Tutor Chris Heydenrych has been working with students at the YMCA youth training programme at Intranz in Castlecliff for three months now.
The course provides young trainees with welding, machining, light fabrication such as sheet-metal working, automotive, plumbing and gas fitting, and electrical skills.
Previously a tutor of applied engineering at UCOL, Mr Heydenrych also taught a transition to tertiary course for school leavers and says he enjoys inspiring young learners.
"The future of young people is in their own hands - our job is to encourage them to believe in themselves," he says.
Mr Heydenrych and his wife Aniki moved from South Africa four and a half years ago and live at Rongotea.
"Aniki is a speech and language therapist and she works with young people who have auditory processing disorders so we both share a passion for working with youth," he said.
The couple have four grown children pursuing careers in architecture and psychology and one daughter works as a goldsmith jeweller.
"We equipped them to follow their career aspirations and be the best they can be which is what every young person needs," said Mr Heydenrych
He says the 40 minute drive to work does not bother him as it is good thinking and planning time.
Mr Heydenrych replaces Dave Richie who worked at Intranz for five years, spending his week days in Wanganui and returning home to Wellington at weekends.
Intranz (Industry Training School New Zealand) opened in 2010 as a joint partnership between industry representative group Lean Wanganui, Wanganui YMCA and the Wanganui District Council.
Graduates leave the course with a level 2 certificate in mechanical engineering and several graduates are working for Wanganui businesses.