Tokoroa student Ricco Hikuroa has received a Swift scholarship to help him train to be a mechanical engineer.
Tokoroa student Ricco Hikuroa has received a Swift scholarship to help him train to be a mechanical engineer.
Fresh out of high school, Tokoroa local Ricco Hikorua has found his calling as an automotive mechanic.
Ricco graduated from Year 12 at Tokoroa High School last year and was inspired to take up automotive engineering by his father Dylan’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala that he enters into low rider competitions and his uncle Leon’s old school Holdens he uses for drag racing.
After a “taster course” at school, Ricco was hooked.
“I worked at DM Automotive for six months after school. I just walked in there and asked if I could work for free and the owner Dylan Raynel took me on. Working there really sparked my interest.”
The scholarship has gone towards the $8000 fees with Ricco paying the $3000 balance.
He said his mum Elaine spotted the scholarship opportunity. Even though the application process wasn’t easy for him, he encouraged anyone who wants to study to apply.
“It’s a big help for your fees. To anyone who is applying, I would say use all your resources. If you have experience put that in. Show that you are worthy. You have to sell yourself. Get good references.”
Ricco received a reference from Tokoroa High School Gateway and Trades co-ordinator Dianne Collins who said he has a “wonderful hands-on aptitude” and a quiet but engaged personality.
Personal referee Raiven Trainor said Ricco had shown a consistent interest in vehicles and had an impressive work ethic, consistently putting in effort to achieve his goals.
Ricco already has a big goal for the future: Opening his own engineering workshop. However, the next step would be an apprenticeship.
“I want to get this pre-trade ticket so I can go to Australia to look for an apprenticeship. My auntie lives over there on the Gold Coast. I’ve never travelled overseas before so it’s a big step.
Ricco Hikorua already has a big goal for the future: Opening his own engineering workshop.
“DM Automotive services light vehicles. I’d like to start an apprenticeship working on light vehicles and then get on to diesel vehicles like trucks and tractors.”
Swift scholarships are only available to South Waikato District residents.
Launched in 2023, the $50,000 scholarship scheme helps locals of all ages with their tertiary education at a university, polytechnic or whare wananga.
The programme was not only for school leavers, Swift said, as they also endorsed “whole of life” education and welcomed applicants who are in employment looking to upskill, applicants who are looking to reintegrate into the job market or applicants looking for employment in another industry sector, by upskilling.
