Build, create and collaborate at TechGym
At Hamilton’s newest gym you’ll find members meticulously shaping steel into scooter parts, building outdoor pizza ovens, creating steel sculptures, learning to weld and working on a vast array of creative and practical projects.
TechGym is a new kind of gym. Located in Wintec’s award-winning Engineering and Trades facility, TechGym gives members access to its state-of-art trades workshop including specialist tools, equipment and instructors.
“Wintec has this world-class facility which wasn’t being utilised outside of usual business hours and Waikato has plenty of people with innovative ideas but whom lack the tools, equipment and perhaps the skills to bring them to life. TechGym changes that. At TechGym, people from all walks of life can come together to build, share ideas, upskill and bring their projects to life, on a casual basis,” says TechGym founder Paul Millett.
Paul says TechGym enables people to create, design, build and collaborate in a high-tech, supportive environment. Plus, he says it caters for all skill levels, from entrepreneurs and trade professionals to hobbyists and people such as apprentices wanting to upskill.
Hamilton resident David Slabbert has recently completed his first project – an exhaust for his scooter – and says: “TechGym is the best gym ever! I’ve learnt so much about forming stainless steel and am stoked with how my exhaust has turned out. I’m looking forward to starting work on my next project soon.”
TechGym has support from prominent Waikato employer, Gallagher, who have given 30 employees TechGym memberships as part of their professional development. Gallagher Hardware Development Manager Tony Smith says: “Gallagher is pleased to be involved with the TechGym. As a leading innovator and manufacturer, this new facility provides our team with the opportunity to upskill on their own terms and opens doors to a range of equipment”.
Currently members have access to welding, light and heavy fabrication (metalworking) and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Carpentry (woodworking) and 3D printing will open in October. These will be followed by other specialist areas, such as electronics and automotive, as demand increases.
TechGym is open on Monday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturdays with memberships starting from $62 a month. To find out more go to www.techgym.co.nz
