MIT introduces course for youth in mechanical engineering

14 November 2013

MIT introduces a new course to encourage youth into mechanical engineering

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) has introduced a new qualification aimed at offering young men and women a head start in the Mechanical Engineering industry.

The National Certificate Mechanical Engineering programme (Level 4) is a two year course offered at MIT’s Manufacturing & Technology Unit.

The programme covers two strands: Machining and General Engineering. Students will receive technical skills and the knowledge necessary to open a world of opportunities in the engineering field.

MIT already offers a Level 2 pre-apprenticeship programme but the decision to expand resulted from the industry’s need for apprentices and student desire for higher qualification.

Senior Lecturer Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Blair Cornwall says “The qualification will provide them with a pathway to pick up the necessary skills to carry on to either a higher level qualification or to slot into a workplace with some great skills.”

“By the time the students complete the Level 4 certificate they are work ready,” he says.

Jason Dimock from Howick was working as a marine engineer apprentice when he decided it was time for a change.

“I am still working part time at my marine job while I am completing the course. I will also see if I can find a part time position in a machine shop which will relate more to what I am learning now,” he says.

Sanjeer Kumar from Manurewa High School was awarded a scholarship to study the Level 2 Mechanical Engineering programme.

“I was pleased when they started the new Level 4 course,” he says. “I was looking to continue studying at the next level up so this course is great as it is more practical and not just looking at theory.”

Cynthia Teri Teokota won an MIT Emerging Leaders scholarship in 2012 and is the first female to be enrolled in the course.

“I knew I wanted to do something in engineering,” she says. “I did an aviation course at high school because I am interested in planes and then I became interested in making things, machining parts and things like that.

“In a way it makes me feel good, like I’m achieving something. You can make something better by machining it,” she says.

ENDS

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