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Maarten Paans

Certificate in Automotive Engineering Graduate

Certificate in Automotive Engineering Graduate in workshop

Getting a taste of the automotive industry before leaving school inspired Maarten Paans to carry on his studies with UCOL Wairarapa and enrol in a Certificate in Automotive Engineering. 

During 2014 Maarten completed an Automotive course through UCOL’s Trades Academy, U-Skills, which he says gave him the opportunity to have real experiences in the real world.

“I had a great experience working one day a week in the year leading up to my full time study so in 2015 it was an easy decision to further my qualifications with UCOL,” he says.

Maarten appreciated the assistance from the UCOL Te Pūkenga Wairarapa support staff while he studied. “I found the support at UCOL amazing. I have some challenges with learning and did not feel at all disadvantaged; the support staff were always ready to help me and regularly checked on me to see if there was any way they could help me.”

Maarten also enjoyed the upbeat culture of UCOL Wairarapa, saying his tutors “always had a joke up their sleeves to make the class laugh”.

Never having a dull moment and always learning something new was a highlight for Maarten. “I enjoyed every day and learned a lot during my time at UCOL,” he says.

After completing his Certificate in Automotive Engineering at the end of 2015, Maarten quickly secured an apprenticeship with JP Motors in Masterton.

“Getting the job was much easier with the qualifications I gained at UCOL Wairarapa,” he says.

Maarten is thankful to his tutors for pushing him to achieve his goals and says they played a big part in his drive for success. “My dream job is to run my own garage. UCOL has helped me to get a lot closer to my goals”.
 

JP Motors offers car maintenance and repair services in Masterton, New Zealand, specialising in lubricant. It is an MTA Assured member.  

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