Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4)
NZQF Level 6

About the course

Want to be a qualified auto mechanic?

In this programme you'll gain the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly encountered on light vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles and light trailers.

Graduates of this qualification are able to:

  • Monitor the workplace and respond to issues as required to maintain a safe and effective workplace
  • Apply the appropriate precautionary measures when servicing and repairing high risk light automotive systems
  • Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle engines and driveline systems
  • Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle electrical and electronic systems
  • Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle steering, suspension and braking systems.

This qualification follows on from the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3).

About this programme

Duration of Course: 3 Years

This 200 credit programme is made up of fourteen courses and is structured for delivery through:

  • Managed Apprentices -Students may study part‐time as a Managed Apprentice for up to three years. Students who enrol as ‘Managed Apprentices’ learn on the job as they are already employed in an automotive repair workshop. Managed apprentices will be supported in their workplace through supervised on‐the‐job training from employers, supervisors or qualified co‐workers, as well as regular workplace visits from Managed Apprentice Tutor. They will also be supported off‐site with additional teacher‐directed learning which will augment the workplace learning and focus predominantly on students acquiring underpinning knowledge to integrate with their practical workplace learning experiences.

Entry requirements

To gain admission to the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have successfully completed New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) or have equivalent knowledge and skills
  • Be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes.
  • Have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.

Managed Apprenticeship applicants must be employed in an automotive workplace which is operating at a commercially acceptable industry standard and will require the apprentice, employer and provider to enter into a training agreement.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0; or an accepted international equivalence.

It is recommended applicants:

  • Achieve a Class 1 licence before programme completion.

About the provider

NorthTec is the region's largest provider of tertiary education, with multiple campuses and learning centres from Whangārei to our northernmost site in Kaitaia.

We’re transforming lives right here in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland so whether you imagine yourself as a chef, a nurse, or dream of getting a job in a trade, check out our over 100 programmes and enrol now for a brighter future.

Our largest campus is based at Raumanga, Whangārei, with the Future Trades campus in Dyer Street, and a Learning Centre in Kensington Stadium. There are also regional campuses in Ngāwhā and Kaitaia. We also have some online courses, providing education to people across the whole motu. NorthTec works in collaboration with other education providers, industry, iwi, and charitable trusts to provide industry specific,up-to-date training for all Te Tai Tokerau.

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