NMIT international students' buddy adventure
Check out all the fun had by our new international learners' on an adventure day in Cable Bay, with their experienced NMIT student buddies.
A new chapter, built by hand
After 30+ years in the IT industry, NMIT Mechanical Engineering student Andrew Stephen is proving it's never too late to start afresh.
When Andrew and his partner relocated from Wellington to Nelson, to be closer to family and enjoy the Te Tauihu (Top of the South) lifestyle, he saw an opportunity to rethink his career direction. Looking for a more hands-on future, he enrolled in NMIT's New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)(external link).
A fresh start
For Andrew, engineering combined two long-standing passions: problem-solving and making things.
"I've always enjoyed repairing, building and figuring out how things work," he says. "After years working behind a computer, I wanted to learn practical skills and create something tangible. This programme has given me exactly that."
NMIT's Mechanical Engineering programme introduces ākonga to a broad range of engineering skills, including fabrication, machining, welding, health and safety, materials and engineering fundamentals. It also provides strong pathways into apprenticeships, employment and further study across NMIT's Engineering, Trades, Construction and Infrastructure programmes(external link).
Andrew says the programme helped make his transition from Wellington to Nelson life much easier than he expected.
"Moving cities and changing careers at the same time was a big step, but studying at NMIT gave me a new community straight away.”
“I've learned skills I'll use for the rest of my life, while building a future in a completely new industry.”
Learning by doing
One of the highlights has been the opportunity to learn through hands-on projects.
Just months into the programme, Andrew had already built a metal toolbox he uses every day, developed machining skills and achieved a goal he had held for years: learning to weld.
"There's something incredibly satisfying about making something with your own hands, then being able to look at the finished result and think, 'I built that'. Those are skills and experiences you can take into work, hobbies and everyday life."
As part of their Mechanical Engineering studies at NMIT, learners gain practical workshop experience, while developing the foundational skills employers value across the engineering and fabrication industries.
Andrew says the practical learning environment is supported by tutors who genuinely want every student to succeed.
“The tutors are fantastic. They recognise that everyone learns differently and they're willing to adapt their teaching to help people understand and develop their skills. That level of support has made a huge difference.”
More than a qualification
At 54, Andrew is the oldest student in his class but says studying alongside younger learners has been amongst the most rewarding aspects of his NMIT study experience.
The class includes a diverse mix of school leavers and adult learners, and Andrew is encouraged by the growing number of women entering engineering and trades training.
"It's a really welcoming environment. People support each other, and it's great to see a broader range of students choosing engineering. The industry benefits from different perspectives and experiences."
NMIT Mechanical Engineering Tutor Jim Thornton(external link) says Andrew's story demonstrates that engineering can be a rewarding option for learners at any stage of life.
"Andrew has brought a wealth of experience, curiosity and determination to the programme. Engineering offers many different pathways, and it's exciting to see students discover where their interests can take them."
Students who wish to continue their learning can progress into industry employment or work placements, apprenticeships, or specialist NMIT programmes, such as the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication Trade(external link).
Looking ahead
As he nears completion of the Certificate, Andrew is considering going on to further engineering study with NMIT, possibly the Level 4 Mechanical Engineering programme with an apprenticeship pathway, but is keeping his options open.
For now, he's focused on continuing to build his skills and explore the many opportunities the engineering industry offers.
"Engineering gives you the chance to keep learning, solve real-world problems and work on a huge variety of projects. That's what makes it so appealing."
Learn more about Engineering, Trades, Construction and Infrastructure programmes at NMIT
Interested in a career in mechanical engineering?
Learn more about the study options available at NMIT. Our Mechanical Engineering programmes are growing and evolving all the time. We currently offer apprenticeship pathways and hands-on New Zealand Certificates in:
