2023

Benjamin Yates

Waikato

I’d like to first express my gratitude for awarding me the Geoff Walsh Memorial Scholarship. It’s been such a huge help. ​

Returning to study after being a fitter welder for seven years was a challenging task; the financial aid has allowed me to continue full-time study. Currently, I am in the last semester of my diploma program, and I plan to continue to complete my BEngTech Mechanical. This would not have been an option without the assistance I have received.

The idea to become an HVE came from a local customer who brought in a lot of work, and at first, I thought I couldn’t do that. But he mentioned it again after a project he had given me to design - two units with quick swappable bodies from a stock unit to a milk tanker. It was then I realised that I really enjoyed the problem solving of how everything is going to work. It sparked the interest of gaining the technical knowledge, not only for what I was doing as a fitter welder but becoming a problem solver.

Without the help and support of the heavy transport community I wouldn’t be studying.

I’m absolutely loving my studies. I can’t wait to get out there in this industry. I truly think I’ve found the lifetime career. I can’t thank you enough for making this journey I’m on possible.​