So if you are going to train toward a career in the electricity supply industry, why not ask ESITO to pay for it?

Scholarship applications are open from 1 August- 30 October for the following academic year.

The ESITO Pre-trade Level 2 course leads to the National Certificate in Electricity Supply. It covers workshop practices, electrical knowledge, safe working practices, mechanical fundamentals and specific electricity supply industry skills. The course also provide students with marketable skills to help them gain apprenticeships in the industry. It is offered at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in Christchurch, Waikato Institute of Technology in Hamilton and Manukau Institute of Technology in Auckland.


National Diploma in Engineering (Electrotechnology) (Level 6)

This can be undertaken at a number of polytechnics and is designed to be achieved either as a two-year, full-time programme or as a part-time course over a longer timeframe. The diploma caters for individuals wanting to prepare for engineering technician roles in the electricity supply industry. Typically these roles are associated with the installation, servicing and repair of engineering systems, products and components. Specific pathways through this qualification can be planned to relate to electricity supply industry subjects.


Bachelor of Engineering

This degree enables the graduate to embark on a wide range of career paths such as design, consulting, product development and research in the electricity supply industry. It is offered throughout the country at universities and some polytechnics. Scholarships are available for engineering degrees that are in an area of study relevant to the electricity supply industry.

Eligibility    

• 16 years old or over
• New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Applying to study a course related to the electricity supply industry (see above)
• Two scholarships are allocated each year for Maori students
• Two scholarships are allocated each year for Pacific Island students

Application Form
Please apply on the application form and remember to include ALL documents requested.

Past scholarship recipient tells his story

16 scholarships awarded in 2010 Congratulations to all recipients and good luck for your studies this year!  Pre Trade Course in Electricity Supply Uraya Beazley, Dennis Chong, Richard Franklin, David Garraway, Samuel Hall, Zigmas Inta, Manase Mafi, Praveen Momoisea, Phillip Pullin, Lyon Skelton Engineering degree James Butcher, Philip Clements, Aidan Cudmore, Olivia Davidson, Torry Hanson, Thomas Houston

Dylan Jenkins, Graduate Electrical Engineer, Vector Ltd

What first got you interested in engineering and the electricity supply industry?
The electricity supply industry attracted me as an engineer because it is both stable as far as job prospects go but at the same time is undergoing many interesting changes like renewable energy, smart grids and distributed generation.

How did the ESITO scholarship help?
At the time I got the scholarship I was working a lot of hours part-time to pay my fees, so getting the scholarship was a big help since it allowed me to focus more on my studies.

The most valuable part of the scholarship however was the industry contacts I made. My ESITO mentor that was assigned to me as part of the scholarship played a big part in getting me my first job in the industry here at Vector.

Where do you see your career heading in the electricity supply industry?
At the moment I am on Vector’s graduate programme which means I get rotated through the business in different roles. Once I have finished I think that I will specialise as a Protection and Control Systems Engineer.

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of working in this industry?
When you get to see equipment being livened for the first time that’s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and you know that you played a big part in designing and building it. That’s a really cool feeling.

Any advice for school leavers?
Although having a degree helps, nothing beats good work experience. If you want to be a good engineer you need to spend some time out in the field getting your hands dirty.

Knowing people in the industry also helps a great deal. Go out of your way to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door, rather than just applying through ads in the paper.