Lunch & Learn: AI tool to...
The event provided an exciting opportunity for students to experience firsthand how this innovative tool, designed by jobseekers f...
Welding micro-credentials graduate Heneli Tongotongo has turbo-charged his credentials.
The 32-year-old has completed the Career Preparation for Specialised Welding (Level 4) with five welding tickets and is awaiting lab results for two more tickets. He has proved that he can arc, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and flux weld steel in the vertical and overhead positions, and MIG weld aluminium.
Heneli says Future Skills Academy equipped him with essential skills to weld different metals in a variety of processes. “Having the skills and understanding of Welding micro-credentials really helped me in Level 4.” FSA opened his eyes to the expanse of the industry, he says. “The different positions of a certified welder are fun and exciting. There’s also a big market for business welders or contractors.”
The father of three has applied for a business start-up grant to launch his own mechanical engineering business. “My family is the reason I push my limits beyond my comfort zone so I can work for myself and for them.”
Tonga-born Heneli married in 2012 and moved to New Zealand. “My job didn’t support my family,” he says. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, he took advantage of government-funded free training to earn the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) with a provider in Mangere. “Automotive taught me about mufflers and the welding course would give me the certification needed for my Automotive Exhaust Service.” Heneli turned to Future Skills Academy last year to complete the Welding micro-credentials (Levels 2 and 3) which are free under TTAF until 31 December 2022. “The programmes prepared me well in the techniques of welding furious and non-furious metal in any types of welding. Joseph was a perfect teacher who showed me how to carry out welding with the right technique and equipment set up in a safe manner. I was able to excel and archive my welding tickets in any position for any welding type.”
And the training doesn’t stop there. Heneli is searching for a pipe welding course to bolster his qualifications.
He wants to encourage others to follow in his footsteps. “I hope my story will trigger a light for people to take on the challenge of learning welding. It’s a successful industry with vast long-term opportunities.”
