Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
1 day ago
Courtney Roff is currently studying for the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT.
After leaving school early, Courtney Roff spent some time working in the wine industry, where she realised that the career for her was mechanical engineering, so she enrolled in EIT.
Courtney, 21, grew up in Hawke’s Bay and attended Napier Girls’ High, but decided to leave school midway through Year 12.
Not sure what she wanted to do, she worked for a time in hospitality, but soon found herself drawn to the wine industry.
She has spent the last three years working at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Company in Pandora and says that she has learnt a lot from the experience.
“I started not knowing anything and then worked my way up to being second in charge and running a night shift for all my last vintage.”
She considered studying Wine Science and Viticulture at EIT, but says she did not really want to be a winemaker. However, she received a wonderful opportunity when she was awarded a Woman in Winemaking Mentorship from the New Zealand Wine Association for six months.
“That paired me up with a lady who works at Wineworks in Hastings and I was catching up with her once a month for six months. I was in there to figure out what I wanted to do, and Sophie, my mentor, was really awesome.
“It was there that I decided that I wanted to do engineering, so Sophie got me into Wineworks for eight weeks, to see if I liked it. I did so I signed up for the programme at EIT in July.”
That programme is the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) and it will set Courtney up to still work in the wine industry, where engineering is required in tank building, presses or working on machines.
She knows she is now in the right place and is enjoying the mechanical engineering programme.
She says that while she realises that mechanical engineering is still male-dominated, she is enjoying her classmates and says her tutors are “awesome”.
“You never will get stuck as there is always someone to help you.”
Courtney particularly enjoys the fabrication course and says she is looking forward to completing the second year of her apprenticeship next year.
She is currently working part-time as a petrol attendant in Greenmeadows while she studies, but she is looking forward to beginning her new career.
EIT Engineering Tutor Patrick Doohan said: “As Courtney’s tutor, I’m proud of her positive start in the mechanical engineering program at EIT.”
“Her transition from the wine industry to engineering shows her determination. She excels in her courses, especially fabrication, and she always bring a positive attitude to her work. Courtney’s initiative in seeking mentorship and hands-on experience reflects her commitment to her future.”
