In the latest episode of the Pick a Path podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Bracewell, the Skills Partnership Manager at SOREC (Southern Otago Regional Engineering Collective). As part of Business South, SOREC is dedicated to providing young people with exciting alternative career paths in the engineering sector. Our conversation focused on the innovative ways SOREC is achieving this goal.
A Journey Through Diverse Career Paths
James shared his unconventional career journey, highlighting the importance of exploring various roles and industries. From studying economics to working in gold exploration, aluminium joinery, and pest control, his diverse experiences have equipped him to guide young people in discovering their own unique career paths. In his current role at SOREC, James helps students explore opportunities they might not have considered while still in school. "All of those opportunities and careers that I've had, and jobs that I've worked, have been quite varied and not ones I even knew about at school," he said.
The Mission of SOREC
SOREC, established by industry for industry, aims to ensure the sustainability of engineering in the region. By fostering collaboration and sharing resources, SOREC creates pathways for students to gain hands-on experience in engineering. James’s work focuses on developing young talent, creating educational pathways, and advocating for the engineering sector, ensuring a steady stream of skilled professionals for the future. "We were set up to just ensure the sustainability of engineering in the region," James explained.
Diverse Opportunities in Engineering
Engineering is a vast and diverse field, offering numerous career paths for students with different interests and learning styles. James emphasised that whether it’s construction, infrastructure, boat building, or even rocket science, there is a place for everyone in the engineering industry. The key is to find what excites each student and connect them with local companies that align with their interests. "There is an opportunity in the sector for them," he stated.
Hands-On Experience Through the SOREC Academy
The SOREC Academy plays a crucial role in helping students determine if a career in engineering is right for them. By introducing various career opportunities and linking students with companies that match their interests, the Academy provides invaluable hands-on experience. Students are encouraged to try different companies and roles, gaining exposure to various aspects of engineering, which helps them discover their passion and potential career paths. "We encourage young people to go into a company and try it for a few weeks and then try another company and another company," James said.
Success Stories and Community Collaboration
One of the standout success stories from the SOREC Academy is that of a young lady from Trinity College who had little engineering knowledge. After a placement with Farrah Engineering, she secured an apprenticeship and now works there as an apprentice. This story highlights the impact of providing students with opportunities to explore and challenge themselves, leading to fulfilling careers.
James also discussed the importance of working closely with local schools and businesses to create seamless opportunities for students. By removing barriers and facilitating easy access to work experience, SOREC ensures that students can explore different industries without hindrance.
Addressing Misconceptions About Engineering
A common misconception about engineering is that it is a narrow field, particularly mechanical engineering. In reality, engineering is a broad industry accessible to people from diverse backgrounds. James emphasised that engineering is about solving problems, and the more diverse the team, the better the solutions. He stressed that there are career opportunities for everyone in engineering, regardless of their background or learning style. "The more diversity you have and the more creative minds that you have in that industry, then the more solutions you have for the same problem," he remarked.
Advice for Parents and Young People
James encouraged parents to use available resources to help their children explore different industries. Young people must try various roles to see what fits them best. This exploration helps them make informed decisions about their future careers. For young people considering a career in engineering, James advised gaining hands-on experience through work placements to determine if the industry is the right fit for them. "It's crucial for young people to just explore all of those things that you wish you had done when you were younger," he suggested.
This discussion highlights the importance of providing young people with diverse career exploration opportunities, particularly in the engineering sector. By fostering hands-on experiences and challenging traditional pathways, SOREC and initiatives like the SOREC Academy are paving the way for the next generation of engineers.
Thank you again James Bracewell for sharing your insights and experiences. Your dedication to fostering young talent and creating pathways in the engineering sector is truly inspiring. For those interested in learning more about SOREC and the opportunities it offers, visit sorec.org.nz.
To listen to this episode or any other episodes of the Pick a Path podcast, head to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, OAR FM or visit https://www.pickapath.co.nz/.
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