By Trevor Hennessy - Automotive Programe Leader



Enterprise Franklin Development Trust approached MIT with a desire to develop a Motorsport Hub in Pukekohe. A key component of the venture was the development of trade training and employment opportunities for the youth of Franklin and surrounding districts.

Suitable course content was developed that focused on the practical aspects of Automotive Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fabrication, Collision Repair and Refinishing. All these skills will be required for the students to modify a vehicle suitable for car club events.

After an extensive consultation period the content was approved, the academic requirements were met, premises were leased and a fully subscribed and resourced year long Motorsport programme commenced on 12 February 2007 at 159A Manukau Road in Pukekohe.

This is a unique course that captures the enthusiasm and commitment of the students in preparing them for work in industry and using motorsport as the vehicle to success. As well as the course requirement to build eight identical club cars, there is also on going development on a production saloon for speedway and a Targa car.

We have had students fill team positions in a number of high profile race teams at the recent V8 Super Car meeting and are working hard to continue this type of involvement with local race teams.

We are currently considering a number of exciting options for 2008 and believe we are onto a winner. We actively encourage visits and input from industry and those in the motorsport fraternity that whish to know more about our programme or who would be prepared to share their knowledge and experience.

The programme is running superbly and we anticipate the excitement levels to increase as the students see the results of their labour take shape as we build for the climax of the programme a race meeting where the eight cars the students have constructed are displayed and raced.

Local Industry stands to benefit tremendously from this exciting new trade training initiative. We have 32 young people gaining hands on practical experience while doing something that?s captures their imagination and foster a willingness to learn. By the completion of the programme local employers will have had the opportunity to view first hand the commitment and level of expertise of their next apprentice.