Persistence rewards with job

Whangarei Honda apprentice mechanic James Haze has won an MITO scholarship towards his studies. Photo / John Stone

James Haze knows the importance of perseverance.

The attribute has given him the chance to start a career as an automotive engineer.

After many years of employment in industries ranging from retail, concrete labouring and road works, and stints on various training paths, the Whangarei man settled on the goal of becoming a mechanic.

In 2015 he completed level 2 of a mechanical engineering certificate at NorthTec.

Part way through the 3rd level last year he decided to take his CV around the local motor vehicle dealerships and automotive repair businesses to see if he could progress his career dream further.

"It wasn't easy," the 31-year-old said. "But I was determined. It was what I really wanted to do."

One of the businesses he visited was Whangarei Honda where he was told there weren't any positions available so he went away. But he didn't give up and returned, asking again.

After the third visit owner/manager Adele van Velden gave him a job grooming cars which he carried out "with enthusiasm", "his work thorough".

It was the third visit that got him the opportunity. "That was encouraging," Ms van Velden said.

"It must have taken him a bit of nerve to persist like that."

Impressed by his attitude, personality and attention to detail when an opportunity arose in the workshop she gave him the job.

Soon after Ms van Velden was made aware of a MITO scholarship and encouraged him to apply.

Mr Haze was successful and is one of seven students nationally to be given a 2017 Kick Start Māori and Pasifika scholarship worth $1000 towards the first year of apprenticeship study.

Mr Haze, a keen rugby player and holder of a brown belt in taekwondo, says it is still sinking in that he has this opportunity.

"I'm very grateful to Honda and feel very humble to have this chance."

Reluctant to dwell on the challenges life has thrown at him, Mr Haze is quick to encourage others to chase their dreams and make sure they invest time and effort to sharpen their CV.

"It's something I spent a great deal of time on, making sure I presented all the information as best as I could.

"You owe it to yourself to get it right ... it's then down to your determination and perseverance to get your foot in the door."

MITO is the industry training organisation for the automotive, transport, logistics, industrial textile fabrication and extractive industries.

It works with industries to develop qualifications and training programmes that lift the performance of the industries' workforce.

A total of 44 scholarships in six categories were announced this year with Mr Haze the only Northlander to get one.