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Select a testimonial from the list of links below...
Kelvin MacPherson
Distance Learning
“The greatest achievement and proudest thing I've achieved!”
I have just received my Certificate and I feel it was the greatest achievement and proudest thing I've ever received. I'm on holiday at the moment, so I thought, but guess what? In the weekend I got a phone call from an engineering firm in Palmerston North wanting and Engineering Draughtsman in a temporary capacity. So I turned up at 8.00am on the Monday and I've been there all week.
You can imagine how happy I'm feeling at the moment. It's challenging but the boss said I have a knack with construction even though I'm inexperienced. I've taken all the right steps to get where I am today and further.
He said he would hire me full time but hasn't quite got enough work for a full time draughtsman. But 1 day and 1 project has now turned into 4 days work and a new project everyday so far. He said he will recommend me to other firms. One thing he always demands is neatness and clarity.
So thank you very much for your support, help, encouragement and teaching since I joined the course. I'm really putting all the skills you taught to the test and the boss seems to be pleased.
Mark Dowling
“A whole new life and career.”
Hi, my name is Mark - I did the Computer Aided Design Course in 2004 I am a qualified and experienced fitter/turner. I have worked in the engineering industry for around 16 years. I was involved in an industrial accident in February 2002 which left me unable to do any heavy lifting, repetitive activities, and use the hand tools I was so accustomed to in this trade.
After a long rehabilitation and talks with specialists and occupational therapists, I was told that being a fitter/turner was no longer suitable for me. However, they did consider that a move into the drafting side of the industry would be quite suitable to my physical capabilities.
So after a lot of searching I found a course at the Computer Aided Design Branch of the New Zealand Welding School located in Rotorua. The courses available were CAD Draughting Certificate and CAD Certificate in Design & Technology which included a National Certificate in Design Level 2 and 3 and all courses were accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. I went to see what the courses involved as I was not confident in using a computer and I wondered how I would get on with this. After meeting with the tutor and seeing what the other students were doing, I could tell it was the right training to do. Considering my options for the future I decided to do the one year course.
I am proud to say I have now graduated from my course and was the first person to complete it under the 156 credit criteria. I am very grateful to the great team at Computer Aided Design who helped me achieve this.
Re-training in CAD has allowed me to regain a sense of direction within my career, to get back to some sort of general normality in my working/personal life. It has opened up more career opportunities and given me back the confidence I needed to return to the work force. I would therefore encourage you to give this course some serious thought as you consider your options for the future.
Yours sincerely
Mark Dowling
Martin Ridgeway
Distance Learning Level 3, Wellington, 2006
Bruce,
Thank you for helping me with the inventor assembly to finalize/complete the Units for the Level 3 CAD course.
I very much appreciate the additional tutoring that you have provided to me, including telephone support in between the modules, and after the end of June. Furthermore the additional help you provided me with during my visit to Rotorua. Thank you very much for your patience with me and your encouragement which has been invaluable. It is fair to say that I would not have completed the course without the additional time and one to one tutoring you have provided for me. You have helped me with issues outside the course for example, by helping me have the confidence to tackle things which I thought were beyond my capabilities, for which I am extremely grateful.
In the future, if I can help you in any way, I would be most pleased to do so. If you do get an opportunity to come to the South Island please call in and see us in Blenheim. We would be very pleased to see you and provide accommodation if you needed it.
Best wishes
Martin Ridgeway
Annette Sharp
Past Student
A Stay-at-home Mother
I was a stay-at-home mother (by choice and with no regrets) to my pre-school child and I wanted to re-enter the workforce.
The CAD course enabled me to re-enter the workforce with the up-skilling, confidence and credibility that I required. I thoroughly enjoyed my time doing the CAD course and it was a thrill to receive my National Certificate in Design – Level 3. This certificate did make the difference in getting job interviews within the design field.
The class environment was extremely stimulating. It encouraged creativity and inspiration via the other students and the tutors. The tutors were very encouraging and made me totally believe in my abilities.
I am currently employed with the Tile Warehouse and I have found that I do draw upon knowledge gained from the course to help me in my employment.
The National Certificate in Design – Level 3 is a good entry level qualification for further studies in Design.
Newton Lewis
Past Student - Recommended by ACC
I attended the CAD Design course during 2005. I was recommended the course by ACC as well as seeing the advertisement in the local paper.
Whilst on this course, I found the tutors to be extremely helpful and motivating. The course itself was informative, met and exceeded all my desired expectations as well as challenging and enjoyable. We were supported and coached at a level that suited all the individual skills.
