Wood Processing Worker

Daniel: My name is Daniel Hales, I work at Kiwi Lumber as a timber machinist. Kiwi Lumber is a sawmill located in Dannevirke. I had heard about Kiwi Lumber and had a friend working out here so I thought I'd come out and apply for a job.

So my boss came and approached me about doing the apprenticeship and I was really keen to do it. I was interested in doing it because I watched all the guys up on the machine and it looked very hands-on and skilful and it seemed a challenge.

So the apprenticeship lasts approximately three to four years. It consists of four block courses, three weeks at a time in Rotorua, you work on one a year usually. I started about four months ago and I really enjoy it, really enjoy it

This apprenticeship would suit anybody that likes to be hands-on, is skilful and is very patient, definitely. Also somebody that is hardworking and keen to learn new skills every day.

Being a qualified machinist will bring a lot of opportunities to me; moving on from here going anywhere around the country, or even overseas, they're always looking for timber machinists and there's always going to be timber mills.

Personally, there's good money so yeah, I'll be able to buy a house or travel or do whatever.

The greatest advantages of doing this apprenticeship is you earn while you're learning.

The most enjoyable thing is seeing a raw product come in and machining it down to a finished product, for example, decking, weatherboard.

Another reason I like working with Kiwi Lumber is that I come to work and there's a good bunch of guys to work with. Everyone gets along which is a big deal.

I enjoy setting up the machine, it's very technical, you're working with very expensive equipment and it takes a lot of skills.

So far my apprenticeship has been straightforward, but I know that if I had trouble with anything I can ring Competenz and they'd help.I see my account manager from Competenz every three to four months, she's been a great help and who always talks to me and works through things with me.

My apprenticeship means the world to me now with loads of career opportunities in the near future. I'm happy I've taken this timber machinist apprenticeship. Everything starts with a dream.