Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2AUT

What is this course about?
The aim of this course is to assist interested students into careers relating to the Automotive Industry. This course (StartUp) has been created by the Motor Industry Tertiary Organisation (MITO) in partnership with school and local businesses. StartUp is divided into two programmes, Ignition and Accelerate. Students must complete the Ignition programme before starting the Accelerate programme.

StartUp has theory and practical components. The theory is completed in school and the practical components are covered within an automotive workplace.

StartUp contains unit standards which when completed will credit students with the National Certificate in Motor Industry (Foundation Skills). These unit standards also count towards NCEA and are a mixture of Level One and Level Two. StartUp is taught as a stand alone course (does not continue into Level Three) with the idea that students completing this course will transition into Apprenticeships or into the workforce.

Due to the partnership with local businesses, this course has a restriction in terms of numbers. Students will need to apply and be interviewed to ensure suitability for entry into the course.

Further information about the StartUp programme can be obtained at http://www.mito.org.nz/qualifications/startup

What will I learn?
To allow for the theory and practical components of this course, students will be expected to engage in three elements to complete the programme.

Theory: One period per week on theory related to the course. Initially the focus is on Ignition standards. Later in the year there is an opportunity to have assistance for theory related components required for completion of Accelerate standards.

Practical: As this is a work placement based course, students are entered through the 'Gateway' stream for Impact Projects. Students will be placed within an automotive workshop for the duration of the year on a Wednesday. Practical assessments are completed by MITO Assessors who visit students at their workshops.

Professional Reflection: One period per week is dedicated to discussing experiences from workshop placements, exploring currents topics, issues, and careers within the automotive industry.

Students will keep a reflective journal throughout the year to show the progress of their learning. They will also be provided with a StartUp folder to keep record of their theory and practical units.

What sorts of things will I do?
Examples of different types of activities completed through the different elements of the course are:

Theory: 


 * Working through Study Guides, practice examples and sitting assessments for StartUp.
 * Completing reflective statements about learning and goal setting throughout the year.

Practical: 


 * Gain practical work skills within an automotive workshop.
 * Complete practical assessments credited towards National Certificates.
 * Experience what being an Automotive Apprentice entails.
 * Meet with other industry professionals and assessed by Automotive Industry training professionals.

Professional Reflection: 


 * Discuss experiences and activities performed within workshop settings.
 * Share personal experiences relating to the Automotive industry.
 * Watch and discuss current automotive practices through a variety of media.
 * Have an opportunity to work on current theory standards yet to be completed.

Students will keep a reflective journal throughout the year to show the progress of their learning. They will also be provided with a StartUp folder to keep record of their theory and practical units.

Frequently asked questions:
Is there a cost to participate in this course?

There is no actual cost for participating in the course as this is covered by STAR funding. However there is an expectation from employers that students will have their own workboots (steel capped boots), and overalls. Some placements provide their own uniform, however workboots are compulsory for this course. Should a student not have their own workboots, these can be purchased for $50.00 through the school.

What if I have my own contact at a workshop?

Fantastic! However you need to pass the contact details of the workshop to Craig Dyason (cdyason@ashs.school.nz) to follow up. The workshop also needs to be MTA Accredited to be suitable for training and assessment purposes.

What if I am sick or have an appointment?

Like any workplace it is your responsibility to contact your employer first, and then to contact Craig to let them know you will not be in.

What if I do not pass Ignition?

You have the opportunity to resit any standards you have been unsuccessful in. However you cannot start a practical placement in a workshop until both 21857 and 16113 have been completed, and no Accelerate standards will be credited until you have passed Ignition.