Industry training organisation Mito is introducing online training and on-the-job practical learning in its new heavy automotive engineering programme.

The training, which leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering, includes new industry-approved unit standards and allows apprentices to complete theory elements in their own time and at their own pace.

MITO says that, "with access to hundreds of videos and interactive simulations and theory assessments, online learning is an exciting feature of the new programme that can be accessed at any time and from any device – mobile phone, tablet or computer."

Chief executive Janet Lane says the online learning "delivers theory content in an interactive, dynamic and visually engaging way for our apprentices and their employers.

"It has been developed in close consultation with the heavy automotive industry and designed for apprentices that wish to become fully-qualified heavy automotive technicians."

The Level 3 programme, which takes 18 months to complete, is now open for enrolments. The Level 4 programme, which will feature strands in road transport, plant and equipment, agricultural equipment and materials handling equipment, will be available mid-year.

MITO has also received funding from the Government's Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund towards the development of a qualification framework for the safe inspection, servicing and repair of electric vehicles (EVs) in NZ.

Lane says "MITO is absolutely delighted to have received this funding. The Fund encourages innovation and investment to accelerate the uptake of EV and low-emission vehicles in NZ.

"Critical to this is developing the human infrastructure required for the safe inspection, servicing and repair of EV vehicles, balancing the required physical infrastructure."

The $95,000 funding will go towards the project that will enable industry-wide access to training provision and qualifications for EVs by 2019. Fundamental to this project will be international research and evaluation of qualification design, content, structure and delivery models – this in order to understand and capitalise on the experiences of other countries and how this can best be applied to NZ.