Automotive Engineering

This is Johnno’s second year of Trades Automotive Engineering. “I really enjoy pulling apart an engine and spending time cleaning it up, fixing it and putting it all back together, so it looks good and works well. When things go right in the workshop it can make or break your day!”

Johnno wants to work as an Automotive Technician when he leaves school and he already has an after-school job in a local automotive workshop where he’s gaining industry experience. “The Trades Academy tutors have taught me skills such as changing tyres and oil which is really helpful to my employer as I can do these jobs unsupervised.”

Johnno says that Trades is like a big family. “Everyone makes sure that you are doing well and you are OK. I have a lot of respect for our tutors Richard & Pete. They are really encouraging and I’m enjoying the nitty gritty of the Year 2 course - it’s fun with loads of time in the workshop.”

Imogen comes from a car-enthusiast family and loves working on cars, fixing them up and putting them back together. The Trades Automotive programme was an opportunity for her to further develop her mechanical skills and gain experience in the purpose-built automotive workshop at NMIT.

“I wanted to improve my knowledge and here I get to use proper tools and equipment, which I couldn’t do at school.” While there is only one other girl in the class, Imogen says that everyone has been very friendly and that the tutors make it a fun place to learn.

Imogen’s long term goal is to make a career in track sports, but plans to go to university first when she finishes school. The Trades programme is just the first step on the way for Imogen!