Congratulations to Modern Apprentice at Engine Components
Dwain King, the first Modern Apprentice at Engine Components, Hamilton, has been awarded one of two Sir Geoffrey Roberts Awards.
The award consists of $1000, an engraved medal, a certificate and a 12-month RaeS (NZ Division) affiliate membership. Dwain recently completed his apprenticeship and is involved in repairing and overhauling aircraft engines.
Dwain started with Engine Components 1997 Ltd at Hamilton Airport in September 2004. He started as a trainee in the engineering department. Soon he was able to start the NZQA approved Aeronautical Engineering Modern Apprentice programme with ongoing support from the Aviation, Tourism & Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO).
Right from the start Dwain showed an instant natural ability in this field and learnt the skills involved very quickly. During his apprenticeship Dwain achieved all the levels of competence required within the timeframe set without any problems. He was also involved in maintaining production for the company and supporting his department. The end result was his achievement of the National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering - Support Aeronautical Machining Level 4.
Mike Lewis, Service Manager at Engine Components, is a staunch supporter of the Modern Apprentice programme. ‘Having been a trainer for many years in the UK and previously being a registered assessor for the British Road Transport Training Board, I saw the birth and introduction of a very similar apprenticeship programme in the UK (NVQ). It gives the Modern Apprentice real hands-on training. It helps them to understand the theory and have the hands-on experience required to enable them to relate the one to the other. It enables them to aspire to a high level in their desired occupation in a shorter time than with previous programmes. Linked with the ongoing support given by ATTTO the programme has proven to be a real winner. As a consequence of the result achieved by Dwain we are currently entering more candidates into this scheme and would highly recommend it to other employers.’
As the direct result of Dwain’s hard work and commitment to his career he was subsequently nominated for the Sir Geoffrey Roberts Award. Only two are awarded each year. His record of achievement and history was looked at closely and he was awarded one of these two sought after awards for 2006.
