New purpose-built MIT construction school

Monday, 12 March 2007

New purpose-built MIT construction school on the cards

Manukau Institute of Technology will be building a new construction school which it plans to open next year. MIT will be using the newly purchased former Clydemore School site on Otara Road as the facility for the new school.

The new school will provide dedicated facilities for MIT’s construction division, which is outgrowing its current facilities as student enrolments continue to increase, says head of MIT’s Department of Technology Paul Jeurissen.

“We have seen such phenomenal growth in our carpentry and construction courses that we are now planning to expand our facilities,” says Paul.

“With the new site we will be able to increase student numbers and provide our programmes in a brand new purpose built facility. It will also provide for growth in our very successful new Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting this year.”

The new site is a vital component in MIT’s future growth plans and will enable it to introduce other new construction programmes, such as the National Certificate in Construction (Supervisor) Level 5, which is planned from 2008.

“Our expanded facilities will allow us to better engage the construction industry, enabling us to continue to meet this sector’s training demands.”

All programmes in MIT’s construction division will also be consolidated at one location on the new site. “Currently these programmes are being offered at various locations across our two main campuses,” says Paul.

In addition, the new site will feature more facilities than currently available for practical training such as extra workshops and on-site construction areas.

Enabling students to gain practical experience before they enter the workforce is an important element of MIT’s construction programmes, says Paul.

“Our programmes teach students the skills and knowledge required for their chosen profession, while giving them valuable working experience.”
MIT’s construction programmes include the National Certificate in Construction (Leading Hand) Level 4 launched this year and the National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), which includes a Builders Upskilling option that will help with the gaining of the new building practitioner’s licences being introduced from November.
Construction of the new facility is expected to begin by the end of this year and the first classes at the site are scheduled from Semester 2 of 2008.

MIT will be working with the urban design panel of Manukau City Council to ensure a smooth building consent process, says Paul.

“The panel will guide us in meeting the requirements for the consent process.”

The new school will be developed to be aesthetically integrated with MIT’s existing North Campus and the local environment, says Paul.

ENDS

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