From Dairy to Diesel
At TransAg, apprenticeships are not just a staffing solution—they’re a long-term investment in the industry’s future. Finding the right apprentice can have a big impact on a business, bringing fresh energy, innovation, and a hunger to learn that can boost an entire team. For Brian Lett, Workshop Service Manager at TransAg Palmerston North, this impact became clear when he met Malone James, an apprentice diesel mechanic whose enthusiasm and determination quickly set him apart.
Malone, who comes from a background in the dairy sector, first reached out to Brian by phone to enquire about the possibility of an apprenticeship. While he didn’t have a great deal of experience, his clear and genuine passion for the industry were quickly apparent to Brian, leading him to offer Malone an interview. “It was clearly more than just a job for Malone, it was an opportunity to gain valuable life skills while beginning a career.”
After speaking to both Malone and his then-manager, who was admittedly reluctant to let him go, Brian was confident that Malone possessed all the necessary qualities not only to succeed as an apprentice, but to excel within the industry as a whole. “He had all the right attributes to be someone special—a model young adult for others to look up to.”
Fast forward to today, and Malone has been at TransAg for two and a half years. He has continued to surpass expectations as he works towards completing his apprenticeship.
Brian continues to be impressed by the confidence Malone shows when asking questions and his effective engagement with his mentors. “Malone knows what he wants but he also knows how to get it. You get out what you put in, and Malone’s initiative and attitude make it easy for the team to invest their time and knowledge in him.”
Wanting apprentices to feel comfortable asking questions is one thing, but cultivating an environment where that’s encouraged is another. Brian explains that TransAg works hard to create a space that champions an ethos of camaraderie, ensuring staff have the opportunity not only to work, but to learn.
“There are a lot of young people who won’t put their hand up and say ‘I don’t know’ because it makes them feel small. It’s important they feel safe enough to seek guidance.” Malone himself has become a key player in establishing this culture, taking on something of a big brother role—leading from the front and offering guidance where needed.
Brian believes that Malone is a testament to what can be achieved in an industry where curiosity, drive, and a willingness to learn often outweigh experience. As he nears the completion of his apprenticeship, Malone continues to demonstrate the qualities that first caught Brian’s attention: initiative, confidence, and a genuine love for the work, making him not just a successful apprentice, but a role model for others entering the field.
