He’s a gun tradie
Luke Tahurangi of Wainuiomata has won the 2014 CRA Apprentice of the Year, Golden Gun award.
The award was presented by Mito chairman David O’Kane at the Collision Repair Association’s annual awards ceremony in Paihia earlier this month. It recognises the apprentice who is at the top of their field in vehicle refinishing.
Tahurangi, who works at Larsen’s Panel and Paint, attributes his win to being promoted to a senior refinisher role at an early stage in his career.
‘‘I had to master the techniques and learn about the paints fairly quickly.
‘‘That fast-paced learning has helped boost my skills and career,’’ he said.
It is not the first industry recognition Tahurangi has picked up.
He also won the gold medal in car painting at the WorldSkills Oceania competition, held in Hamilton last month.
Tahurangi has achieved a National Certificate in Refinishing ( Level 4) through Mito and completed I-Car courses to keep up- to- date with new techniques and paints.
Mito chief executive Janet Lane said Tahurangi ‘‘stands out as a very skilled and competent automotive refinisher, and is a fabulous role model for anyone thinking about a career in this industry. This is a very prestigious award within the industry and it reflects the high level of skill and strong work ethic Luke has,’’ she said.
Aside from the study, the 22- year- old credits his workmates and supervisors with helping him develop and advance his skills.
‘‘I’ve learned a lot from the other technicians in the workshop and have been mentored by the company owners,’’ Tahurangi said.
His passion for the industry began when his father bought him his first car to work on. He then got a holiday job at Larsen’s in Wainuiomata and was soon hooked.
He left school at the age of 16 to work full-time at Larsen’s and start a Mito apprenticeship in refinishing