EV training steps up at Unitec

Training in electric vehicles (EVs) is fast becoming a major component of the automotive school at the Unitec Institute of Technology Mt Albert campus in Auckland.

Now housed in a new trades school building, Mataaho, the automotive training facility has about $8 million in state-of-the-art equipment, much of it centred around EVs.

“Cars are now more computers on pieces of rubber, which is why we invested in this kit,” vehicle systems lecturer Lee Bagelow says.

Training desks with screens and plug-in display boards let students work on various vehicle systems without getting their hands dirty pulling apart vehicles to do so.

Many of the automotive training systems are modular and customisable to specific vehicle and manufacturer types.

Templates and plug-in briefcase modules allow them to “work” on any brand and model available, whether a Tesla, Toyota Prius hybrid, or a Honda.

It allows safe handling while training on high voltage systems, for instance.

Much of the emulation equipment is from Lucas-Nulle in Germany.

Mataaho and a new student service centre, Te Puna, worth a combined $70 million, were officially opened on August 23 by tertiary education, skills and employment minister Paul Goldsmith at a ceremony attended by nearly 150 people.

Unitec is undergoing a major transformation, creating contemporary applied teaching and learning approaches that better prepare students for the future of work.

“These buildings mark a major milestone in that process,” Unitec chief executive Dr Rick Ede says.

At 7000 square metres, Mataaho is New Zealand’s largest open plan trades training facility. The design reflects a modern worksite with many disciplines nearby, giving students exposure to an array of specialties.

It houses not only automotive related training but courses in construction, plumbing, drainage and electrical.

Mataaho has a huge variety of specialised tools and equipment, complemented by the largest range of virtual reality, augmented reality, and emulation equipment for trades training in the country.

These include virtual reality headsets for learning – including welding, a virtual spray painting booth, and automotive emulation equipment.

Dean of engineering, construction and infrastructure Renee Davies says combining traditional hands-on training with simulation and emulation equipment gives students extra time to practice, allows them to revisit lessons, and to use enhanced visual tools to support learning.

“We can set up our automotive emulation equipment to match proprietary manufacturer technologies, or to include advanced systems such as hybrid or electric drivetrains.”

Mataaho allows Unitec to collaborate with the wider construction and automotive industries, opening the doors to organisations seeking to train staff on the latest techniques and technologies.

Unitec has partnerships with Giltrap Volkswagen, Lincoln Electric, Makita, Repco, Pullman Group, Dulux International, and Dayle ITM.

The sale and development of land within the 55-hectare campus will help Unitec fund construction of the two buildings.

Unitec hosts an open day on August 26, 10am-2pm, for people to consider study options and career opportunities.

Visit unitec.ac.nz

for more information.