Many school leavers are only aware of the ‘usual suspect’ trades they can pursue, but as Ollie Lovell discovered, there are more than 2,000 vocational education and training programmes, including apprenticeships, available in New Zealand – Fire Detection and Alarms (FD&A) being one
Lovell discovered the FD&A trade while doing a pre-trade electrician course at the local Polytech.
“When I came to end of my study and had completed my course, my employer, NPE-Tech, sat me down and offered me a FD&A apprenticeship in their Fire Division,” he says.
“I had always been interested in technology and the electrical manager said ‘you will walk around the corner and see 10 electricians, but not one Fire Technician who can sign off a building warrant of fitness (BWOF), keep buildings open and operating, and pretty much save people’s lives’.
“That pretty much sold me on becoming a fire alarm technician. During my study, I would spend a couple of days working in the Fire Division – and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve not regretted changing trades one bit.”
Lovell completed his FD&A Level 4 qualification earlier this year, and is planning to take on Fire Extinguisher papers to gain more industry knowledge. He says ‘earning while you learn’ is something he has really enjoyed.
“It’s certainly nice gaining knowledge about your career while making money and studying for a qualification. It was a little challenging at times to come home after a long day and study, but by goal-setting and persuasion, once I started on a paper it was actually quite enjoyable learning, nailing the questions and finishing it in one or two sittings.”
Lovell is quick to point out the other benefits of work-based learning.
“Doing an apprenticeship was great. Knowing I was working my way towards a qualification, getting paid as I was learning, not racking up any debts at all and thoroughly enjoying every day on the job. It’s also really good getting hands-on with all kinds of tools and equipment which give you skills that will last a lifetime.”
While people readily know about the more common trades, Lovell finds the appeal of Fire Detection in that it’s something different and he has “skills and knowledge that a lot of people wouldn’t know a thing about”.
“I also enjoy going out to sites and getting to know customers and other tradies who are working on-site. I couldn’t imaging being in an office all day.”
NPE-Tech Fire Systems Manager Allan Richards says Lovell has proven to be a key member of the team.
“Ollie consistently receives positive feedback from customers regarding his performance and communication skills.
“Ollie was our only apprentice for a time. We now have a number of apprentices in work-based learning at NPE-Tech. The Government’s Apprenticeship Boost scheme very much helped our business to attract apprentices. My view is that vocational training is essential in the trades,” Richards says.
