A Proud Moment: Carlos Vailoa’s Journey From Dilworth College to a Tesla Apprenticeship

At Puatala, everything we do is grounded in a simple belief: our Māori and Pacific rangatahi deserve real opportunities and real pathways into industries that can sometimes feel out of reach.

One of those rangatahi is Carlos Vailoa, a Year 12 student from Dilworth College.

From the very beginning, Carlos stood out. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, communicated clearly, and treated everyone with genuine respect. He was well-liked by his peers, quick to learn, and thoughtful in the way he engaged with others. Even in those early moments, it was clear he had strong foundations — he just needed the right support and the right opportunity to build on them.

Where It All Started

Carlos first connected with Puatala through his school’s Careers team in Auckland. He joined our Incomparable Programme, which supports rangatahi to build confidence, develop life skills, and explore future education and employment pathways.

Like many young people at this stage of life, Carlos didn’t have his future fully mapped out — and that’s okay. What mattered most was his commitment.

He showed up.He worked hard.He earned additional NZQA credits.He took every opportunity presented to him.

That consistency became the foundation for everything that followed.

Work Experience With Tesla

Through Puatala’s work experience programme and industry networks, Carlos was offered a placement with Tesla.

For any teenager, stepping into a globally recognised technology company is a significant leap — far removed from the classroom, with new expectations, responsibilities, and environments. But Carlos approached the experience with the same calm confidence we had already seen.

He settled in quickly, learned fast, and engaged positively with everyone around him. It didn’t take long for the team to notice.

The feedback from Tesla was simple, but powerful:

• “Switched on”

• “Bright”

• “Approachable”

• “Great communicator”

These qualities reflected not just his work ethic, but his values — shaped by his whānau, his culture, his school, and the way he chooses to move through the world.

The Call No One Saw Coming

A few weeks later, Puatala received an unexpected call from Tesla.

They were preparing to launch one of their first-ever apprenticeship programmes in New Zealand and wanted to know if Carlos would be interested in applying.

Once Carlos confirmed he was keen, Puatala worked closely with him and Dilworth College to support the entire process.

As we do with all our rangatahi, we wrapped around him fully:

• Preparing him for interviews

• Talking through expectations and next steps

• Supporting his confidence

• Driving him to both interviews ourselves

Because at Puatala, success isn’t just about opening doors — it’s about walking alongside our young people as they step through them.

The News We’d All Been Hoping For

A few weeks later, the confirmation arrived.

Carlos Vailoa was officially offered a place as one of Tesla’s first apprentices in New Zealand.

For his whānau, his school, and everyone at Puatala, it was a deeply proud and emotional moment. It was also a reminder of what becomes possible when talent, opportunity, and support align at the right time.

Carlos earned this.He put in the work.He showed up when it mattered.And the right people saw it.

This Is Only the Beginning

Carlos is now stepping into a future many rangatahi dream of — and we know he will represent himself, his whānau, his school, and his community with pride.

Puatala is incredibly proud to have been part of his journey and proud of what this achievement represents for the next generation of rangatahi coming through our programmes in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and beyond.

And this is only the beginning.

Carlos’ journey is just getting started. Explore Our Youth Employment Programmes