Hayley Yates loves the applied style of learning at Otago Polytechnic.

Born and raised in Dunedin, Hayley is studying the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3).

“I chose Otago Polytechnic because it offered exactly what I wanted to study and it’s close to where I live 

“Mechanical Engineering is super hands-on. Instead of just reading about the subject, you experience what it’d be like if you were working.

“It’s perfect for me,” says Hayley, who developed an interest in welding and machinery when she was around 10 or 11 years old.

Hayley says her dream job would be a stainless steel welder working at Speight’s Brewery.

In the meantime, however, she’s working on her lathe skills, machining a screw bottle jack.

“It’s been good learning everything the lathe has to offer. And a highlight would have to be working with fancy welding equipment.  

“But, as far as challenges go, there haven’t been too many – because people are so willing to help.

“Being 5-foot 4-inches tall, and not incredibly strong, I need some help with the heavy lifting. Luckily for me, everyone is more than happy to help.”