NorthTec automotive students in thick of Rally

NorthTec automotive students in thick of International Rally of Whangarei action

Fifteen NorthTec automotive students had a hands-on experience with International Rally of Whangarei teams last weekend (subs 2 to 4 July).

The two-day International Rally of Whangarei attracts competitors from around the Asia Pacific region and gave the lucky NorthTec student volunteers an insider’s view of the high-pressure and fast-paced world of international rallying.

Aaron Ramsey and Liam Gavin are half-way through their one-year, pre-trade automotive programme at NorthTec and were thrilled to be working with a team from Rotorua at the International Rally of Whangarei.

“I’m was keen to take part and get the most out of this opportunity,” said Aaron. “We did anything we could to help the senior mechanics and other crew so that they could get on with what they needed to do. It was fantastic to watch a professional team at work.”

The driver of the team they were working with, Sloan Cox, is only 18 years old. “That’s really inspirational for us. I would really love to be a rally driver and perhaps working in a pit crew and showing enthusiasm for getting stuck in is a way into the rally world.”

Both Liam and Aaron are getting work experience locally as part of their studies, Liam with Goughs and Aaron with Landpower. Aaron has just been offered an apprenticeship with Landpower. “We both want to be mechanics,” said Liam. “It’s a skill that gives you plenty of options,” said Aaron.

Meanwhile Liam and Aaron joined the group of 32 NorthTec students who were volunteering their time to help out at the rally.

“It was a great opportunity. It was good to be out there learning during our semester break,” said Liam.

NorthTec is the Tai Tokerau (Northland) region's largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses and learning centres in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Rāwene, Kaikohe and Kaitaia. NorthTec also has over 60 community-based delivery points from Coatesville in rural Rodney to Ngataki in the Far North.

ENDS

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