I completed and passed the course being the top of the class with Distinction. This was a direct result of the support and quality training given by Bruce Norman. Bruce was a great tutor - really turning the course from a boring school like situation, into a hands-on environment that won the loyalty, focus and attention of all the pupils.
All of the facilities were top rate and the skills learnt during this time have put me into good steed for a career of my choice.
I was sought after by an engineering company in Whangarei and began work soon after in a managerial position.
I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a career in any CAD type of work.
Chrissy Simmen
Past Student
Gaining knowledge and confidence
“I recommend the CAD and Certificate in Draughting course in the highest possible way.”
The course has given me the knowledge, confidence and skills to follow a career path which I am already reaping the rewards; not just with financial gain but in job satisfaction.
The assignments built both my confidence and skills. I owe eternal gratitude to my tutor who gently corrected my mistakes, gave me information and advice I never even thought of asking about and helped me gain my qualification. The added bonus was being given a clear indication of what is expected from a CAD designer, from a future employee and clients point of view.
Behind every good tutor is the administrative team who looked after us all. They dealt to the niggling things in life, like student loans, and gave a huge amount of encouragement from the sidelines to students creating a fantastic learning environment to walk into every day.
It was a great hectic time for me; one I treasure and have good memories and great friendships from, with never a regret.
Jala Raimon
Past Student
“Gained confidence to really go after work”.
Prior to finding out about this course offered by Computer Aided Design, I had recently moved from Wanganui to Tauranga and I was actively looking for employment within the building industry. My background was in administration over a range of industries including Real Estate and Residential Construction management.
After 3 years of part time study towards a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying alongside part time work renovating period villas, it became obvious to me that the missing link was my lack of drawing ability.
My tutor prompted me to look around and see what was available. At the time there was a 2 year Diploma in Architecture being offered but this was too long a period for me not to be working plus I did not feel that I was up to that level of capability. I then discovered the Computer Aided Design course through advertisements in our local paper. This seemed perfect to learn the skills I needed.
Travelling from Tauranga to Rotorua every day was a challenge but well worth the journey! It was wonderful to be studying in an environment that was considerate to all the different levels of experience that each of the students was able to offer. We had a great class of students who all had very different goals as to where the course would lead them. This is where I consider this course has the greatest advantage over related courses; it caters for a broad range of pre-training requirements into a wide selection of occupations. Revision of basic drawing skills was great, especially for me, as I had no technical drawing training from school. The design elements of the course also play an integral part; they really opened me up to using visual creativity in a new way and helped me incorporate those methods into all areas of the study until completed.
Perhaps the biggest spin off attending this course was the confidence I gained to really go after the work I wanted to do and not accept second best. I have skills now that have me closer to bringing my business dream into reality. Through the course I was also able to secure part time work whilst completing the study. This gave me more skills to offer in an architectural environment that demands flexibility in all areas.
I am enormously grateful for the support, encouragement and for providing the best teaching professionals in the business along with top class facility with the enhancement of a great team. Good on the Computer Aided Design
Katie Skudder
Past Student
“Excellent step into the world of design”.
I would like to begin this testimonial with a statement on my general opinion of the course itself. I found this course greatly helped and aided me in my knowledge of not only what the course names specifies, but also in the area of manual drawing, and ability to think technically to create an accurate drawing either in an engineering or architectural form.
I had originally heard about the course through an explanation of what the Computer Aided Design offer whilst at a job interview. I came across an advertisement in our local newspaper. I already had an interest in the design field so called the number to investigate and decided to go through with the opportunity.
The facilities were well suited to the size and number of people on the course. It also created a comfortable environment.. Everything we used was of a good quality, and enabled us to achieve what was required.
The course content and structure was excellent. It worked perfectly and all of us could say we gained a fair amount of knowledge for the time we were there. I also felt it was a wise decision to try and fit in a lot of unit standards in a smaller amount of time, because we learnt more with the pressure of getting our work done, at the same time prepared us well for further tertiary education.
Personally, I felt ready and prepared to further myself in tertiary education even though I had not completed high school. Also the fact that the course and area we were in was relaxed, friendly, with a person to person basis, which helped take pressure off with getting our assignments completed.
In the end, the manual drawing we did on the drawing boards was essential in helping us understand how CAD works, even though drawing on computers is ever-increasing in its popularity.
On a final note, the skills I gained have definitely set me up to create career opportunities that I am seeking. From this course I have been accepted into a National Diploma in Architectural Technology in Tauranga. I would recommend the Certificate in CAD Draughting to anyone. It was an excellent step into the world of design and I would most likely not be where I am today without it.
