Twenty-three-year-old Andrew Taplin has recently completed his Level 4 qualification in agricultural engineering while working at Challenge Riwaka, known locally as NS Rogers.
Andrew has achieved the milestone by completing the New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering – Agricultural Equipment through MITO (Motor Industry Training Organisation) in under three years, while working as an agricultural technician and diesel mechanic.
Growing up on a family dairy farm in Murchison sparked his early interest in machinery and the agricultural sector.
“I’ve always been around farm equipment and enjoyed working with it,” he says.
Delivered as an apprenticeship, the Level 4 programme allows trainees to earn while they learn, gaining practical, on-the-job experience servicing and repairing tractors, harvesters and other essential farm machinery. Andrew says that was a major drawcard.
“Getting paid while learning was good,” he says. While he describes the experience as enjoyable, it came with challenges. Written assessments were among the tougher aspects, along with completing some practical requirements that were not always available in day-to-day workshop work.
To meet those requirements, Andrew attended block courses at Nelson-based NMIT.
Tractor department service manager Sean McLeod says those block courses helped fill important gaps.
“Some of the training, like cab suspension in tractors, isn’t something we see a lot of locally, so it was great for Andrew to be able to learn about that,” he says.
Now qualified, Andrew says the effort has been worthwhile. “Having this qualification means you’ve always got something behind you. Even just being able to fix your own vehicle without big bills is a bonus,” he says.
He encourages others considering a career in the industry to give it a go. “If you’re keen and passionate for the industry, then just go for it.”
Andrew also credits the support around him for helping him succeed. “MITO were very helpful when I was starting out, and I’ve been very fortunate with where I work – I have great employers,” he says.
“From the day I first had Andrew in for work experience I knew he was the one for us. With his can-do attitude, problem-solving skills and farming background, it was inevitable he was going to succeed in his chosen trade. We work on all tractor brands, makes and models, so he was up against it,” he says.
Owner and manager Becky Johns says Andrew’s success comes at a time when skilled technicians are in high demand.
“There is currently a shortage of automotive technicians, especially in the heavy automotive field in our region. Many employers like ourselves are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified, skilled staff as demand is high across New Zealand,” she says.
“For anyone wanting to upskill and join the automotive industry, I would highly recommend looking into the heavy automotive trade as a career.”
