EDUCATION LINKS CASE STUDY

A Bachelor of Engineering Technology: the perfect way for Amy to achieve her goals

In her mid-twenties and with a new baby daughter, Amy Pauling decided that she needed something more than a science diploma and a job as a lab technician. Amy found the BEngTech - the perfect way for her to achieve her goals.

In her mid-twenties and with a new baby daughter, Amy Pauling decided that she needed something more than a science diploma and a job as a lab technician.

After trying out university and discovering the fit just wasn’t right, Amy found that WelTec’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology qualification (BEngTech) was the perfect way for her to achieve her goals.

At school, Amy really enjoyed sciences – especially biology – and after finishing Year 12 she completed a science diploma at the local polytech. Unfortunately her qualification didn’t land her the job she was looking for. Time spent flipping burgers wasn’t exactly the employment outcome she was expecting.

Time for a rethink and a change of tack, and Amy is now thoroughly enjoying her second year of study in the BEngTech at WelTec.

The BEngTech is a three-year degree programme, offered mainly at ITPs, and it forms the basis for a career as an Engineering Technologist – an area in huge demand across the country and around the world.

Amy is enrolled in the Civil Engineering major, which gives her the opportunity to learn about and indulge in her passion for water quality. Ultimately, Amy wants to work as a water engineer and she’s well on the way to making that dream a reality.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but Amy says the people at WelTec have made it work for her. Prior to enrolling she found that she lacked the maths credits and background needed for the BEngTech. But the programme coordinators at the Engineering School agreed all she needed was to complete an extra maths paper from the NZDE qualification (rather than do the entire Diploma).

Having the right prerequisites does make it simpler: in particular get into maths and physics at school, Amy recommends.

Amy is really enjoying the practical side of the qualification – computer modelling and hydrology especially - as well as the real-world application of her learning.

Amy would certainly recommend engineering for anyone who likes maths and enjoys problem-solving. “It changes the way you look at everything” Amy says; “you just think in a different way”.

If you would like to know more, contact us on . Our thanks to Amy for her time and advice.

October 2014