10 October 2023
McKay’s Recent Graduate Hires
BARNEY COOPER (ELECTRICAL ENGINEER)
Barney graduated in September 2019 with a Bachelor and Diploma in Electrical Engineering Majoring in Power Engineering. He also managed to complete his trade as a qualified Electrician.
What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? Being able to complete various electrical design tasks according to project specification, standards and electrical regulations. It’ s been a massive learning experience to see how projects are handled from a different perspective, from coming off the tools to an electrical design position. I’m constantly learning and come across challenges on a day to day basis! Where do you see yourself in the future? Continue to broaden my experience within the electrical design and engineering field. What/who inspires you? I draw my inspiration from my whanau and loved ones What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? If in doubt, ask. Never be afraid to ask questions What is your favourite quote? “Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei“ “Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head let it be to a lofty mountain” One of the go to Whakataukī that I’m quite fond of. Outlines the importance of working hard to achieve your goals, but also the perseverance to overcome any obstacles that may arise
Barney graduated in September 2019 with a Bachelor and Diploma in Electrical Engineering Majoring in Power Engineering. He also managed to complete his trade as a qualified Electrician.
What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? Being able to complete various electrical design tasks according to project specification, standards and electrical regulations. It’ s been a massive learning experience to see how projects are handled from a different perspective, from coming off the tools to an electrical design position. I’m constantly learning and come across challenges on a day to day basis! Where do you see yourself in the future? Continue to broaden my experience within the electrical design and engineering field. What/who inspires you? I draw my inspiration from my whanau and loved ones What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? If in doubt, ask. Never be afraid to ask questions What is your favourite quote? “Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei“ “Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head let it be to a lofty mountain” One of the go to Whakataukī that I’m quite fond of. Outlines the importance of working hard to achieve your goals, but also the perseverance to overcome any obstacles that may arise
ELIZABETH PACE (FINANCE INTERN)
Elizabeth graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Accounting. What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I’ve learned a lot about the construction industry at McKay so far. It was never an industry I saw myself in, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about the different complexities that the industry brings. I have also had the opportunity to work with various people in the management team, I have learnt a lot from them about business management and what it takes to keep the wheels of a company turning. Where do you see yourself in the future? Learning is one of my passions, so in the future I hope to be a position where I can continue to learn and grow. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like yet, but I’m looking forward to finding out What/who inspires you? I’m inspired by other people and their stories. I like listening to other people’s perspectives and hearing about their journeys. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? To other graduates, I would say to remember that it’s not always about what you do but the people you do it with. What is your favourite quote? “Be thankful in all circumstances.”
Elizabeth graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Accounting. What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I’ve learned a lot about the construction industry at McKay so far. It was never an industry I saw myself in, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about the different complexities that the industry brings. I have also had the opportunity to work with various people in the management team, I have learnt a lot from them about business management and what it takes to keep the wheels of a company turning. Where do you see yourself in the future? Learning is one of my passions, so in the future I hope to be a position where I can continue to learn and grow. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like yet, but I’m looking forward to finding out What/who inspires you? I’m inspired by other people and their stories. I like listening to other people’s perspectives and hearing about their journeys. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? To other graduates, I would say to remember that it’s not always about what you do but the people you do it with. What is your favourite quote? “Be thankful in all circumstances.”
GAVIN INVERARITY (AUTOMATION ENGINEER)
Gavin graduated in November 2018 with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Majoring in Mechatronics What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I’ve learnt a lot about the Design, Implementation and Commissioning of Automation processes which McKay handles in the North Island, including reservoir tanks, pump stations, water treatment plants and waste-water treatment plants. Where do you see yourself in the future? Continuing to learn and upskill into a senior position. What/who inspires you? It’s inspiring to be a part of a team that provides solutions to people’s problems. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? Don’t stop chasing your goals. What is your favourite quote? “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Gavin graduated in November 2018 with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Majoring in Mechatronics What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I’ve learnt a lot about the Design, Implementation and Commissioning of Automation processes which McKay handles in the North Island, including reservoir tanks, pump stations, water treatment plants and waste-water treatment plants. Where do you see yourself in the future? Continuing to learn and upskill into a senior position. What/who inspires you? It’s inspiring to be a part of a team that provides solutions to people’s problems. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? Don’t stop chasing your goals. What is your favourite quote? “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
SOFAIA GRIBBEN (MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT)
Sofaia graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Communications, Majoring in Digital Media and Minoring in Public Relations. What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I have learnt that no two days are the same, and that there is plenty of room to grow at your career at McKay. Where do you see yourself in the future? In a job that I love, happy with life and hopefully not paying rent. What/who inspires you? I get inspiration from my parents, especially my Mum, as she is the most hard working, genuine person I know. She has taught me that there is no limit on what you can achieve regardless of who you are, what you might have and where you come from. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, a job that you didn’t expect to work in usually are the ones that bring the most opportunities. What is your favourite quote? “If you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose”.- Dr. Seuss
Sofaia graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Communications, Majoring in Digital Media and Minoring in Public Relations. What have you learnt from working at McKay so far? I have learnt that no two days are the same, and that there is plenty of room to grow at your career at McKay. Where do you see yourself in the future? In a job that I love, happy with life and hopefully not paying rent. What/who inspires you? I get inspiration from my parents, especially my Mum, as she is the most hard working, genuine person I know. She has taught me that there is no limit on what you can achieve regardless of who you are, what you might have and where you come from. What advice can you give other graduates entering the workforce? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, a job that you didn’t expect to work in usually are the ones that bring the most opportunities. What is your favourite quote? “If you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose”.- Dr. Seuss
