MITO has launched a suite of new and updated training programmes for New Zealand’s automotive collision repair and refinishing sectors following consultation with industry.
The revised programmes span entry-level through to advanced qualifications and are designed to provide clearer training pathways while better reflecting the needs of modern workshops.
Among the changes is the separation of the existing Level 3 collision repair and refinishing programme into two dedicated qualifications, making it easier for learners to gather evidence relevant to their chosen trade.
MITO has also introduced elective standards into the Level 4 collision repair programme, including structural repair, which was previously only available at Level 5. The move is intended to provide learners with greater flexibility and training that better aligns with their workplace.
The shift also creates a pathway to a new New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Advanced Industry Specialist) (Level 5) qualification, aimed at those progressing into leadership roles.
I-CAR New Zealand operations manager Rick Lunn, who helped develop the programmes, says the changes reflect industry feedback.
“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 qualifications will help keep the industry skilled and future-ready.
“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).
MITO is also offering a limited number of scholarships for the first enrolments into the Level 5 programme and the combined Level 3 and 4 collision repair and refinishing apprenticeship programmes, covering one year’s fees.
