Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
39 seconds ago
Asher Mitchell is enjoying his electrical engineering apprenticeship.
25 Asher Mitchell (Ngāti Kahungunu) felt he need to change direction by taking up a trade through EIT, so he made an off-the-cuff decision to pursue an electrical engineering apprenticeship.
“I had been working at the meat works for seven years and needed a change. Honestly, I just looked at three trades, and electrical was the one I ended up on.”
As unconventional as his approach was, it paid off for Asher after he enrolled in EIT’s New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) last year.
“I loved the programme and have already recommended it to my mates and anyone else who wants to better themselves.”
Not only did he love the programme, but he also excelled in it, recently being awarded the George Metcalf Award for the Most Improved Student in the EIT Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) 2021 at the EIT Greenmeadows Trade Training Awards held in Napier in June this year.
Asher is also a graduate of Te Ara o Tākitimu, a Māori and Pasifika trade training initiative run in conjunction with Ngāti Kahungunu, which is designed to assist 16-40 year olds with aspirations in a wide range of trade training areas. Te Ara o Takitimu participants get free study, pastoral support, finance to overcome barriers like transport costs and also get support to link with their Kaupapa. They are also assisted in the search for work experience, jobs and apprenticeships through EIT’s dedicated Work Brokers. He is also part of the Ngāti Kahungunu K3 Property Development Scheme.
Asher, who has a four-year-old daughter Kyani with his partner Tee, is currently completing the Level 4 programme at EIT, as well as doing his apprenticeship at Laser Plumbing and Electrical Napier.
“We are currently working on some new builds, so I am learning a lot.”
Asher, who is Hawke’s Bay born and bred, plans to get as much experience as possible and eventually would like to start his own company.
As if he did not have enough on his plate, Asher also has a second job as a youth minder at Te Ikaroa Rangatahi Social Services, a support service for children, youth and families in Napier.
“I really enjoy it because it gives you a different outlook on how life works for some people, especially with troubled youth.”
