Press Release: EVolocity thrilled to announce renewed partnership with Etco
EVolocity is more than a STEM Programme. We are developing future generations of engineers,
technicians, technology innovators and entrepreneurs. New Zealand needs a highly skilled workforce
to deliver sustainable infrastructure and clean transportation. EVolocity provides practical hands-on
engineering learning as well as career pathways for young New Zealanders. Together with our partners
and sponsors we are investing in our young people and in our country’s future.
Sarah Fitzgerald, CEO of EVolocity says, “EVolocity is thrilled to announce a renewed partnership
with Etco (The Electrical Training Company). Their generous sponsorship allows us to accelerate our
impact for the future of young Kiwis and Aotearoa. With a strong component of electrical
engineering in the EVolocity programme, Etco is a natural fit to provide exciting career pathways for
EVolocity students as they transition to employment. Working together, we can help address New
Zealand’s significant shortage of electricians and engineers.”
Fitzgerald says, “As a leading educator and employer in the electrical industry, Etco provides
invaluable opportunities to our rangatahi beyond school, in a thriving industry. We are grateful for
their support and look forward to seeing our partnership make a difference.”
Jeremy Sole, Etco CEO says, “We’re delighted to be returning as a platinum sponsor of EVolocity
because it’s such an obvious partnership. Both our organisations are focussed on inspiring and
supporting young New Zealanders to recognise the potential and possibilities of careers in the
electrical sector.”
Sole says, “We both recognise and celebrate innovation such as EVs and are committed to taking our
message to young Kiwis nationwide. At Etco, we know university is never the only option for smart
young New Zealanders and the work EVolocity does helps to reinforce that. We believe that the
university vs trades conversation should focus on these as sequential rather than ‘and/or’.
Employers tell us they are hungry for graduate engineers with electrical trades experience and
qualifications.”
END
For further information: Sarah Fitzgerald, CEO EVolocity sarah@evolocity.co.nz
or Jo Morgan, Head of Partnerships EVolocity +64 27 3273356 or jo.morgan@evolocity.co.nz
About EVolocity
Our Mission: Develop the next generation of engineers, technology innovators and entrepreneurs to
accelerate New Zealand’s transition to electric vehicles and clean transportation, and a more
sustainable future.
Our Vision: To provide young people with a practical learning programme which stimulates and
embraces innovation, inspires them to pursue subjects and careers in STEM, and leads New Zealand
towards electric vehicle uptake.
Our secondary school programme helps to engage, provide some direction forward and retain youth in
school and learning. EVolocity is an exciting platform which entices students with diverse interests to
conceive of and design and build an electric vehicle. Teams are typically not just made up of students
interested in science/technology/engineering. We know that students who are uncertain about their
future path have found some direction from their involvement or regained an interest in school. Our
tertiary and trade related partners are keen to engage with our young participants offering education
or work placement opportunities.
In 2021, we had 700 participants registered from 101 schools with 173 teams from 8 regions;
Wellington, Canterbury, Waikato, Auckland, Taranaki, Manawatu/Whanganui, Bay of Plenty/Rotorua
and Nelson. We are on track for similar participation this year. Nationally, around 26% of students taking
part identify as Māori or Pasifika. There are a growing number of girls participating, approximately 18%
of our participants. We are working towards encouraging increased participation from these groups of
rangitahi.
More information can be found on EVolocity at www.evolocity.co.nz
Check out these videos to learn more:
EVolocity: What are we all about?
Sir Edmund Hillary Middle School: EVolocity Project 2021 (EarthCare Award Winners)
About Etco
Etco (the Electrical Training Company) is New Zealand’s leading provider of employment and training
for electrical apprentices. We currently employ 960 apprentices and place them with electrical
companies and contractors through our group apprenticeship scheme. We employ an additional 300
new apprentices every year as the final year cohort’s graduate.
We also provide training courses to ensure apprentices and qualified electricians are able to work
with new and emerging technologies. We are 100% owned by the Master Electricians Association,
the industry association for New Zealand electrical contractors. Established in 1991, we operate as a
not-for-profit charity with our surpluses channelled back into developing industry training.
Etco is always looking for enthusiastic students with drive and commitment. In return, we offer
security of employment even during downturns. We provide off-job academic tutoring and place our
apprentices with electrical host companies for their on-job learning, supporting them every step of
the way through their apprenticeship. We have invested in the most sophisticated technology to support our learners, including our $1million-plus online Student Learning and Management Systems which enable apprentices to access all they need online to manage and keep track of their learning.
All training costs are covered by Etco. Apprentices also receive a wide range of benefits, including
free Southern Cross health insurance and AA membership and access to the Switched-On employee
support programme, which provides comprehensive and confidential support and advice 24/7, and
discount schemes.
More information can be found on Etco at www.etco.co.nz
