“I chose to study because I’d had enough of my administration job, the government was offering free trade training and the trade campus had just opened up which is a 10-minute drive from my house. Initially, I was looking at bricklaying because I was yearning to have a job out of the office and in the sun, but when I looked through all the trade courses refrigeration seemed more like my cuppa tea (I have not regretted my choice).
MIT is one of the few places in the country that offer pre-trade refrigeration/HVAC courses. I liked that it was close to home, Auckland traffic is horrible so being by the train station and bus depot is useful. My lecturer was diligent in finding employment for the entire class which isn’t something that you see in other universities/education providers as the emphasis is usually on you to develop your own networks with potential employers.
A pre-trade is your opportunity to be curious and do a deep dive into the industry without having to commit yourself to an employer. Refrigeration/HVAC is so multifaceted that if halfway through you realise that it might not be the path for you, you have a range of other areas to segway into.
Everything you learn in pre-trade is important to the role. This isn’t the kind of job where you can be given 1 week’s training and be expected to hit the ground running, there is a lot to learn!
When you have a pre-trade you are more likely to be hired in your chosen field because it shows employers that you’ve invested your own time into learning more about the industry.
As a mature student, I already have several qualifications and a colourful 15-year career behind me, so I’ve learnt not to plan too far ahead as you never know what’s around the bend, especially after COVID. Looking at my apprenticeship path I should be finished in 4 years but beyond that, the sky is the limit with where an apprenticeship could take me.
Utilise the resources available to you and if you’re not sure seek out advice. The tutors here are usually flexible, and with the online canvas platform there is more capability to complete assignments and study from home if you need to continue working.”
Samantha Murry
MIT graduate
