and made it easier to do quick sketches on the job for working out issues or planning a part of a job.”

Reid’s goal is to one day work for himself as a contract boatbuilder/ cabinetmaker “and possibly build my own boat”.

If you’re thinking about the Launch it, School to Work programme, Reid’s advice is to give it a go. “You’ve got nothing to lose, and you never know, you might end up finding something you love that you wouldn’t have considered doing at school.

“I have definitely found something I enjoy doing which makes it a lot easier to come to work and want to learn, and take the apprenticeship seriously.”

The Launch it, School to Work programme connects senior students interested in a career in the marine or composites industries with employers who are wishing to source employees.

Students are employed on a part-time basis, usually one to two days per week at work, and spend three to four days at school, and complete NZQA approved unit standards. Work completed is credited towards NCEA Level 2 and 3, and is also accredited to a MAST industry qualification.

MAST Academy offers a diverse range of pathways for a career in the marine industry, including boatbuilding, marine systems, powerboat systems, sail making, and more.

For information on careers in the New Zealand marine and composites industry, visit www.mastacademy.com.

Story courtesy of Leaving School magazine.