14 December 2015
Winning a 2015 Competenz Engineering Scholarship is helping Frankton-based engineer Sam Allen build his professional credibility by working toward an advanced engineering qualification on-the-job.
Sam is embarking on a two-and-a-half year programme of study towards the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP, Level 6).
“I want to keep learning and keep my skills up-to-date as I get older,” says Sam. “The NZDEP is really practical. I’m gaining skills for life, and skills that are useful at work and at home too.”
Sam, who earlier completed a Diploma in Engineering (Level 6), pays tribute to his manager Len
Guilford for the support he gives him with his training.
“Len gives me time to study at work. That really helps, particularly when I’ve got a young family.”
Len speaks highly of Sam’s attitude and abilities. “Sam’s always focussed on doing his best. He’s chosen engineering as a career after trying other things, and now he wants to get the best from that career in an academic way and a hands-on way too.
“Sam’s a good communicator, he listens and he puts together a plan before he acts. Those are all things that make a good engineer. It’s great news that he’s won this scholarship.”
About the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP)
Engineering industry training organisation Competenz manages the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP). Training takes place on-the-job over 30 months under the guidance of a workplace mentor. NZEP graduates can gain registration with the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) as a certified engineering technician.
About the Competenz Engineering Scholarship
Competenz is the industry training organisation for the engineering industry. The Competenz Engineering Scholarship encourages qualified engineering tradespeople to continue their training at Levels 5 and 6 (advanced trades training). It covers the Competenz-related costs of the training (e.g. fees and learning resources).
Competenz awards two scholarships each year. Please contact your Competenz account manager for more information or email us on marketing@competenz.org.nz.
Photo: Len Guildford, Sam Allen and Competenz Account Manager Allen Bryce.
