96 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » NZ Milking and Pumping Trade Association Great career option for people of all ages Karen Phelps Growing demand for dairy service technicians is creating fresh pathways for people of all ages to build lasting careers in a vital sector of New Zealand’s primary industry, says New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trade Association (MPTA) Executive Officer Maria Scott. “Our members are always on the look-out for great staff but not many Kiwis are aware there is a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification available,” she says. The New Zealand Certificate in Dairy Systems (Engineering) at Level 4, approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) gives students a baseline education in engineering with specific strands in milking systems and pumping systems. Maria says graduates completing the milking systems strand are equipped to work as milking systems technicians, designing, installing, repairing and maintaining milk harvesting systems. Those completing the pumping systems strand qualify as pumping systems engineers, skilled in designing and maintaining water reticulation, effluent and irrigation systems across the country. “It’s a comprehensive qualification covering mechanical fabrication and welding, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical safety compliance, and New Zealand industry standards. Graduates are also trained to carry out fault diagnosis, commission new installations, and advise farm clients on improvements, all skills that place them at the heart of day-to-day farm operations,” she says. Maris stresses this is not an industry exclusively for school leavers. It is also well suited to career changers, tradespeople looking to broaden their skills and anyone with a practical mindset. “It’s a career with security and it’s an engineering qualification so it opens up pathways into any engineering type role,” she says. The qualification is typically completed through a New Zealand apprenticeship in the workplace and Maria encourages anyone interested in it as a career option to contact MPTA. Established in 1932, the MPTA oversees a network of more than 180 member companies, collectively employing over 1,000 multi-skilled technicians and Graduates are also trained to carry out fault diagnosis, commission new installations, and advise farm clients on improvements. Mainland Engineering proudly supports New Zealand Milking & Pumping Trade Association ORDISH & STEVENS Call: Garry Wilson on 021569661 or email: gea.midnorth@gmail.com Milking machine testing, Westfalia and Milfos parts and servicing from Helensville to the Cape!
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