Frequently asked questions

How much does the trades academy cost?

The MIT trades academy is funded by the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission as a fees-free programme. You will be supplied with all the equipment, tools and safety gear or uniforms necessary for your selected programme free of charge. Transport to the academy is also free and organised through your secondary school.

Will my workload be twice as heavy?

MIT trades academy subjects are designed to integrate the work for both qualifications. All the credits you achieve will be counted towards both qualifications.

Can I apply if I have already left school?

You have to be enrolled at a secondary school to be eligible for selection for the MIT trades academy. If you wish to join you would have to re-enrol at school. However you may also be eligible for other programmes at MIT. Get in touch with our AskMe! team to discuss your options or explore our areas of study.

Is there an age restriction?

You must be aged 16 or over and enrolled in a secondary school at the start of the calendar year. Adult students and school leavers are not eligible for the MIT trades academy.

Can I apply if I am home schooled?

All students must be enrolled in a secondary school within the south Auckland region, therefore home-schooled students must find a school to enrol with prior to enrolling at the academy.

Can I apply if my school is not in Auckland?

The MIT trades academy is available to students in the southern Auckland region. If you are currently enrolled outside of this area you should investigate trades academy options in your region. These can be found here.

Can I do anything whilst in year 9, 10 or 11?

You will still be studying full time at secondary school but you can check out MIT STAR tasters to explore careers of interest and start talking to your careers advisor, technology teacher or dean about MIT trades academy.