Study a Leg-Up for a Hands-on Engineer

OVERSEAS travel, interesting work and prospects of promotion are top of Steven Jones’ list when he talks about the pleasures of working as a mechanical engineer.

Mr Jones, from Paraparaumu, is a senior design/project coordinator at Reyrolle Pacific, which makes, installs and services high-voltage electrical distribution switchgear. The technology is used in a range of things, including power stations, chemical factories, mines, residential buildings, hospitals and airports.

“I have an exciting job,” Mr Jones, 32, says.

“I’ve been with the company one year and have travelled overseas on projects five times. I’m also acquiring business and management skills to add to my knowledge of engineering.”

He is particularly interested in design and research development and longer term would like to manage a company.

“There is plenty of potential in the area of engineering. I would encourage the next generation of students coming through college to consider the different training pathways very seriously.”

Mr Jones started his career with a pre-trade course in mechanical engineering followed by a trade and advanced trade certificate in toolmaking, a diploma in product design and development, and a diploma in mechanical engineering. All of these were done through the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec).

“I started as a hands-on person,” Mr Jones says. “I excelled at woodwork, metalwork and physical education at college. The technical training through WelTec offered me the right mix of practise and theory.

“You can see how you are going to use the knowledge. It makes it all the more relevant and real.”

For more information on trades and technical careers, contact that Regional Trades Training and Technology Centre at WelTec on 0800 935 832 or go to:

www.weltec.ac.nz

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