Car skills courses for pupils

Secondary students keen to gain experience in the automotive industry while at school can now achieve qualifications.

MITO’s secondary school programme for the motor-vehicle sector, called StartUp, has been approved as three micro-credentials by the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

In August 2018, the NZQA launched a micro-credential system as part of the country’s regulated education and training system. Micro-credentials are smaller than qualifications, and focus on a specific set of skills and knowledge. These are the first micro-credentials specifically for secondary school students.

StartUp offers students in years 11, 12 and 13 a mix of e-learning theory and practical experience in an automotive workshop, with credits earned leading into an apprenticeship.

“We’re thrilled StartUp has been registered as three micro-credentials by NZQA,” says Janet Lane, MITO’s chief executive. “There are significant benefits for students as their NZQA record of learning will capture their micro-credential achievements.

“Since StartUp launched in 2007, 2,500 secondary students have participated in the programme with nearly 25 per cent progressing to an apprenticeship. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to gain first-hand knowledge of the industry, and for employers to offer work experience ideally securing their next MITO apprentice. 

“By providing a pipeline from school to industry, StartUp is helping address skills shortages in the automotive engineering and collision-repair industries.”

The three micro-credentials are StartUp Ignition – automotive micro-credential (level two, 20 credits); StartUp Accelerate – automotive engineering micro-credential (level three, 21 credits), StartUp Accelerate – collision repair and refinishing micro-credential (level three, 21 credits).