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CAD Training a Springboard to Diverse Careers

January 16, 2013

Architectural Technician – Dominic Busck

Former furniture maker Dominic Busck played to his strong suit in retraining as an architectural technician.

From Haumoana, Dominic loves design and the practical challenges involved in constructing things but he could see that imports were chipping away at New Zealand’s furniture making industry.   While looking for a new career direction, he wasn’t enthusiastic about the prospect of having to retrain in his mid-thirties. 

“I didn’t like school and didn’t do particularly well, so I didn’t consider myself a studying type of person.  A friend told me that was a complete cop-out and to just get on with it.”

That spurred Dominic into enrolling for EIT’s Diploma in Design Technology (CAD), and when he completed the qualification four years ago, he wanted to shake his friend’s hand and thank him for his advice.

The father of three loved his time at EIT and achieved straight As.

“It was extraordinarily hard work, and I was regularly studying to midnight and beyond.  But I’d tell anyone else thinking about going back to study that it’s a great thing to do if your eyes are open and you realise it’s going to be hard work.”  

Dominic feels the more mature students in his mixed age class added to the dynamic. 

“They were intent on learning and were motivated to ask questions and discuss things.  They also wanted to ensure their study dollars were well spent, and the younger ones benefitted from seeing that.”

First-year diploma students develop skills in using CAD tools and drafting techniques.  In their second year, they learn how to manage design projects using CAD technology, specialising in either engineering or architecture. 

Dominic took the architecture option and now, with study behind him, he combines his role at Paris Magdalinos Architects Ltd with working one day a week for furniture maker Peter Maclean in Clive. 

From Napier, Justin Magon also chose architecture as a second-year option but because the CAD training is flexible, he was able to move into an engineering-oriented job as a thermal energy plant designer.  

Plant Designer – Justin Magon

Programme coordinator Glen Fowler says the diploma offers job opportunities in mechanical design and civil engineering as well as in industrial design and architecture.

Justin’s strengths at high school were design technology and technical drawing.  Looking for a career path that would set me up for the future and hopefully develop through the years, he says his Diploma in Design Technology helped him into the energy industry. 

“The opportunities that EIT offers students are practical and relate to actual job prospects.”

Living at home in Napier while at EIT, he didn’t incur the costs associated with study in a big city.

Having gained his qualification, the 26-year-old now has a clear vision of where he is heading.    Working locally, he is also able to make the most of his favourite pastimes – working out at the gym, mucking around with cars, listening to music and spending time with friends and family.

And the job is satisfying his love of travel, taking him around New Zealand and also to Australia.