Connor McFetridge recently started his apprenticeship with LPC and over the next four and a half years he will study to become a qualified heavy diesel mechanic.

His road to the apprenticeship started at CityDepot in August last year as a forkhoist driver.

Having lived in Lyttelton most of his life, Connor knew the Port would be a great place to work.

“I moved here when I was two, so I’m not quite a local, but growing up here definitely influenced my decision to join LPC,” says Connor.

“My Dad is also part of the Lyttelton Volunteer Fire Brigade, along with many other LPC employees, so I’ve heard lots about the Port.”

After six months at CityDepot, Connor took up the opportunity to become a PRP at Lyttelton.

He then reached out to the Maintenance team to express his interest in becoming a mechanic.

“I did a day in the life with the team in May and it made me realise that this is what I want to do,” says Connor.

Connor’s passion for all things machine started about 10 years ago.

“I remember watching an episode of Top Gear, when they torture tested a Toyota Hilux to test its claimed indestructability and that got me interested in cars,” says Connor.

Now a few months into his training, he is learning something new every day.

“I’m just looking forward to all of it,” says Connor. “At the moment, I’m helping to service straddles to get my head around the equipment we have here.

“In many ways they are similar to cars and trucks, you’re just 15 meters in the air.”

Connor says he’s also been taking the things he has learnt into his own life.

“I spend a lot of time working on my own cars and I’m currently working on my ute, so it’s handy to bring the skills I learn, like the theory around engines, and apply it to my own,” says Connor.

So far, he says the best thing about LPC is the wealth of knowledge here.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has been really nice and super approachable – it’s a great place to learn,” says Connor.