Beau Auelua

I have worked primarily with my hands from part-time during high school starting at 15, through to 33, starting with furniture removals, timber joinery, linework and manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and as a carpenter.

I started an Architectural Technology course in the second semester of 2019 with the aim of getting off the tools. Unfortunately due to medical reasons I could no longer work fulltime as a carpenter, so I couldn't afford the course fees.

For about 6 months from 2019 to 2020 I struggled with my mental health. I was unable to do the two things I was good at (music and carpentry), nor was I able to use my hands for much else which was my main tool for my working life.

Early during our first Covid lockdown in 2020, all came to a head and I experienced my first (and only) incident, after which I ended up at Middlemore hospital accident and emergency department.

After my incident I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I was prescribed medication and referred to a therapist. I have been off medication for about 1.5 years.

Near the end of 2020 I gained enough confidence to be able to find another job where I didn't need to use my hands. I started with Red Badge Group as an event security guard where customer service, safety, and satisfaction were the main objectives.

I experienced a workplace incident while working a New Year festival over 2020/2021. When I returned home the support I needed from my former partner wasn't there, the same lack of support I received during my incident earlier in 2020 where I ended up in hospital. Two days after returning home I left for my own safety. We had a house together which sold in December last year.

Through 2021 I was again able to gain enough confidence to communicate effectively with my friends and family, begin new relationships with others, and prepare for a more supportive future.

In 2022 I applied for a Training Advisor position at BCITO, a position I had applied for previously but had not been successful. I was successful this time and started that year. I also learnerd my new area manager Narelle Leef is the partner of Doug Leef, one of my former Training Advisors.

Over the last 2 plus years, I have had the opportunity to assist learners with achieving a qualification, support them through their learning differences, be inspired by their stories and achievements at and outside of work, and assist employers to get the best out of their learners. Many of the learners have past trauma, ongoing mental health issues, or aren't aware of any differences.

With my lived experience of medical issues, financial issues, relationship breakdowns, indifferent employers, anxiety, depression, and their related incidences resulting in hospitalisation, I know the process, know what questions are asked by medical professionals, how it feels, and how far it can go. Many of these issues learners have faced or will face.

I have been able to refer learners to support services, assist other Training Advisors as our areas LSN/LLN Advocate, and offer ongoing additional support to learners as it is needed.

I played guitar in Auckland based bands for about 10 years, playing mainly in Auckland but also across the North Island, Christchurch, and Sydney. 

I wrote, recorded, and performed my own music, and wrote music with and for other people.