Christchurch's Quinn Baynon is Terra Cat's new top apprentice after winning the 2023 competition in December.
Quinn first joined Terra in early 2021 after talking to Terra Cat recruitment reps at a high-school careers expo, and joining the team for work experience as a diesel mechanic.
"Terra Cat attracted me with the training and apprenticeship programme it offered, and that was one of the main reasons I joined," he says.
The great thing is they're always looking to keep upskilling you, too; it's not like you're on your own once you're qualified, the training offered to technicians is really good.
Conversations and encouragement from one of Terra's former trainers, Marty Turek, inspired Quinn to give the Top Apprenticeship Programme a shot this year.
"Marty helped me a lot, and he encouraged me to have a crack at the competition.
It's something that looks great on the CV, and it's a great way to see where you're at, and to challenge yourself against other people.
While he flew through the theory and practical stations, Quinn admits the public speaking challenge, where the contestants had to hold a 15-minute presentation in front of an audience, was the toughest part.
"I'm not a huge fan of public speaking, and it was nerve-racking to speak in front of so many people," he explains. "I initially started working on a different topic and it just wasn't coming to me, so I changed subject at the last minute and only finished the presentation the day before we had to speak.
I only talked through it once before I had to get up in front of everyone, but luckily it all went well!
With the New Zealand contest in the bag, Quinn's focus now shifts to Melbourne next year, where he'll go up against international competition.
"I'll probably read my speech a few times to get it down pat, but that's about as much preparation as I can do, as you don't know what you'll be tested on.
It'll be more a case of confirming what I already know and reinforcing the knowledge I have around the processes of health and safety, and contamination control.
And for any prospective apprentices who are considering testing their skills in future Top Apprentice competitions, Quinn has some sage advice: "Just give it a shot. If you don't get through, it's not a bad thing – you've added something extra to your CV and you can be proud you took the opportunity to extend yourself."
The 2023 Top Apprentice finalists – Quinn Baynon, Adam Sivewright and Rizan Mohammed