Isaac King
Past Student
“I have a job with a future thanks to this course!”
I heard about the Computer Aided Design Course through a friend of my mother. I decided to check it out. I made enquiries and came into the premises to meet the Tutors and to have a look around with my parents. I enrolled on the course starting in January 2005. My decision to do the course was due to having finished high school and always enjoying the graphic design classes showing it was definitively where my skills laid.
Once on board I found that I learnt a lot about the computer programs used and the models that could be produced. I really enjoyed the course and the time schedule made it easy for me to be on time and still have time to do other activities. I enjoyed the staff and classmates which made the working environment relaxed and easy for learning.
Once leaving the course I enjoyed a couple of months holiday and whilst on a job search site I found a position being advertised at Alpha Aviation in Hamilton as a Junior Draftsman. I applied and was successful. This meant I had to up sticks from Rotorua and move over to Hamilton finding a flat, transport (a motor bike that I have found extremely economical, although extremely chilly in the winter), and very helpful and understanding parents.
I now work not only for Alpha Aviation but also for Flight Structures as their Draftsman using mainly AutoCad and Solid Works programs. This means I am designing the Alpha One 60 and 120 aeroplanes.
I thoroughly enjoy my job, but there is no doubt that I would not be here if I did not attend the Computer Aided design course last year. My best wishes to all the students who are coming on board in the future. I know if you work hard you will succeed just like I have, but it is up to you.
Isaac is also following through with another passion – canvass paintings. He is able to purchase canvass and copy drawings and paintings off different sites and produce wonderful replicas. We may see him in one of our art galleries some time.
Isaac calls into see us regularly and has a wonderful spark in his eyes, a bounce in his step, and a real pride in himself. This young man has done all this on his own and we have been honoured to be part of this journey.
Joseph Mohi
Current Student
“You are never too old to learn!”
I am currently studying in the Level 3 CAD Draughting course with the Computer Aided Design Branch of the New Zealand Welding School in Rotorua. We have just completed week 8 of the 14 week course.
Even part way through I can say this is a great course. Well presented and totally hands-on. Learning by doing, building upon and expanding on the lessons as we go.
My back ground is in the HVAC industry. Here in Rotorua, later in Hamilton and the last 10 years in Perth.
I grew up in Murupara and my first job was in the planning department of the Forest Service. I was taken as a junior surveyor and trainee draughtsman. I really enjoyed the outdoor work but not so much being in the office for too long. I moved on after 2 years and worked for a company that installed commercial central heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. I enjoyed the physical work, working outdoors and on building sites. Eventually I began running my own jobs and found the need to be able to do accurate on site drawings for duct fabrication, plant room pipe work layouts, as constructed drawings, variations and such. I found I enjoyed doing the drawings as much as building or fabricating from them.
While working for an air conditioning company in Perth I was given work on the side manually modifying drawings. This is when I discovered CAD draughting. I invested in a computer, bought AutoCAD 2000LT and began teaching myself to use it. This is also when I discovered I was “slowing down”, working on the tools wasn't that easy anymore. It was time to do something different and CAD seemed to be it for me.
Because of our children and grandchildren here in New Zealand, my wife and I returned to Rotorua in March. For work, I felt I could use my contacts here in the industry to do drawings, carry on from the beginnings in Perth.
On reflection I realized there was still much I needed to learn about using AutoCAD and a lot that I had learnt was probably not good practice. I felt that to get training and the piece of paper would give me a better chance. So I looked to see what was available and found the Computer Aided Design and enrolled in the Level 3 CAD draughting course.
To be honest I thought I would just be learning which button would make this happen or that happen. But it turned out to be more than that, much more. Even the manual drawing exercises in the early stages I found really interesting. I spent time around sheet metal shops and it always fascinated me how sheet metal workers could turn out and develop some of the ductwork they did. The geometry exercises helped me understand that a lot more. We are also allowed to chance to express our own creativity in the projects we are given to complete.
Work on AutoCAD leads to working with Inventor and Sketch up – amazing programs. Right now we are on a 2 week study break and I am full on trying to understand and to learn all I can about Inventor, it's got my attention “big time”!
One thing that for me, is important to mention, is that as well as the technical learning I have received from this course, the personal learning is probably having as much of an impact.
