Licence to succeed: School’s careers day a vehicle for new pathways

Hanna of Fire and Emergency NZ coaches Tamatea High School student Bailey on how to hold the hose during a careers road trip in Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay. All image in this article are by Senior Constable Jason Bryant

For many young people, obtaining a driver’s licence is often seen as a gateway to freedom and independence. However, it goes beyond simply being able to drive a car. Licences are essential for many professions, enabling individuals to pursue the careers they are passionate about. 

The “Got Drive” Careers Roadie provided ākonga with valuable insights into potential career pathways through a series of engaging activities and workplace visits, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about the different licences each role requires.

The day was also organised in support of the Got Drive Trust and the work that they do, including providing the school with a vehicle for driver training for two weeks. 

Nine Tamatea High School ākonga arrived at school during their holidays unsure of what they were in for, except that it was “a careers thing day”. 

With lots of planning behind the scenes and special permission from their parents, this eye-opening event was something they will not soon forget. 

The Careers Roadie was the idea of senior constable Jason Bryant and Tamatea High School’s community police officer, senior constable Mark Johnson, who showed up ready to transport ākonga. A contact through the police officers had provided two Ferraris for the students to be driven in. 

With Tamatea High head of careers Cindy Morgan having planned everything to perfection, the day was ready to begin.

A roadie like no other

The first stop of the trip was to the Art Deco Trust, where ākonga learned the important part a passenger endorsement plays in the tourism industry. The trust introduced them to another of their tour cars, a vintage Cord. The Cord joined them on their travels, with ākonga taking turns to enjoy each vehicle along their way.  

Ākonga enjoyed connecting with Fire and Emergency NZ to learn about the licences needed to drive emergency vehicles and the role of licensing in public safety.

Another stop was the Napier Fire Station. Here, ākonga learned about the licences required for driving emergency vehicles and gained an understanding of the vital role licensing plays in ensuring public safety. They had an opportunity to explore the fire trucks, wear the safety gear, feel the power behind a running fire hose, and watch a fire drill.

Next, ākonga visited Beckett Earthmovers, where they learned about ‘Wheels, Tracks and Rollers’. Cindy says ākonga observed a large GPS-using-digger and had a chance to talk to its 24-year-old operator and admire his employer-provided ute. 

After learning the importance of specialised licences in the construction industry and speaking to operators, ākonga gained valuable insights into the skills and qualifications required for such roles.

The final stop of the day was Hastings Aerodrome to hear about what is involved in gaining a pilot’s licence. Flight instructor Dominik Box-Wilson shared his passion for flying, starting as a teenager in the club’s Young Eagles programme and working at a supermarket to pay for his flying lessons. 

He showed students around the planes, took them to try the flight simulator and then in threes, Dom took them up in the air. With stunning views of Te Matau-a-Māui, ākonga travelled across the Heretaunga Plains, around Te Mata Peak and back.  

Those in the front seats of these trips were offered the chance to fly the plane, the lucky student decided by a high-stakes game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. 

“For many, it was their first ever flight, so it was a highlight,” says Cindy.

With spirits as high as the planes they’d just been in, it was time to head back to school. 

 “It was a wonderful, memorable day for all concerned. The hosts got a buzz from the students’ enthusiasm, some students danced on their way to the plane!”  explains Cindy.

“The accompanying adults enjoyed the students’ excitement as they found out about each stop. The students learned not only from each experience but also the adults accompanying them.”

Dom, Flight Instructor for Hawke's Bay and East Coast Aerodrome, gives an excited Wiki, Izzy and Quin a bird's eye view of Hawke's Bay.

Journey to success

Beyond the excitement of flying planes lies a valuable lesson for students – licences open doors to a wide range of career opportunities they might never have thought possible. 

Whether it’s driving emergency vehicles, operating heavy machinery, or piloting planes, licences are essential. 

For ākonga contemplating their future career paths, obtaining the relevant licences early on can give them a head start. It not only demonstrates their commitment but also equips them with the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in their chosen field.

Cindy admits a lot of planning and organising went into making this ‘Careers Roadie’ successful.

“Yes, it was a lot of hard work, but it was a buzz for all concerned. Several students sent thanks to me that same evening.”

Sam from Beckett Earthmovers explains his career journey and the advantages of an infrastructure career.

Some of those thanks included Zack who emailed that night to say, “I’d like to thank you for one of the best days I’ve ever had. All your hard work organising this incredible day I hope paid [off] as I can say with all honesty it was one of the best days of my life. Thank you again and we all appreciate it.” 

Almahmud emailed to say, “I’m deeply grateful for today’s incredible experiences. I learned a lot about fire trucks, excavators, and even took a thrilling plane ride. Your guidance and support have been invaluable. These memories will always stay with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The “Got Drive” Careers Roadie showed ākonga that the sky is the limit for career opportunities and sometimes, the journey to success begins with obtaining the right licences.

Head of careers at Tamatea High gives tips for success

• Make the attainment of a Restricted driver’s licence a priority. It gives students a real sense of achievement and  provides them with photo ID.
• Take a chance on a great opportunity. The Careers Roadie came about because one day, I was called about a man with a Ferrari who wanted to use it for some good. He drove into the centre of school, took one student for a ride and the relationship has grown ever since. 
• Work together for the good of the students. Our wonderful community police officer trained up to become a driving mentor. He is in my classroom and in school for two weeks a year taking students out driving. Through this, he forms strong, positive relationships with the students and is also on hand for helping those who have questions about driving and the law.
• Build and look after your networks and use your connections. Our communities want young people to succeed and do well. If you ask, it is surprising who will assist you.
• The element of surprise can enhance the experience, while their parents knew and gave permission for all activities, we kept things deliberately vague for the students.
• Give the students room to step up and rise to the occasion. All students had to publicly give thanks to someone, somewhere. They all did it well and were proud to have the opportunity.
• Plan well but be flexible and have a contingency! It rained solidly on our original day, so we had to quickly rearrange for the following day. 
• Young people are a treasure. They are fun and wonderful to be with. While our students delighted in their rides in the Ferrari, the owner thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students and finding out about their hopes and dreams.