MIT to offer training at Pukekohe motorsport hub

Manukau Institute of Technology to offer training at new Pukekohe motorsport hub

Being selected as the tertiary training provider for a motorsport industry hub planned at Pukekohe will generate exciting opportunities for Manukau Institute of Technology in this multi-million dollar industry.

Enterprise Franklin Development Trust aims to establish Pukekohe as the hub of motor racing in New Zealand. The trust says the motorsport industry in Franklin is worth more than $31 million a year, while related events generate a further $22 million annually.

The hub is anticipated to include a dedicated automotive industry zone, a business incubator component, shared services for small motorsport related businesses and corporate hospitality and tourism facilities.

Providing tertiary training at the hub will strengthen MIT’s links with New Zealand’s thriving motorsport industry, says Alan Winchester, head of the institute’s Vehicle Technology division, which will offer the training.

“This is an excellent opportunity for both MIT and the industry – we anticipate great things from this hub in profiling this dynamic sector,” says Alan.

The hub will also generate international exposure and recognition for MIT and the local motorsport industry, says Alan. “The hub will attract people from around the world to Pukekohe, which is already well known in international motorsport circles.”

MIT plans to provide a 12-month full time introductory vehicle technology course at Pukekohe from February 2007.

The course will contain elements of all the vehicle technology programmes the institute offers, including vehicle servicing, automotive electrical technology, motor body technology and vehicle refinishing technology, but will be tailored to motorsport.

“Specialised training is required to set up vehicles for specific purposes such as racing,” says Alan.

“The course will be a good foundation for working in the motorsport industry, allowing students to choose areas to specialise in. Our goal is to have all the students coming through placed in motorsport related organisations in the local industry.”

Some may even end up working in pit crews for international racing teams, says Alan.

Meanwhile, MIT’s involvement with motorsport will extend even further. The automotive school will compete in the local racing circuit with two cars currently being built at its workshops.

The cars will sport MIT branding and will be driven and serviced by MIT students, who will undergo full driver training.

“Preparing these vehicles demonstrates the institute’s commitment to New Zealand motorsport,” says Alan.

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