Orewa College students visited three automotive businesses through a MITO industry trip to learn about careers and apprenticeships.

Industry visit gives students first hand insight into automotive careers

Five Orewa College students recently visited several automotive workplaces through a Motor Industry Training Organisation industry trip organised with support from the school’s Careers Department.

Accompanied by Ms Jamieson, the group visited three different businesses within the sector, including a panel beating workshop, a car sales and servicing operation, and a heavy diesel workshop.

Students were able to observe daily work processes and learn about the training and qualifications required to enter the industry through apprenticeships.

At Continental Cars in Wairau, students met Orewa College graduate Oliver Bennett, who began his automotive apprenticeship earlier this year. Oliver previously completed placements with a local automotive business and at Continental Cars through the Gateway programme during his final year at school.

Those placements led to two apprenticeship offers by the end of the year.

Oliver said the Careers Department and Gateway programme helped him take the first step into the industry.

“The Careers Department and Gateway were instrumental in helping me gain this positive start to my working career,” he said.

Industry visits like this help students explore possible career pathways while making informed decisions about subjects and training after leaving school.

Content Credit: Suzanne Jamieson