Automotive Technology: Start up your career

In this increasingly high-tech world, working with vehicles is a challenging and stimulating career choice. Whether you're a motor mechanic, panelbeater or vehicle service or motor body repair technician, it's vital you learn to understand differing, often complex systems used in motoring technology, and keep up with the latest developments. And that's no small feat.

The MIT Vehicle Technology Division offers a wide range of automotive training options to meet what industry is crying out for - talented, well-trained graduates. Train with us, and you'll enjoy the benefit of workshops that are well-equipped with the latest equipment, and expert tutors who focus on modern repair methods.

At Manukau Institute of Technology, we offer a range of programmes to ensure that, if successful in your studies, you'll have skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Here's a brief description of what you might like to become once you graduate:

Motor Mechanic

A motor mechanic is the "Jack" of automotive trades. Their broad knowledge of the industry include areas such as vehicle and brake servicing, repair and overhaul of mechanical parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, the transmission (clutch, gear box and differential), and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres) to discussing problems with car drivers or vehicle operators to discover faults and repairing them. They may choose to specialise as automotive air conditioning fitters and brake mechanics, or as breakdown service patrol officers who give emergency mechanical assistance to members of an automobile association. But whatever they choose, motor mechanics will always be in constant demand.

Spraypainter

Spraypainters can be found in the automotive refinishing industry preparing metal or plastic for spraypainting, using skills such as minor filling, priming, colour coating, polishing and buffing. You've probably seen creative pieces of artwork on bodies of vehicles such as racing cars, trucks and vans that have been designed and painted by a spraypainter from your local workshop.

Panelbeater

Auto collisions can cause serious damage to the vehicles involved. Body repair work to restore the vehicle to its original state is the domain of panelbeaters, who are employed in the motor body repair trade and carry out repairs to vehicles such as removing parts of the body, beating it back into shape then placing it back on the vehicle, to replacing damaged panels with new ones. Panelbeaters have a wide range of skills and knowledge of the automotive industry but choose to specialise in panelbeating as a career path.

Auto Electrician

Auto electricians carry out repairs on a variety of vehicle types and general knowledge and skills of the auto electrician are in engine operation, electrical diagnostics, repair and overhaul of electrical and electronic items. Some may choose to specialise in the installation of audio systems, TVs, GPS navigation systems, and child silencers (PS2, Xbox).

Our Facilities

We are home to the largest and most innovative automotive and motor body programmes in New Zealand. And because we've heavily invested in the best resources, we offer excellent facilities that include fully equipped machine workshops and two downdraft spray booths/ovens. 

MIT's Vehicle Division motorsport facility is conveniently located in Pukekohe for those wishing to enter the motorsport industry as part of a pit crew. With the Pukekohe Park Raceway a short drive away, trainees can take advantage of the action and race their specially modified vehicles at the end of their training.

More Information

If you'd like to enrol, or find out more information about our programmes, please contact:
Department of Engineering and Trades - School of Automotive and Vehicle Technology
Manukau Institute of Technology
Private Bag 94006
South Auckland Mail Centre
Manukau 2240
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone: 09 968 8715
Fax: 09 968 8713

Or visit us at:
School of Automotive and Vehicle Technology
Manukau Institute of Technology
Gate 5, D Block
Otara Road
Office Hours: 8.00am - 4.30pm