Looking for an apprenticeship

[Coyote]

I was keen to go to Weltec this year to Automotive Refinishing or Motorcycle Engineering, still somewhat am. But my VFR has my nuts in a vice and I need money to keep it's furnace burning. Would also like to replace it/add to the collection with a ZX10R or equivalent. So I'm on the look for an apprenticeship to do with motorcycles or to learn skills I can apply towards bikes in some way, such as fibreglass, machining or welding.

Is anyone looking for a competent, hard worker for their business or knows of any good places of interest that I can hand my CV in (once it's written)? Ideally close to Upper Hutt but I won't mind commuting over the Rimutaka's or Piekak if I have to.

Cheers

[Gremlin]

But my VFR has my nuts in a vice and I need money to keep it's furnace burning. Would also like to replace it/add to the collection with a ZX10R or equivalent.

Speak to a few first, before fancying a zx10. They are not cheap. $1300 odd at 11k (service plus tyre set, plus other bits). $1400+ at 17k (service, another set of tyres - it had another rear between services, and sprockets and chain got replaced). I'm not a fast rider either.

Just saying...do the math first aye?

[Patch]

blardy hell, think I'd change your spanner monkey there too Grem, when your next service is due

[skidMark]

Speak to a few first, before fancying a zx10. They are not cheap. $1300 odd at 11k (service plus tyre set, plus other bits). $1400+ at 17k (service, another set of tyres - it had another rear between services, and sprockets and chain got replaced). I'm not a fast rider either.

Just saying...do the math first aye?

You get 6k from a set of tyres?

damn man doing well...

i think tristan only gets 3k on his zx10r. no burnouts.... wears out sides....

commuting buggers them too.

i'm getting 5,000 on the zxr250.

hmmm.

[Weaver]

Good on ya for wanting to become an apprentice. Its the best way to learn the skill of the trade. There are a few apprenticeship schemes in the wellington region. These are really good, they do all the paperwork (wages, organising block courses, sorting shit out with nzqa) for both you and the seconding company. Just have a look in the yellow pages and you should be able to find some in there.

[Coyote]

Good on ya for wanting to become an apprentice. Its the best way to learn the skill of the trade. There are a few apprenticeship schemes in the wellington region. These are really good, they do all the paperwork (wages, organising block courses, sorting shit out with nzqa) for both you and the seconding company. Just have a look in the yellow pages and you should be able to find some in there.

I've heard about a few schemes that are worth a call, just thought I'd give KB a shot first. Sketchy_Racer got his apprenticeship through Skills 4 Work and he's loving his job as a machinist, he's got me thinking about becoming a machinist too (though I'm more into the cosmetic aspects of construction like fibreglass and paint).

Speak to a few first, before fancying a zx10. They are not cheap. $1300 odd at 11k (service plus tyre set, plus other bits). $1400+ at 17k (service, another set of tyres - it had another rear between services, and sprockets and chain got replaced). I'm not a fast rider either.

Just saying...do the math first aye?

'Or equivalent' meant something like a 600 once I've wised up

Don't forget insurance for an 18 year old. Insuring a late model 600 worth around $12000 for someone my age costs around $2500 a year. Hell, even an XR650 would cost me $1500 a year to insure. Hate to think how much insuring a 1000 would cost... Probably have to go 3rd party and if I crash I'm stuffed.

[Weaver]

I've heard about a few schemes that are worth a call, just thought I'd give KB a shot first. Sketchy_Racer got his apprenticeship through Skills 4 Work and he's loving his job as a machinist, he's got me thinking about becoming a machinist too (though I'm more into the cosmetic aspects of construction like fibreglass and paint).

Skills 4 work is a great scheme. They used to be called Apperntice Training New Zealand. If you are looking at the engineering side of work then I would definiantly give them a call. Dave Bennett is the Wellington region co-ordinator. Really good guy. If your lucky Evens Engineering may have an apprenticeship available.

[Swoop]

1: Contact MITO, as they are the industry co ordinator and should be able to put you in touch with employers looking for people.

2: Contact a "modern apprenticeship" co-ordinator. These people are paid to head-hunt and match apprentices and employers. The usually have a large list of names on the books, and when an employer asks for someone, they then pick the three most suitable and pass that info onto the employer. Easier for all involved!

3: Head into Weltec and talk to some of the course tutors. They have contacts with industry.

4: Check out the noticeboards around the automotive area of Weltec. Employers sometimes advertise for apprentices in this way.

[Sir_hoppalot]

I'm currently doing an apprenticeship as an Electrician which can help to a degree when working on motorcycles, would like to do some mechanical work experience too..
Few things to do when hunting for an apprenticeship, go though the phone book and call up all the companies, ask for work experience, tell them you are seeking an apprenticeship. This will achive three things, 1) you will get a better idea if the trade if what you thought it was 2) if the company is one you would like to work at 3) give the company an idea of your attitude and skill. If your (normally unpaid) work experience goes well, tell them you're interested in an apprenticeship and see what they say.

Something else that may land results. Go to the main suppliers for the trade, i.e Rexel is a magor one for electricians. They normally have a pin up board, ask the shop if you can put up a personal add with little tear off strips with your name/number on.

As a last resort find out if there is a firm that helps youths seek apprenticeships in your area, I know in Christchurch there is the national trade academy out in Wigram.

Good luck

[Coyote]

Haven't gone out of my way to seek a job yet. Spending time at work to fix up the VFR. Think I'll hit up the local fibreglass specialists in Upper Hutt next, go up to them in person and ask about apprenticeships or if they know of any jobs in the industry.