Fresh start paves way to gaining award

A move to New Zealand and a drastic career change has led a Rotorua resident to find his passion- and win an award.
Mechanical engineer Sam Baylosis, 37, won the Waiariki Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year Award this year, after being nominated by his Rotorua employer, Patchell Stainless.
"I was so happy, ecstatic. It's confirmation I'm doing the right thing."
Mr Baylosis is from the Philippines, where he worked in a medical clinic after gaining two Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and nursing.
"None of it was my passion."
When he came to New Zealand in January 2008 with his wife Rose and their two children, he decided to make a fresh start and become a mechanical engineer.
Now he is completing a three-year apprenticeship in light fabrication mechanical engineering through Competenz, the New Zealand engineering, food and manufacturing industry training organisation.
"I was given a chance by God to do what I love most. I got what I want."
In February 2008 Mr Baylosis began a one-year welding and fabricating course at Waiariki Institute of Technology. He started working part-time for Patchell in June 2008 and began his apprenticeship when his course was finished.
"I like it better than any other job. I get a smile when I wake up and I want to go to work."
Patchell Stainless specialises in building milk tankers, but also does other metal work such as smokers, spits, metal racks, range hoods, benches, fences and gates.
"What's good about the workshop is we do it all from start to finish."
The firm's engineers work on a project from beginning to end, rather than having a production line in which each engineer always makes the same part for a project.
Baylosis described his work a a kind of art, saying it was satisfying seeing each finished project.
"Some people do sculpture and painting. I express my art in metal craft."
He also enjoys living in New Zealand saying it is the best place to bring up children and the whole family enjoys living in Rotorua.
"It's close to everything, close to the snow, close to the beach, close to everything you want."
Patchell general manager Colin Patchell said he was "absolutely stoked" at Mr Baylosis' success. He nominated his employee for the award because he is a great apprentice and has some very good skills.
"He's attentive, he listens, he follows instruction and has a brain in his head."