EVolocity’s CEO Sarah Fitzgerald says, "EVolocity is more than a STEM Program, 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."
EVolocity is a charity with a Mission is to grow young people’s interest in science, technology and engineering and to show them that there are actions they can take and decisions they can make that will have a positive impact on climate change and our environment. EVolocity is a pathway to qualifications- in particular, it is a tool to support vocational pathways in the manufacturing & technology sectors. 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 participants offering education or work placement opportunities.
Our programme is active in 8 regions throughout New Zealand: Auckland, Bay of Plenty/Rotorua, Waikato, Manawatu/ Whanganui, Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson, Canterbury. Being an EVolocity mentor empowers young people to become the best versions of themselves. Mentors introduce new ways of thinking, challenging any limiting assumptions, sharing valuable life lessons & more. Have you been thinking about giving back to your local community? Would you like to teach, inspire our rangatahi as they build electric vehicles? You may be a STEM teacher, engineer, welder, mechanic, electrician, project manager, skilled in Arduino, CAD Design. You could be retired or still working in your field of expertise. We will match you with a school/team in your area.
Mentors are expected to have the technical knowledge and practical experience required to support a school team with the build of an electric kart. Whilst the barrier for entry is fairly moderate in this respect, it is expected that the mentor will reach out to EVolocity for technical support/training, conduct their own research, or up-skill themselves if they discover a gap in their knowledge. A successful outcome for the students may heavily depend on the advice given to them throughout the mentoring sessions.
