Sam Shortall's passion for classic cars is a family affair he shares with his father and grandfather. Sam's fascination with cars, particularly those from the 1960s, and his love for all things automotive led him to enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering at UCOL.
Sam's education journey began at Cornerstone Christian School, followed by a year at Feilding Agricultural High School before arriving at UCOL. Sam worked at Affco in Feilding during the school holidays to save up for his first car, a 1966 Singer Vogue.
This vintage car had been lovingly maintained by its previous owner, and Sam fixed a few things and added a few personal touches. His commitment to preserving its original charm earned him a feature in the New Zealand Classic Car magazine, a proud moment highlighting this 17-year-old's passion for vintage cars.
Now in his first year of the
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering at UCOL, Sam describes the course as "fantastic". The program has deepened his understanding of the automotive trade and provided him with a supportive and engaging learning environment under the guidance of his tutor, Hank Hill.
"You have to take the initiative; you can't just go with the flow like in school. If you want it, you have to actually put the effort in and try."
Sam's journey has been challenging. He has faced the difficulties of living with epilepsy, which has affected his memory and delayed his path to obtaining a driver's licence. With the help of medication and a supportive doctor who understands his passion for cars, Sam has not let these obstacles hinder his progress. Instead, he sees them as hurdles to overcome on his way to success, inspiring others with his resilience.
Sam's dedication to his career is evident in his work experience at Power Farming in Feilding. He hopes that gaining practical experience in the automotive field will lead to an apprenticeship and further his career in the industry.