Young Machinist follows Father's footsteps

Kartik Ram always knew he wanted to work with machines, just like his father.

The 19-year-old from Nakasi graduated from Montfort Boys Town on Saturday with his Certificate Level 3 in Fitting and Machining, following in the footsteps of his father who completed Class One in the same trade.

“He inspired me to do the heavy jobs, machining,” Ram said. “I learned from him.”

His dedication paid off quickly. Ram will begin work as a machinist operating lathe machines tomorrow.

A lathe machine is industrial equipment used to shape metal or wood by rotating the material against cutting tools.

But the journey was far from easy. As a hostel boarder, Ram worked on the school farm caring for cattle alongside his studies.

“We don’t have rest because we have to work all the time,” he said.

“I was looking after the cow. It’s not an easy job. Every time it runs out from the fence.”

Those early mornings and long days taught him valuable lessons.

“We should work hard in our young age, not to relax,” Ram said.

His family turned out in force for the ceremony, with his parents, uncles and grandfather all present to witness his achievement.

Ram’s message to students considering vocational training was straightforward: “Study hard and try to be one of the graduates.”

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