Trades
Goodbye fees, study trades for free.
As part of the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) to rebuild New Zealand's economy, you can now study some of our trades programmes for free^.
Click here to find out more.
Become a tradie and get a career that will set you up for life.
Study with MIT and you will get the hands-on experience you need to succeed in your chosen trade.
It doesn't matter your level of education or experience. We have a course that suits you.
Help rebuild the New Zealand economy with a career where there's always demand for skilled tradespeople ready to fill well-paid jobs. And, with so much work available, you could even start your own business.
A new centre of excellence for engineering and trades education
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) extends a new centre of excellence for engineering and trades education in South Auckland. MIT TechPark is a purpose-built facility with the latest technology and innovations to ensure quality training for all.
The new TechPark building is situated on the corner of Lambie Drive and Manukau Station Road. It is across the road from the existing MIT Manukau campus, currently home to the schools of nursing, health and counselling, business, and digital technologies. The site address is 58 Manukau Station Road.
"If you’ve got a trade, you’ve got it made! MIT is where the makers are made. The opportunities I have received whilst being at MIT, not only as a student but now as a tutorial assistant, have been endless. I believe that I will be able to help MIT create a legacy that will be known for their life-changing opportunities across the nation to rangatahi and their whanau."
Hera Eruera
MIT and tutorial assistant
Manukau Institute of Technology Tutorial Assistant Hera Eruera is featured on the front cover of Master Plumbers magazine NZ Plumber! Read the full story here:
"I began studying for my certificate in plumbing and gas fitting at MIT instead of doing year 13 at school, and I’m so glad I did. It offered great facilities and our learning was very hands-on, which made it fun. We also had great support throughout from our tutors, who were mostly ex-tradesmen. Their strong industry connections meant we had a head-start when it came to securing a job after graduating.
I got a job before I had even completed my studies. It has a lot of variety including, plumbing, gas fitting, drain laying, roofing, driving diggers, and lifts, as well as organising jobs. Thanks to the support of my MIT tutors I’ve also participated in the Worldskills competition.
If you’re considering MIT, I’d say go for it; It can really take you places. You’ll be well qualified and prepared for the workplace.”
Hunter Turner
MIT alumni
"About two years ago my business was hugely impacted by the whole Covid situation and I really had to reconsider my options. As a mum of four, I’d spent my time looking after the kids, so I didn’t have any formal qualifications. I've never had a clear plan or vision on what I wanted to do as a career, I just had a vague direction. I wanted to help design sustainable green spaces in urban development, to better society and its lifestyle impact on the environment.
When I began classes at MIT I realised this was my ‘foot in the door’ moment, taking that first step. I wasn’t prepared for so many doors to open and so many opportunities to be offered. Lecturers connected me with employers, gave me insights into the industry and introduced me to their industry networks. Even the Techpark facility really surprised me with how modern it is.
MIT engineering schools adapted to Covid lockdowns and began offering all course materials online which really ensured I never lost track of my progress and now, as this years’ student council TechPark representative, along with a bunch of great friends and future opportunities I didn’t have before, I know I’ve made the best decision I ever have.
You don't have to have a dream to start chasing one. So proud to be a part of this."
Lorrissa-Laine Hamon
MIT student
Programmes
The following programmes are available in this area of study:
Level 3
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) Specialise in scaffolding or brick and block laying
- New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) with a strand in Carpentry
- New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) Specialise in installation or service
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) Specialise in arboriculture or landscaping
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3) (Pre-Apprenticeship)
- New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Trades Assistant) (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Telecommunications (Level 3) Strands in copper network maintenance, optical fibre network, or transmission
Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Construction Related Trades (Supervisor) (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) Specialise as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed) or Electrical Installer
