Being willing to give things a go and try different vocations has helped Ruby Squires to choose a qualification and a career which she’s well suited to.
Ruby left high school around age 16 to enter the workforce. “It was most work in hospitality and café work,” she says, knowing eventually she wanted to train for a career. So, in 2023, Ruby enrolled at SIT in a six-month programme – the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) - Pre-Entry Applied Health Science – to see if it would lead her into Nursing. “I did the first semester, but it wasn’t my thing, so I went back into work,” she says.
Still keen to train, Ruby searched online and found SIT’s Pre-trade Mechanical Engineering certificate which interested her. “Getting started, it was figuring out doing something I enjoyed,” she explained, and this time it was a good fit.
Having the advantage of older siblings who attended SIT, Ruby had heard their stories and knew what to expect. Added to this, she was eligible for the Youth Guarantees Scheme, which provides a supportive framework for students in a variety trades courses: mentoring, goal setting, monitoring progress, free education, learning assistance, individual academic guidance, support and pastoral care, and more.
Being a “practical, hands-on person”, Ruby enjoyed the course content. “Yes, there’s the theory but there is quite a balance of practical work as well.” The daily programme was theory in the mornings, with the afternoons dedicated to the hands-on content. “We did fabrication, welding, machining. The structure is quite good – you learn it on paper then go straight into the practical.”
Whilst she was kept “pretty busy” with study and work, Ruby also enjoyed connecting with other students and made some new mates in the class. “We all supported each other and helped each other out with our different strengths. We all got along.” Getting into a good routine with her studies and learning to ask for help were aspects which Ruby found most challenging. The tutors were very open and offered their support, she says. “It made it to safe place to ask if you needed a hand.”
During the course, Ruby volunteered for the SIT stand at the Women in Trades Day, assisting with the VR headset welding simulation. Admitting she’s a “people person”, it was great to get involved, and Ruby enjoyed sharing her knowledge with the secondary school students who attended. “They looked up to you a little bit … that was quite cool,” she said.
Ruby says the year’s study has positively shaped her mindset. “Any study changes your thinking. My time management, prioritising sleep – social – study. I struggled a bit at the start of the year and had to cut back on my socialising.” It was good for her. “Once you get into a good routine, it all becomes a bit easier. This course has set me up for an apprenticeship,” she added.
Ruby values the life lessons she learnt at SIT. “Prioritising prepares you for your apprenticeship and work. It helps you to put the right things in place.” Other highlights were the Zero fees Scheme, “it helped a lot”, and she appreciated the well-equipped workshop which allowed her to try different things. “The machine use and having the right gear... was quite fun. We got a lot of variety in machines and equipment.”
“SIT definitely lived up to my expectations,” Ruby says. “They were most helpful – the tutor support, allowances ... it really does make a difference as you go through the year.” And she loved the free lunches provided for students on campus, as she juggled her studies with part-time work. “It’s always a wee treat when you’re working as well.”
“Overall, SIT’s been a really good experience, with no negatives, and a good balance of everything.”
During her course, Ruby had the opportunity to do a three-day, job-shadowing placement with Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. “It was a really good experience. They offered me a Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship. I’m quite chuffed about it.” Looking forward to starting her working life, Ruby will spend three years completing her apprenticeship at Tiwai, then intends to stay there “for a bit” to gain more experience.
“In the future, I hope to branch out and see where the opportunities open up. Once you’ve got [your qualification] under your belt, it’s a really good skill to have if you want to travel overseas.”