Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Milling over career options
Kennedy Florence had planned to go to university to study marine engineering after graduating from college. But that was in
2020.
Now she is in full-time employment, at a Marlborough sawmill.
So what changed the 18-year-old’s mind? The Career Navigator programme in year 12.
Run by Marlborough’s Graeme Dingle Foundation, the programme introduces young people to different industries, so they know all the options available to them.
The shift in mindset, and her new direction, was cemented in year 13, though, when she connected with the OneFortyOne Kaituna Sawmill at a Future of Work conference. She is now doing a full-time paid engineering apprenticeship at the sawmill.
Florence said being able to meet people within the industry and realising what was on offer ‘‘definitely’’ helped make her mind up, and she was already enjoying her new role.
‘‘It’s hard work, but good work,’’ she said.
Kaituna Sawmill engineering manager Michael Winter said their apprentices also had the chance to get experience in sales, logistics, leadership and the business side of things.
‘‘This place is more than just cutting up a log,’’ he said.
Since taking on Florence, Winter said it had brought the ‘‘workshop level up a little bit’’.
‘‘We now have to train somebody in the workshop, so we’re having to learn as well about how to train people and put them through our systems.
‘‘It’s been a breath of fresh air too, because with Kennedy being so keen, everybody has to step up to keep up with her.’’
The 18-year-old was planning to become a mechatronics engineer after her apprenticeship by studying mechatronics at university, which involved the fields of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to create innovative and new devices.
The OneFortyOne Kaituna sawmill planned to support Florence through university as she studied, and there would be a job there to return to once she graduated.
‘‘It’s exactly what I wanted, and it works out better for them knowing I’m here for the long haul and better for me, with job security and financial support through uni,’’ Florence said.
One of her Career Navigator programme mentors Matt Preece, of Port Marlborough, thought Florence was an ‘‘exciting example of the innovative career pathways available in Marlborough’’.
‘‘It’s quite a big step for a student in a school environment into a workplace, so the programme helps with that transition,’’ he said.
This year’s Future of Work conference, run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation, was set for June 2 at the Marlborough
Events Centre in Blenheim.
Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough general manger Kelvin Watt said last year’s event featured representatives from about 80 businesses.
‘‘We’ve had really good feedback from schools, from students and from industries as well, so we’re quite excited to be back there again,’’ he said.
Along with senior school students, the 2022 event would be open to younger age groups such as those in years 7 and 8.
‘‘It’s quite important for them to have a sense of where they want to head and inspire them around subject choices,’’ Watt said.
There would also be time for parents and wha¯nau to attend this year’s conference as ‘‘they have a big impact on young people’s career choices as well,’’ Watt said.
‘‘Without Career Navigator and Future of Work, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now,’’ Florence said.