Student Story
Zarrin Robertson
The world is Zarrin Robertson's oyster, now that he's gaining an internationally-recognised trade.
Zarrin (Zed) Robertson wasn’t really sure what he wanted to study when he came to Dunedin’s Tertiary Open Day from Gore High School.
“I came up for a look around Otago Uni but the Polytechnic seemed more practical … more me”.
He’s always been interested in engines, so he started off with a Automotive Engineering Level 3 Certificate, then completed a Level 4 Business Administration programme.
“Studying at Otago Polytechnic was different from school. They taught us all the academic subjects, but they also gave us life skills – like basic presentation, and how to deal with customers.”
Zed says Otago Polytechnic’s automotive workshop is one of the best in New Zealand.
“They have all the new technology that you don’t get in a small workshop – like a huge selection of scan tools.”
“We get to work on all the Otago Polytechnic cars, and staff cars. You can even bring your own car in if it’s related to what you’re learning”
Zarrin Robertson
There’s also a steady stream of cars that need work.
“We get to work on all the Otago Polytechnic cars and staff cars. You can even bring your own car in if it’s related to what you’re learning.”
Zed’s lecturer recommended him to Forbury Service Centre and now he’s completing a managed apprenticeship. That means he’s working full-time and studying part-time.
“Everything I’ve learnt at the Polytechnic absolutely applies to my job. What I’m studying is what I’m doing!”
Zed plans to finish his apprenticeship and eventually save enough money to go travelling.
“If I have a qualified trade, it’ll be so much easier to get work wherever I go”.
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Published on 08 Apr 2022
