MITO has celebrated its 30,000th programme completion since its first National Certificates were registered in 1995, marking a major milestone for New Zealand’s automotive and transport training sectors.
The achievement was recognised this week with a ceremony for 22-year-old automotive technician Hannah Bashford, who recently completed MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4). Bashford works at Tasman Toyota in New Plymouth.
She was presented with a special certificate by MITO board member Dean Eggers, managing director of Symons Transport Group, and the workshop was treated to a morning tea to mark the occasion.
MITO offers qualifications and training across automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, drilling, gas and logistics — industries that collectively represent 6% of New Zealand’s GDP. The organisation recorded its first completions 30 years ago, and 30,000 completions equates to an average of 1,000 graduates a year, or roughly one every nine hours.
MITO executive director Verna Niao says the milestone reflects the depth of industry commitment to developing skilled workers.
“Reaching 30,000 completions shows just how invested New Zealand’s industries are in growing their own talent and preparing their workforces to meet future demand. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come and how many qualified professionals have begun their own contributions to industry over the last few decades.”
Tasman Toyota chief executive Craig Clarke says apprenticeships are essential to the sector’s future.
“Investing in apprentices is vital for the future of our industry, and at Tasman Toyota we’re proud to help develop the next generation of automotive talent. Hannah has worked incredibly hard throughout her apprenticeship and has become a skilled, confident technician.”
Clarke says Bashford’s achievement also places her firmly on Toyota’s technician pathway.
“Her qualification is also an important step in Toyota’s technician pathway – one that can ultimately lead to becoming a Toyota Master Technician, of which there are only 19 in the entire country. We’re proud that Tasman Toyota is home to five of these Master Technicians, and we’re excited to support Hannah as she continues her journey in the trade. We’re delighted to celebrate her achievement.”
Bashford is no stranger to recognition. In 2024, she won a national MITO competition that saw her join the rally crews of MITO ambassadors and rally drivers Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour at the Daybreaker Rally in Palmerston North.
Paddon says he is thrilled to see her continued success.
“A massive congratulations to Hannah Bashford on being MITO’s 30,000th graduate! It was great to have Hannah at Daybreaker Rally in 2024 and to see her work ethic and enthusiasm within the motoring industry. We wish her all the best for the future and hope to see her at some more motorsport events.”
MITO will transition back to industry ownership in 2026, following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. While governance will change, its mission remains focused on building trades training pathways that create opportunities for learners, employers and the industries it supports.
