Tutor Chris Heydenrych has been working with students at the YMCA youth training programme at Intranz in Castlecliff for three months now.
The course provides young trainees with welding, machining, light fabrication such as sheet-metal working, automotive, plumbing and gas fitting, and electrical skills.
Previously a tutor of applied engineering at UCOL, Mr Heydenrych also taught a transition to tertiary course for school leavers and says he enjoys inspiring young learners.
"The future of young people is in their own hands - our job is to encourage them to believe in themselves," he says.
Mr Heydenrych and his wife Aniki moved from South Africa four and a half years ago and live at Rongotea.