New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

About the programme

Learn how to service general automotive systems.

This qualification is designed for people who are beginning a career in the industry. You will gain the generic and industry-specific skills you need to work in a range of roles in the automotive industry. Upon successful completion, you will graduate as a work-ready, highly competent individual who will be able to hit the ground running from day one. 

Alternatively, you can choose to engage in one of our managed apprenticeship programmes at Level 4 (New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering, New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering, or New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive).  

16-24 years old?

If you are aged 16-24 and feel that school didn’t work out for you, you may be able to study this programme via our Youth Guarantee Scheme and pay no fees. This also applies if you are going to be 15 years old when this programme starts and you have an early exemption from school. See more info in the Fees section below.

Entry

Skills needed to work in this area

• The ability to work with tools and equipment
• Sound communication and people skills
• Alertness and adaptability
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Good memory
• Flexibility to change.

Entry requirements

• 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits (reading and writing) and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits OR be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge and skills.
• Domestic applicants aged 20 and above who do not meet the academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate their skills, education and/or work experience, may be eligible for special admission.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email [email protected] or call 0800 762 786.