I have been working since I left school at 15, I'm now 53 and through all that time I have never taken any kind of course, any kind of training, gained any kind of qualification, other than welding tickets or safety certificates. For me learning has always been by doing, watching the experts and doing what they do, then doing things by myself. A loner I guess. So for me to now sign up for a course and allow someone else to teach me is something is huge. It would only happen with something I was passionate about and something I felt was worthwhile. I am and I do!
Andrew Diffey
Past Student
Civil Design Engineer
“Just thought that I would write and thank you for such a wonderful course”.
I completed the CAD Draughting Certificate in August 2000 (while it was still known as BOP School of Welding). I believe that it was one of the first courses. Since then I have been able to find work without an issue.
Prior to doing the course I had been unemployed for 3-4 years, not being able to find work as every one seemed to want experience. Since then I have had several jobs (some specifically being termed contracts). I have worked in several different cities and towns.
I basically got into the Civil Engineering field fairly early on in my working career after the course and am now entitled as a Civil Design Engineer (although I have no formal qualifications, I now have experience). I intend on starting my NZNDE soon.
Annette
“I just wanted to thank you both so much for all that you have helped Mark to achieve over the last year.”
It is so much more than a qualification, I have seen Mark regain his self confidence, a sense of purpose, and a great delight in his own achievements. All through the unique learning environment that you provide. You have helped Mark with skills he needed for a fresh start at life and for this I will always be grateful.
It wasn’t hard at all for me to see how Mark has so enjoyed this time. You are clearly two very special people and we are blessed to have had your involvement in our life.
I wish you every success and happiness for the future, and thank you again from the bottom of my hear, Mark and I can get excited about our future again.
Bruce Gainsford
Past student
Before I attended the CAD Course in 2002, I was a musician as well as a landscape gardener. I had been doing this for 5 years and decided that it was time for a change. I noticed the advertisement in the local paper offering the CAD Design Course, which was a full year. This appealed to me so I enrolled.
Whilst on the course I found the standard of tutoring exemplary and this enabled me to be 100% successful in my qualifications. I also made some extremely good friends who keep in touch with me now. They also have obtained employment. This course has given me the choice of considering self-employment.
Upon completion of the course I found obtaining immediate employment relatively easy. With the skills I had obtained whilst on the CAD Course, I had abilities a lot of the companies required.
Being reasonably fluent in CAD Design I found the positions I gained were well paid due to the fact there is a huge demand for this range of skills. Companies can't get enough of well qualified Designers.
In my search for employment the skills I had acquired put me well above any other applicants for jobs including local government, private enterprises and businesses in general.
I wish the New Zealand Welding School and the Computer Aided Design School all the best for the future. Keep on doing what you are doing.
Bruce Gainsford
Chris Blair
CADPRO Systems Ltd
“The work presented is exceptional in such a short time frame and we are quite impressed with it.”
Just a few comments on the files supplied by you this week. It is very obvious that your students are very enthusiastic about SketchUp and these projects that you sent me prove that. The standard is very good compared to what we have seen in other tertiary institutes and colleges around the world. The quality of the work presented is exceptional in such a short time frame and we are quite impressed with it.
Please keep up your good work.
Chris Blair
CADPRO Systems Ltd
Hayes International
Letter in support of the New Zealand Welding School's application for the renewal of accreditation for the National Certificate - Design Level 3.
In our opinion the CAD Course offered by the New Zealand Welding School is proving successful, with all graduates from 2001 achieving the National Certificate in Design - Level 3.
The school is providing a need, not only for school leavers, but for those seeking re-education in the existing workforce and those affected by health or disability.
We observe the course developing skills required in Engineering and Architecture, using CAD. The use of current technology in drawing is supported and used by the school.
Links with industry are maintained, with students undertaking real design and drawing problems.
We see the New Zealand Welding School Design Course providing a valuable educational option, especially for those seeking re-training in the existing workforce.
Regards
Ross Fowler
Mechanical Engineering Manager
Hayes International
Stephen Wyllie
Past student - New Zealand Welding School
My name is Stephen Wyllie I have been a student of the New Zealand Welding School Computer aided Design Course for the past 9 months.
I have no experience with computers until this year. With this experience that I have gained and the knowledge of the building trade to which I have had 25 years starting as an apprentice carpenter to a site foreman for a large construction firm, as well as being self employed. Taking this time to re-train myself with the help from New Zealand Welding School CAD Course I have gained confidences in approaching and working with computers, design and mathematical problems.
I gained trade, and advanced trade certificate, site safety supervisor certificate and the trade related experience. I am hoping to be employed as a CAD operator to an architectural firm or drawing house plans for clients and apply this knowledge and experience to a more stable employment.
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