In collision repair, things don’t always line up straight away—and similarly Neo Bragg’s journey into the trade took a few adjustments.
Completing MITO’s StartUp Ignition – Automotive micro-credential while a student at Aurora College in 2019, Neo was quick to gain his first apprenticeship the next year.
“I loved it, it was a really good experience,” Neo said. “And it's good to leave school and have a trade to get started with.”
Like many apprentices, Neo started with the basics—cleaning, prepping, and learning the ropes. The first unexpected challenge came in his very first week on the job: New Zealand went into COVID-19 lockdown.
But he kept going, building skills and experience across a wide range of jobs—from cars and buses to restorations and heavy vehicles.
“I definitely love my trucks,” Neo says. Along with owning his own truck, Neo enjoys the variety that come into the workshop: “I love working on all these bigger trucks and all the machinery.”
Neo completed the New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing (Level 3), and was at least 80% through his Level 4, when life took another unexpected turn.
This time, a personal loss and a refocus on his priorities led to Neo stepping away from the trade for a time, trying to find his footing again.
That’s where an existing connection came back into play.
Neo first met Camden Patterson in 2019. Neo was getting underway with MITO’s StartUp school programme, and Cam was completing his Level 3 and 4 qualifications in Collision Repair.
In the years since, Cam had since started his own business, Patterson Panel & Paint. Feeling overwhelmed and concerned about his own discipline while working solo, Cam saw potential in Neo as a source of shared motivation.
What followed was a turning point—not just professionally, but personally as well.
“Cam definitely gave me a big push to come back to the industry.”
Taking Neo on as an apprentice, Cam supported him to finish what he’d started. Neo completed his qualification in October 2025, earning the New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair Non-Structural Repair (Level 4).
Cam also found balance in his own role, including a reason to be on time in the morning.
“As soon as Neo was there, it was just so much better to have someone else to work with,” Cam says.
Today, Neo’s days are dynamic—moving between Cam’s two workshops, taking on different challenges, and continuing to build his skills.
Neo’s story highlights the value of persistence, support, and having the right people around you at the right time.
