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

Puatala was founded on a simple belief: our Māori and Pacific rangatahi deserve real opportunities and real pathways into industries that often feel out of reach.

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

Carlos is bright and articulate, with a quiet confidence about him. He’s well-liked by his peers, takes things in quickly, and treats people with respect. Even in those early interactions, you could see he had something solid behind him – the kind of potential that just needed the right support and opportunity.

Where It All Started:

Carlos first connected with Puatala through his school’s Careers team. He joined our Incomparable Programme, designed to support rangatahi in building confidence and exploring future pathways.

Like many students his age, he wasn’t yet sure what direction he wanted to pursue. But he showed something that matters more than certainty – commitment.

He turned up.
He worked hard.
He earned extra NZQA credits.
He took every opportunity handed to him.

That consistency became the foundation for what came next.

Work Experience With Tesla:

Through Puatala’s work experience programme and industry network, Carlos was placed in work experience with Tesla. For any teenager, walking into a well know global technology company is a massive step – a world away from the classroom, filled with new expectations and environments.

But Carlos didn’t let the brand and new environment rattle him.

He settled in quickly, learned fast, and carried himself with the same calm, respectful attitude we’d come to know. Tesla noticed it immediately.

Their feedback was simple but powerful:

• “Switched on.”
• “Bright.”
• “Approachable.”
• “Great communicator.”

These were reflections of his character and work ethic – shaped by his whānau, his culture, his school, and the way he chooses to move through the world.

The Call That No One Saw Coming:

Then came the moment that shifted everything.

A few weeks later, Puatala received an unexpected call from Tesla. They were launching one of their first-ever Apprenticeship Programmes in New Zealand; and they wanted to know if Carlos would be interested in applying.

Puatala contacted Carlos and Dilworth, and once he confirmed he was keen, the team supported him through the whole process.

From there, Puatala wrapped around him the way we do for all our rangatahi:

• We prepared him for his interviews.
• We talked him through the process.
• We helped him find his confidence.
• And yes — we drove him to both interviews ourselves.

Because at Puatala, success isn’t just about opening the door.

It’s about walking with our young people as they step through it.

The News We’d All Been Hoping For:

A few weeks later, the confirmation arrived:

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

For his whānau, for his school, for us at Puatala; it was a proud, emotional moment. A reminder of what becomes possible when talent, opportunity, and support meet at the right time.

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

This Is Only the Beginning:

Carlos is now stepping into a future many young people dream of. And we know he’ll represent not only himself, but his community, his school, and his whanau well.

Puatala is deeply proud of him – proud to have been part of his story, and proud of what this achievement means for the next generation of rangatahi coming through our programmes.

And trust us – this won’t be the last you hear of Carlos.

His journey is just getting started.