Machinist Making The Most Of It
Having already completed two apprenticeships through MITO, a third qualification was all too enticing for 30-year-old automotive machinist, Jordan McClelland. So, after successfully applying for a 2017 MITO Graduate scholarship, which contributes up to $2,000 towards any programme of study related to his industry, he is set to complete a National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) – a one-year programme, which offers a professional development opportunity for people aspiring to management excellence.
“Being awarded a MITO scholarship was fantastic and I was definitely surprised to be one of only two chosen for a graduate scholarship,” says Jordan. “It will certainly help financially and make it a lot easier for me to continue to learn and progress my career. I feel very fortunate!”
Having these qualifications demonstrates that I’ve dedicated a number of years to advancing my craft and have made a substantial effort to further my skills and abilities - which will be hugely beneficial for my career.
MITO Graduate scholarship recipient Jordan McLelland
“The fact that automotive machining was quite different to the type of work I had done in the past was really appealing and allowed me the chance to learn a whole new set of skills,” says Jordan. “The idea of taking something that’s old and worn out and making it like new again, rather than just throwing it away, genuinely intrigued me.” Jordan’s career in the automotive industry to date is suitably impressive. Leaving school at the end of Year 12, he became a fully qualified automotive technician after completing a MITO apprenticeship. He then gained a few years’ experience overseas – specialising in automatic transmissions – before landing his current position as an automotive machinist at Kerry Lindsay Engine Reconditioning Specialists Ltd, Lower Hutt.
Before long, Jordan had enrolled in his next apprenticeship through MITO - a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) (Level 4) with strand in Automotive Machining - which he completed late last year.
“Having these qualifications demonstrates that I’ve dedicated a number of years to advancing my craft and have made a substantial effort to further my skills and abilities - which will be hugely beneficial for my career,” says Jordan. “Plus, peer recognition is a definite driver for me. So, being qualified and having that increased knowledge, is really valuable in enabling me to help teach and support other apprentices coming into the business.”
It’s that disposition that particularly resonates with business owner Kerry Lindsay. “Jordan relates really well to others and possesses an intrinsic, natural ability to soak in knowledge, which makes him a very capable and respected role model to other team members. He is extremely motivated and shows a real enthusiasm for learning, so I’m absolutely delighted that he’s received a MITO scholarship – he’s a very worthy recipient. The First Line Management programme is a wonderful opportunity for him to develop his management skills and progress through to a senior role in the workshop – no doubt reinforcing how much of a valuable asset he is to the business.”
Jordan knows the training programme is going to be an important learning curve and is looking forward to the challenge. “I’d really like to have my own workshop one day too and this will really help give me the skills needed - I intend to make the most of it!”
