Dion Moke is happy to be leading the way for the younger generation.
The 39-year-old Whakatane drillers' assistant has been awarded the inaugural New Zealand Drillers Federation Scholarship.
His scholarship comes after his participation in a 20-week training programme, based at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, which offers a range of skills and licences.
These include drilling rig and small plant maintenance, welding and gas cutting, working at heights, first aid and emergency care, environment, health and safety, lifting and moving loads and forklift and heavy traffic licences.
In support of the programme, the New Zealand Driller's Federation (NZDF) announced a scholarship for the best all-round student for each intake.
Mr Moke was chosen for this year's scholarship, based on his outstanding performance during his course.
"I was quite surprised because I didn't realise how good I'd done," he said.
He originally decided to do the course because he wanted to set an example for the younger generation. "I wanted to lead the younger ones down the right path."
President of the NZDF, Mel Griffiths, awarded Mr Moke with a cheque for $2000 and polytechnic chief executive Paul Wilson presented him with his Non Hydrocarbon Drilling certificate Level 2 and the comprehensive Tai Poutini Polytechnic drilling certificate.
Mr Moke said he would probably use the scholarship money to further his studies.
"I'll look at going onwards and upwards with my career," he said.
Mr Moke is currently employed with Auckland-based company Boart Longyear, who offer a range of drilling services.
The next programme at the polytechnic begins on August 2 and the first programme for 2011 begins on January 31.
Dion - you know the drill
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