Apprenticeships 2019
For the very first time, we are delighted to announce the three Patton Engineering Apprenticeship winners for 2019.
We will be taking on apprentices from Hastings Boys’ High School every year going forward, to contribute to the future of our industry and the futures of our community’s youth.
As part of our Hastings Boys’ High School Initiative we are committed to training students at grass roots level (ages 15-17), exposing them to the industry and providing opportunities and work experience. We hope that in conjunction with many other local businesses we can spark interest in the younger generation about the industry options available and provide guidance on their potential career direction.
After having many of the Engineering boys partake in work experience in our workshop on Tuesday fortnights, we have identified three young men who we have awarded apprenticeships at Patton Engineering in 2019.
Congratulations to Tama Dunn, Caleb Ireland and Ektaj Singh. We look forward to having you on board!
Tama Dunn
Year 12
Age 17
Parents: Ricky Dunn & Rosie Robb
Siblings: Younger brothers, Zavier & Kylo
Tama started welding at HBHS just this year, and has proved he’s a real natural
when it comes to craftsmanship.
A very keen and talented rugby player (playing second five-eighths for the school
and the Hurricanes Under 17s and first five for Hawke’s Bay), he has shown he’s
quick and skillful with his hands off the field too.
Tama’s interest in welding started when he was working for his Uncle’s
construction business in Wellington over the Christmas holidays. He was
working on a 18 story high building hanging from a harness when he spotted
some welders and had no qualms about striking up a conversation about what
they were up to.
When he went down to Queenstown to visit family he came up with the idea of a
sun lounger for his main project for Year 12. He saw your standard fabric-based
sun lounger and thought he could make a longer-lasting, more durable version
with a steel framework and wooden slats. It looks a lot nicer too!
Tama’s dream is to be an All Black, and he’s not going to give up on this as he’s
determined to go far in his rugby career. Tama’s other goal is to complete his
apprenticeship then move on to the Navy to become an Underwater Welding
Diver – something he saw his Uncle do growing up.
When asked what he is most looking forward to about his 2019 Apprenticeship
at Patton Engineering, he replied “Finally becoming a man, and looking after
myself, especially so I don’t’ have to ask Dad for gas money.”
Caleb Ireland
Year 12
Age 16
Parents: Andrew & Sandra Ireland
Siblings: Brother, Seth
Caleb is a hard working Year 12 student with a three years experience in the
HBHS Engineering department.
Having skills in grinding, welding and all areas of general engineering has really
helped with his passion in Speedway which he’s been doing since he was ten
years old. In fact, his main project for the year was a fully functioning steel cart,
ready to race. This project was based off a stock car design that he and his dad
researched and watched videos on to get the basic designs and functionality
right.
Caleb is not afraid of hard work and has been working part-time at Stephenson
Transport in Waipawa every Friday since Year 9 extending his skills in
engineering. This work experience set him up strongly for his time this year on
the floor at Patton Engineering. Welding is his favourite part of engineering and
that showed when he took part in building a handrail for a Wellington-based
project.
Caleb’s dream is to have his own business, preferably in the truck driving
industry, but to be his own boss is the goal.
When asked what he is most looking forward to about his 2019 Apprenticeship
at Patton Engineering, he replied “Making more money so I can put more into my
Speedway cars”.
Ektaj Singh
Year 13
18 years old
Parents: Jaspreet & Tarnjit Singh
Siblings: younger brother, Kaval
Ektaj is highly motivated and ready to get started in his welding career. He is a
forward-thinker and is very focused on developing his welding technique and
being the absolute best he can be.
Being practical, Ektaj wants to use his hands in his career, to create and be a
master of his skills. As soon as he saw the opportunity to work in welding and
engineering, he grabbed it knowing it was for him.
His main project this year was his very own grinder, powered by a drill –
innovation at its best!
Ektaj has a strong family bond with his parents which has led to a highly
admirable work ethic and respect for hard work. He has worked all year round
since a young lad on the orchards that his Father manages – picking, thinning,
you name it he did it.
During his time this year at Patton’s, he worked on a beam on the workshop floor
and loved being part of the work environment.
His dream job is to follow in his dad’s footsteps and be an orchard owner. If not
an orchard, it would be a small company, as long as he can be his own boss.
When asked what he is most looking forward to about his 2019 Apprenticeship
at Patton Engineering, he replied “I’m looking forward to learning new skills and
improving myself. My Dad always told me: it’s not about the money, it’s all about
the skill.”