July 1 2026
Following engagement with industry, MITO has released a suite of new and updated training programmes for the collision repair and refinishing sectors.
Spanning entry-level through to advanced training, these programmes are designed to support learners at every stage of their career.
Updates include splitting the existing Level 3 collision repair and refinishing programme into two, one for each sector, making it easier for learners to gather training evidence.
Another change to the qualification pathway is the introduction of elective standards for the Level 4 collision repair programme, including structural repair, which was previously at Level 5, giving learners more choice and a tailored experience relevant to their work environment.
Shifting structural repair to Level 4 clears the path for the new Level 5 qualification: Advanced Industry Specialist, where learners can take the next step toward leadership.
Industry partners played a key role in shaping the programmes, providing valuable advice and guidance on the design of the content and the range of elective options now available, as well as contributing to the development of the wider suite of programmes.
Rick Lunn, Operations Manager at I-CAR New Zealand, was one of the key players, providing guidance and advice to ensure the programmes were industry relevant and ready.
“These updated programmes reflect what the industry has been asking for: clearer pathways, greater flexibility, and training that aligns closely with real workshop practices. By separating collision repair and refinishing at Level 3 and introducing more tailored options at Level 4, learners can build evidence and skills that are directly relevant to their roles.”
MITO Chief Executive Verna Niao says the updated suite of programmes will help ensure the industry remains resilient, skilled, and up-to-date with recent changes and innovation.
“Keeping our workforce future-ready is critical. These refreshed programmes have been designed alongside industry to ensure learners build the relevant skills needed to support a strong, adaptable collision repair sector now and into the future.”
The new and updated programmes available for enrolment are
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repair) (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repairer) (Level 4) with optional strand in Structural Repair Technician
- The structural repair strand is also available as a standalone for people who have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repair) (Level 4).
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Advanced Industry Specialist) (Level 5).
We are offering a limited number of scholarships for our first enrolments into the Level 5 programme and combined Level 3 and 4 apprenticeship programmes (collision repair or refinishing). Enrol today and you could have your fees waived for one whole year.
