December 2024
Still in Secondary School?
Interested in a career in the automotive industry? You can build your skills while you’re still at school, including designing, building and competing in your very own electric vehicle. There are even opportunities to earn credits towards NCEA Levels 2 and 3.
Thinking of an automotive career beyond secondary school? There are lots of things you can do while you’re still at school that will improve your chances of landing your dream job when you leave.
Work out the best career for you
If you’re thinking about starting an automotive career, the Government’s career website is a great place to start. It provides great information about the various roles that are available in our industry, as well as useful tips and resources to help you plan and land your dream job.
Get automotive training and earn NCEA credits
StartUp® offers Year 11 to 13 students the chance to earn NZQA-approved micro-credentials in the automotive industry and credits towards NCEA Levels 2 and 3. They also provide students with a great introduction to the working environment.
Supported by MITO in partnership with secondary schools and local businesses, StartUp® has both theory eLearning and practical learning in a workshop – it’s just like a mini-apprenticeship!
The best part is that StartUp® allows students to gain up to 41 credits towards NCEA Levels 2 and 3.
And if you already know you want a career as an automotive engineer, MITO’s Micro® Introduction to Automotive Engineering website is a fun way to learn more about what you can do to get your career underway while you’re still at school.
Design, build and compete in your very own EV
Electric vehicles are likely to play a large part in New Zealand’s sustainable transport future.
EVolocity is a fun way to start learning about EV technology while you’re still at school. A charitable organisation, EVolocity’s purpose is to educate Kiwis on the environmental and economic benefits of EVs, accelerate New Zealand’s transition to electric vehicles and clean transportation, and grow youth interest in technology and engineering.
High school teams are equipped with an electric bike componentry kit. During the year, they design and build their own electric vehicles. At the end of the year, they bring their vehicles to a motorsport park around the country where teams compete in a variety of categories including performance events, innovation, design, reporting and community awareness.
