With a Science degree already under his belt, Tom Wilson couldn’t shake the idea of getting a trade qualification and so enrolled at UCOL in the Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Power Specialisation) Level 6.
Enjoying the learning style at UCOL, Tom’s determination paid off and during his final year he was granted a High Achiever Award with a $1000 scholarship.
“I was a pretty average uni student but at UCOL everything was practical and it was nice to be a big fish in a small pond for once,” he says.
“We had a very close class but the competitiveness amongst us pushed us to get the best marks we could.”
The scholarship cemented that he had made the right change to trades.
“I chose to go to UCOL because the courses were a stepping stone into a trade and the work was relevant to what you would be doing in the real world.”
Tom says he was lucky to be studying with a good group of people and to learn from knowledgeable lecturers with real world experience.
“I liked how most of the class were mature students, like myself, who were keen to have a laugh and help each other out.”
Towards the end of his studies the manager of local electrical and engineering firm, Max Tarr Industrial Ltd., came to talk to his class about an apprenticeship opening. Tom was impressed with the amazing projects the firm had been involved in and knew instantly that this is what he wanted to be doing, so he applied for the job and was successful in his application.
“My UCOL lecturers were a really good source for contacts in the industry. They can give you good advice and point you in the right direction.”
Now three months into his apprenticeship at Max Tarr Industrial Ltd., Tom is loving his job and is optimistic for the future.
“I am in my dream job thanks to the opportunities given to me at UCOL. I hope to keep learning and work my way up the ladder.”
Max Tarr Electrical Limited provides specialist electrical solutions to the Industrial, Mechanical, Commercial and Government sectors in New Zealand. Its team of electricians and engineers take on a range of projects – from small immediate response electrical and mechanical repairs through to large industrial automation and commercial projects.