Growing up around four-wheel drives and motorbikes, Ashleigh naturally gravitated toward the automotive world. Eager to learn how to repair the vehicles she loved, she enrolled in a pre-trade course, and it didn’t take long for her to realise she had found where she was meant to be.
“Watching something come in smashed and making it beautiful again—to know that you can fix something like that—it’s quite cool,” says Natalie, qualified automotive refinisher.
From delivering mail to working with aggregates, Coralee Panirau’s career journey is proof that it’s never too late to embrace new opportunities.
“Chase your dreams. It doesn’t matter what they are — how big or how small — just go for it. And remember that you’ll never hit a home run unless you swing the bat."
"Having apprentices is an opportunity for our industry to offer people a rewarding career pathway, which supports their safe and effective work activities through structured learning."
Kenneth knew that beginning a new career later in life could come with its own challenges. However, he never let age stand in the way of his success. "I started my collision repair apprenticeship when I was 30, and I finished it when I was 35. It’s never too late for anyone—just believe in yourself," he says, encouraging others considering a career change.
Luke was awarded a 2024 MITO and Inspiring Futures Foundation Business Skills scholarship. "It was really awesome to win that. I was pretty humbled. I've always wanted to have my own business, and this seemed like a natural step forward."
Levi’s commitment to his career took a significant step forward when he was awarded a MITO and Inspiring Futures Foundation scholarship to complete MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5). "I just want to keep learning and adapting to whatever comes next.”
