The ninth annual Tools4Work National Secondary Schools Mini Moto Grand Prix is set to take place on October 13 to 15 at Manfeild, Feilding. Up to 300 students from over 20 schools around the country are registered to compete.

Students actually build the bikes they will race – they must assemble the bike kitset, adding the engine, suspension, steering and body-kit of their own technical designs, abilities and imagination.

They are supported throughout the process by learning resources from Tools4Work, produced by Competenz, the industry training organisation for the engineering industry. The project aligns with the Manufacturing and Technology vocational pathway.

Students gain practical hands-on skills, which can help them progress into a trade when they leave school. They achieve unit standards towards the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Technology Level 2, and Tools4Work’s association to Competenz means these credits are transferrable to a Competenz-managed apprenticeship.

The project has gained wide-spread popularity over the years, with participants from all over the country. Students love the chance to do something they are passionate about and see their efforts come to life at the end of it.

Competenz has also been showcasing the mini bike at careers expos all over the country and it has proved to be very popular, with many keen young students fascinated with the bikes.

For more information, visit www.tools4work.co.nz