Find your path

Not sure where to start? Explore the industries MITO supports and discover the training pathways that match your interests.

Choosing a career is about finding something that matches your interests, strengths, and the kind of work you enjoy. MITO’s industries offer hands‑on, practical roles where you can build real skills and earn while you learn.

Explore the industries below to learn what each pathway involves and which qualifications can help you get started.

Who this page is for

Secondary school students
School leavers
Career changers
New to New Zealand

Explore real careers and find a pathway that matches what you enjoy doing.

I like working with vehicles

The automotive industry is fast-paced, innovative, and full of exciting career opportunities.

Our programmes cover automotive engineering, collision repair, coachbuilding, electric vehicles, specialist skills, and more!

Some potential career options include:

Light or heavy vehicle technician (service vehicles, performing diagnostic tests to determine appropriate repairs)
Collision repair technician (repair damaged vehicle bodies, including dents, scratches and rust)
Automotive refinisher (prepare and apply paint to restore vehicle bodies)
Automotive electrician (diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicle electrical systems, including wiring, lighting, ignition, and electronic control units).

School leaver and ready to jump-start your career? Get started with our free micro-credential.

Introduction to Automotive Engineering

Light Automotive | Britney Moore

Meet Britney, automotive apprentice at Ebbett Tauranga.

Collision Repair | Ben Morrison

Ben Morrison is a panel beater by day and a stockcar driver by night.

Heavy Automotive | Connor Hall

Understanding how things work isn't just an interest for Connor—it's a career in heavy diesel mechanics.

I want to drive trucks

The road transport industry keeps New Zealand moving, delivering goods and services across the country.

With a high demand for skilled drivers, logistics experts, and fleet managers, this industry offers strong job security and career progression.

Some potential career options include:

Goods transporter/distributor (movement and delivery of freight, including route planning, managing fleets, and adhering to laws and regulations)
Warehousing (loading and moving goods, managing stock, and ensuring goods are stored correctly)
Driver trainer (teach new drivers how to operate vehicles safely, focusing on both practical skills and understanding of traffic laws and regulations)
Fleet manager (manage a company's vehicle fleet, overseeing vehicle maintenance, driver management, route planning, and fuel management).

Left school and ready to hit the road to a rewarding career? Get started with our free micro-credential.

Introduction to Commercial Road Transport

Road Transport | Zena Harding

Starting before the sun comes up, Zena is a log truck driver with determination, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.

I'm interested in quarries

The mining and quarrying industry is the backbone of New Zealand’s infrastructure, supplying the raw materials that keep our economy moving.

This sector offers hands-on careers with strong demand, great earning potential, and opportunities to grow.

Some potential career options include:

Weighbridge administrator (accurately record the weights of incoming and outgoing vehicles, traffic management, and maintenance)
Quarry operator (extract, process, and transport material, operate machinery, and maintain equipment)
Site supervisor (oversee all operations, ensuring safety and adherence to regulations, while also delegating tasks and managing staff).

View programmes

Mining and Quarrying | Ricki Pei

With a background in farming and an interest in machinery, Rick has taken that passion and forged a thriving career in the mining and quarrying industry.

MITO's school programmes are the perfect way to test-drive a career while you're still at school.

You’ll gain real business experience by visiting a local worksite once a week. Some unit standards can even be applied to a MITO apprenticeship or traineeship later on.

Talk to your school about:

StartUp® (Automotive) – Learn the workshop tools, safety, and basic tasks
ShiftUp® (Road transport) – Discover heavy vehicles, logistics, and safe operations
RockUp® (Surface mining and quarrying) – Experience extraction sites, gear, and equipment up close
Waka Tohu Tuatahi (Automotive) – He karanga tēnēi ki ngā kura tuarua e hiahia ki te ako mīhini ki Waka Tohu Tuatahi

Find out more

Quick tip

To enrol in a MITO training programme, you must be working fulltime in one of MITO's industries, and have an employer who can support your training.

Check out our Job Hub and create a jobseeker profile where registered employers can view your CV and make direct contact with you.

Job Hub

Bringing existing skills with you?

If you already have experience or previous qualifications, you may fast-track your training via:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Credit Recognition Transfer (CRT)

Apply for your current skills to be recognised

If you hold an overseas qualification and plan to live, work, or study in New Zealand, you may be required to have your qualification assessed. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority offers Qualifications Recognition Services that align overseas qualifications with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Please visit the NZQA website for further information on this process.