Written by Journalist, Angela Norval - Bundaberg Today, Friday April 30, 2021
Connor Schultz is clear about his future and is getting the skills he needs thanks to a strong support network, at school and through local business.
The Year 11 St Luke’s Anglican School student decided to do a school-based apprenticeship, appreciating it was the best way to further his agricultural learning.
Connor has found it an excellent head start on his future career as a highly-qualified and reputable agricultural diesel mechanic.
He has a lifelong interest in the agricultural industry and as farming goes back through the generations in his family, it was a natural progression for him.
“Both my parents and grandparents and even further back through the generations all have farming backgrounds, and my grandparents still own a cattle farm to this day in the South Burnett,” he said.
“Although there is a family connection, it is also my biggest interest - people joke that farming and machinery is the only thing I talk about.
“I am interested in crops and cattle, and of course the machinery side of things, too.
“One day, my plan is to own my own farm and use John Deere machinery.”
Connor’s dreams of using John Deere are getting closer, considering he is doing a first year apprenticeship with Bundaberg Vanderfield John Deere branch.
“I went into John Deere to ask about work experience and things fell into place rather easily,” he said.
“I organised a week’s work experience in the 2020 Christmas holidays, and after completing that I found that I wanted to have a career in that industry.
“I found that I fit in well with the other workshop staff and I really enjoyed my time.
“The local Bundaberg Vanderfield John Deere branch could not have been more supportive and helpful throughout the introductory process.
“Even though I am still in the early stages of being a first-year apprentice, I have already learnt so much and gained a great deal of experience, already increasing my abilities in mechanical areas.”
But it isn’t all just machinery for Connor, whose subjects at St Luke’s Anglican School will help with the business side of his life, such as economics and accounting.
He has also completed a Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance with a focus on general repairs and maintenance, and has started a drone course which will be useful for property work.
Considering the amount of time this dedicated student has put into his future, you would wonder if he has time for anything else.
Thankfully he still has spare time to go motorbike riding, fishing, driving machinery on farms and fixing motors.
As he looks towards his future, Connor is confident he has many amazing people in his corner.
“Kane Kersnovske has been my go-to teacher for my future career and he could not have been more helpful,” he said.
“We have spent countless lunch hours discussing careers and apprenticeships, and his strong organisational skills have helped incredibly.
“To have these opportunities available means a great deal to me because without them, my future career prospects could be very different.
“I would like to thank my family, the school, and John Deere for all of their help and opportunities in my career.”
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