Chris Rea
CAREERS CORNER
Former WHS students contributing to the Hokitika community:
Chris Rea
Industry: Automotive Engineering
Business: Hokitika Automotive
Attended Westland High School: 1993 – 1996
Vocational Pathway
- Introduced to automotive industry through a video conferencing course while at WHS working with Mr Bruce White
- Attended Tai Poutini Polytechnic Automotive Pre-Trade Course https://tpp.ac.nz/
- Started his automotive apprenticeship with Bill McKowen at Hokitika Service Station, Stafford St (site of St John’s Ambulance now)
- Moved to Cable Price, Greymouth, then Cable Price, Christchurch
- Returned to Cable Price, Greymouth as the Service Manager
- 11 years ago bought Hokitika Automotive
- Has supported WHS with Gateway and Work experience placements
- Has now started up a company called “Chat and Communications”
Chris has now three trades – Heavy vehicle transport – Light auto engineering – Auto electrical
Find out more:
https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/engineering/automotive/automotive-technician/
https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/engineering/automotive/automotive-electrician/
Chris’s Community involvement included trustee and Chair of WHS Board of Trustees, Tai Poutini Polytechnic Board and Deputy Chair of Radio Frequency Users Association NZ
Chris’s advice to students: Be confident.
- Never listen to those who tell you that you are not capable of doing something
- Surround yourself with those who can and learn from them
- Satisfaction and achievement is about leadership and what you can do in the community.
