November 10 2026
Strong workplace training is at the heart of every successful apprenticeship, but sometimes learners need additional support to help them build confidence, overcome challenges, and stay on track.
MITO's Industry Mentor Programme offers the solution. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of industry professionals, the programme provides apprentices with an extra layer of expert support alongside their workplace training.
Industry Mentors help explain technical concepts, work through difficult parts of a programme, and provide guidance based on their own experiences in the trade.
Daniel Tew is one of these mentors, bringing a diverse automotive background and a passion for helping others succeed.
Daniel became involved with the Industry Mentor Programme while helping to establish the automotive programme he now teaches at Ashburton College.
Through this, he built strong relationships with the local MITO Training Advisors, who encouraged him to consider becoming a mentor. After more than a year of conversations about the role, Daniel decided to apply. Three years later, he's still mentoring apprentices and says it's one of the most rewarding parts of his career.
"I love being able to encourage young people and spark their interest in the industry," says Daniel.
Daniel's career has spanned a range of automotive disciplines, including automotive electrical work, mechanical repair, panel and paint, heavy vehicle systems, and automotive education. That broad experience allows him to relate to learners from different backgrounds and support apprentices across a variety of sectors within the automotive industry.
For Daniel, mentoring is about helping learners succeed both professionally and personally.
"Sometimes it's not the practical work that's the hard part," he says. "It's helping learners stay motivated, believe in themselves, and keep moving forward."
Through mentoring, Daniel helps apprentices build confidence, work through challenges, and stay focused on their goals. For many learners, having an experienced industry professional to turn to can make a significant difference to their progress.
"I've had lots of apprentices that have gone from almost nothing education-wise to getting their Level 3 and Level 4 New Zealand Certificates. The satisfaction you get out of it is brilliant," says Daniel.
His mentoring approach is shaped by the same philosophy he brings to his work at Ashburton College.
In 2026, the college was recognised as MITO's Secondary School of the Year, reflecting its commitment to vocational education and industry pathways.
"We treat the classroom as a workplace, not as a classroom," he says.
Creating an environment that reflects industry expectations helps learners build the skills, habits, and attitudes they'll need throughout their careers.
Having worked across several areas of the automotive industry himself, Daniel enjoys helping learners discover the wide range of career opportunities available to them.
"A lot of people think the automotive industry is just about working on vehicles, but there are so many different pathways and opportunities available," he says.
From automotive electrical and heavy diesel to specialist roles across the wider industry, Daniel enjoys helping learners discover pathways that match their interests and strengths.
For Daniel, successful mentoring starts with building strong relationships.
"The key word is empathy," he says. "You have to be able to get on with people and relate to them."
That ability to connect with learners is a vital part of MITO's Industry Mentor Programme. While technical expertise is important, effective mentors also bring patience, understanding, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
While his focus is on helping others learn and grow, Daniel says mentoring has also helped him continue learning.
"Mentoring keeps me learning too. I learn something new every day, and I get a lot from the young people coming through the industry."
Interested in becoming a MITO Industry Mentor?
If you have significant industry experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for supporting others to reach their potential, becoming a mentor is a rewarding way to share your knowledge and help shape the future of the automotive industry.
Explore current opportunities or email us at industrymentors@mito.org.nz.
