NZDF Scholarship Winner Named

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Drilling School graduate and NZDF scholarship winner Gracin Meyer-Budge says signing-up for the drilling programme in 2014 has set him up for a fantastic future.

A Wanaka local, Gracin enrolled in the West Coast-based Certificate in Drilling - Non-Hydrocarbon (Driller’s Assistant) in early 2014 and was later awarded the New Zealand Drilling Federation (NZDF) scholarship for the top student on the programme. He is now employed by McNeill Drilling at their Alexandra branch and works on sites all around the South Island.

“I had just finished school in 2013 and was interested in geology but didn’t really want to go to university. A family friend, who works in the Australian drilling industry, mentioned the Tai Poutini course to me and I just went from there. I really enjoyed it, I learned heaps.

“If you’re thinking of doing the course, I’d say definitely get in to it. I’ve got a great job and I get to travel around the country working on all sorts of projects. You have to like being out in all sorts of weather, but there are plenty of great career opportunities ahead.”

TPP Programme Leader Drilling Michele Cox says Gracin was chosen as the NZDF scholarship winner as he showed great potential. “He impressed us as being a very practical and talented young man; a quick learner who thinks ahead and plans well.”

Michele says TPP’s drilling programme is popular with job-seekers, from all walks of life, looking to get a foot-hold in this diverse industry. “No one else offers drilling training in New Zealand and we have a close relationship with industry. Drilling companies support the programme by taking on TPP graduates at the end of each intake.

“Our graduates are well regarded in the industry and can be found in a number of companies both in New Zealand and Australia,” she says. It’s not too late for people to enrol in the next three-and-a-half month, West Coast based drilling programme, starting 15 June.