SPELD NZ Support Unleashes Potential
Andrew Jones had an affinity for science but struggled with literacy at school. SPELD tuition helped him unleash his potential and become a geotechnical technician.
I am a Geotechnical Technician for Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineers, a young innovative company specialising in Structural, Geotechnical, Civil and Fire Engineering as well as some architectural design work. It’s exciting being part of such a dynamic company that is really going places – and the guys I work with are really friendly and very hard working. I am in a geotechnical team of six engineers and technical staff. I hope to slowly gain the necessary experience to become a Principal Engineering Geologist in the future.
SPELD helped me during my primary schooling in Tokoroa, as I suffered from having difficulties with reading, comprehension and writing. My SPELD tutor became aware of my interest the sciences and worked alongside me to tailor the course work so that it wasn’t as ‘heavy’ and to make it interesting to learn. I soon became a book-worm to the point my family constantly had to ‘drag’ me away from the books I was reading, often non-fiction science / nature – related. They still have trouble getting me to pay attention if the book I’m reading is good enough!
I still have trouble with handwriting, but due to the nature of my job, it is not an issue. And, I don’t let it get to me. Even though I needed extra homework and extra tutoring during my early years, I have never felt as if I couldn’t succeed. I really wanted to do well and I just needed a bit more reinforcement.
Success has come in many forms. I successfully gained a Bachelor of Science (Technology) in Environmental Sciences from the University of Waikato in Hamilton, I successfully gained the job at Kirk Roberts, and I have plenty of aspirations and goals for my future. Without the initial support of SPELD however, I don’t think I would have achieved as much as I have in recent years and potentially in the years to come.
“I believe SPELD brings the opportunity to be the best you can be and that opportunity lasts a lifetime.”
