When it comes to her training and education, by her own admission, Macey Henderson says “I haven’t mucked around”. The motivated teen completed the pre-trade New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 3 at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and was already in employment before finishing her course.
Macey decided on engineering because she’d been interested in trades learning since secondary school. “It was something I enjoyed through school. I’d always thought I’d end up in agriculture or something similarly hands on. I got top of Metal in my last year at school... it was something I’m interested in, and I thought I’d give it a go.”
After achieving NCEA Level 1 and 2 at high school In Gore, Macey enrolled at SIT. “I found out about their courses through mates and my brother and pursued it.”
Heading into her course without expectations Macey found it was quite a step up from high school. “I was a lot more work than I anticipated. I felt overwhelmed to begin with, but I ended up getting my book work finished early, I stayed back at SIT and did an hour every day.”
Macey learnt so much on the course. “Some of the things I didn’t think I would need; now I’m actually working I realise how much we did learn. I’ve learnt a lot.” She enjoyed the space given to students for completing their assignments. “It was up to you to get your stuff done. I liked the responsibility,” and found it was good for her to study on her own. “The tutor was there to support if needed. I liked having books; I preferred it to online study.”
The students were on campus for a full working day – 8.00am to 5.00pm - and Macey made some mates through her class. As well as friendships, Macey said her tutor Neil Allan was really good. “He was really helpful and understood everyone learned differently. I had struggled at school.” Being at SIT was different to school because “You want to be there, it’s self-driven learning.”
The toughest part of the year for Macey was at the start of the course. “I put a lot of pressure and stress on myself, I pushed myself too hard. I was the youngest in the class, I didn’t do Year 12 and 13,” and she thought “I can’t do it, I’m too young”. However, having qualified for the Youth Guarantees Scheme which provides a number of benefits to its students, including one-on-one mentoring, Macey was encouraged to persevere. Once she overcame those initial stresses, such as getting on top of the book work, she was able to achieve. And “knowing Neil was always there,” was the support Macey needed to push through.
The most valuable take-away from the programme was the personal growth Macey experienced, developing more independence and managing her own life. “It was good prep for the adult world. You can’t be late; you need to be there on time; you can’t miss a day. If you don’t pass you have to repeat it. There’s accountability and self-discipline.”
Macey secured her employment while working part-time for the Transport Repairs (Gore branch). “I was a Gateway student and did two days a week while at SIT.” She began her apprenticeship with them at the completion of the course. “The high point was getting the apprenticeship. It’s been my goal for a long time,” she said.
Recognising she has had that drive and motivation early on in life, goal-focused Macey aims to get qualified and eventually go overseas. “I’m keen to travel. I want to get experienced and get a bit of money. I want to achieve something with my life.”