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Local firms have been snapping up engineering certificate students faster than ever and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic tutor Gary Berwick says every graduate who wants work is now getting a pay cheque.

Dale Schischka and Jethro Nilsen-Daly are among the 60% of this year’s level 3 class who have started new engineering apprenticeships before graduating later this month, with a further 23% starting new labouring roles.

Dale and Jethro were hired on a part-time basis by Mt Maunganui firm Contract Mechanical Services in the final months of their course and started full-time work as soon as their studies finished.

Contract Mechanical managing director Dennis Gore was so impressed by the duo he decided to take on a third Polytechnic graduate, Tom Meredith, who is now working as a trades assistant until another apprenticeship spot opens up next year.

“These guys have got some very good opportunities ahead of them, they can earn some good money. They’ve got a good attitude and they’re prepared to work,” Dennis says.

Dale (24) took the initiative to approach the business with his CV while he was studying and says he is enjoying his new career choice after previously working as a courier driver.

He is currently doing machining, lathe work, material cutting, assembling equipment and routine cleaning and maintenance as part of a standard three month trial. He will then start producing his own work and continue developing his engineering skills at the business, which employs 30 staff specializing in the production of storage tanks, stainless steel pipe works and pumps for the chemical industry.

His boss, Dennis Gore, says Tauranga has always been a strong engineering hub but demand is growing, particularly in the area of compliance as businesses need to meet changing chemical and hazard regulations.

“There’s a lot of older plants out there that require upgrading or modernising. There’s definitely a gap in the industry for higher skilled tradespeople.”

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic tutor Gary Berwick says a key part of the graduates’ success is the work experience they are encouraged to sign up for during the one-year certificate.

“Most companies like the work experience because they get to have a good look at the student instead of just a half hour interview. The work experience lets them, the employer, check out the main things they are looking for in an employee like punctuality, attitude, work ethic and mechanical aptitude.”

“We seem to have a lot of school leavers being pushed into universities, doing a four year degree and then not being able to find work - whereas our guys are doing a one year course and then getting employment.”

He says the industry is keen to encourage those who are planning to do an engineering diploma or degree to do an engineering trade qualification first: “Then you are very marketable in regards to having both academic and practical skills, you’ll never be out of work.”

There are plenty of local job opportunities, but also a wide range of overseas roles for NZ qualified tradespeople who want to go further afield, he says.

“There was a shortage of engineering tradespeople when I did my trade 20 years ago and there still is today. There are great opportunities out there and a chance to earn a really good living.”