New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
About the programme
Your training will cover everything you need to know to get started in the automotive industry— including vehicles and their systems, engines, brake systems, steering and suspension systems, electrical and electronic principles—and our strong partnerships with local businesses and industry representatives will help you get a foot in the door to a job.
As well as being an excellent steppingstone into the industry, this programme is also a great option if you want to learn the basics so you can work on your own car, truck, motorbike or boat.
Core elements
This programme will provide you with knowledge and skills in topics such as:
- Automotive workshop safety
- Basic workshop engineering tasks, tools and equipment
- Engines, engine systems and driveline systems
- Electrical and electronic principles, starting and changing systems, electronic controls, high voltage systems and HVAC
- Brake systems, steering and suspension systems
Further study options
This qualification can lead on to New Zealand certificates in a range of related areas including light vehicle engineering, collision repair, automotive refinishing, automotive electrical engineering, heavy automotive engineering, motorcycle engineering, automotive diesel fuel technology, outdoor power equipment and heavy wheel alignment. See our website for more details.
Career opportunities
Upon successful completion of this qualification, you can progress to an apprenticeship or further study, leading to roles such as:
- Automotive Engineering Technician
- Automotive Heavy Engineering Technician
- Road Transport - Agricultural, Plant and Equipment Technician
- Automotive Electrical Engineering Technician
- Motorcycle Engineering Technician
- Outdoor Power Equipment Servicing Technician
- Power Boat Servicing Technician
It's also a useful qualification for other motor industry occupations, such as: Automotive Parts Person, Service Station Attendant, Automotive Dismantler or Motor Vehicle Salesperson.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To apply for this programme you must:
- Have a minimum of 10 credits in literacy and numeracy and NCEA Level 2, or be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge, skills or work experience*
- Be physically capable of meeting programme requirements
- Meet general or academic IELTS 5 (with no band score lower than 5) or equivalent, if English is a second language
- Attend an information session where you'll be required to demonstrate your ability, interest, motivation and commitment to succeed in the programme
*If you're over 20 years old and you don't meet the academic entry requirement but can demonstrate your skills, education and/or work experiences, you may be eligible for special admission.
Special notes
Where students meet the entry criteria and the programme is over-subscribed, the following will apply in order:
- Applicant accepts offer of place by returning their signed learner agreement
- Applicant is waitlisted
About the provider
Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP), based on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast and with campuses in Wanaka, Christchurch and Auckland, offers students exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career or take the next step on their learning journey.
TPP offers popular study options that meet local employment needs and are tailored to help people get into real jobs in the community or get ahead in their chosen career. With two West Coast campuses, in addition to other New Zealand locations, TPP makes the most of the opportunities on its doorstep.
The institute’s popular Outdoor Education programmes teach technical, leadership and teamwork skills on West Coast rivers and mountains along with a Ski Patrol programme based in Wanaka that makes the most of the South Island’s world-famous ski fields. A base on the West Coast also allows Jade and Hard Stone Carving students to get right to the cultural and historic source of their material. Likewise, Civil Plant students prepare for jobs in the roading, forestry and mining industries on purpose-built work sites in Greymouth and Auckland, while agriculture students have the use of the TPP Reefton farm.
These are just some of TPP’s many popular full-time, part-time or short programmes, which include business, trainee chef, tourism and hospitality, carpentry, automotive and engineering. All programmes are focused on industry expectations and tutors enjoy strong relationships with local businesses so learning is relevant and useful to the market. The institute’s aim is to get students into real jobs in the community and help create better futures for everyone.
West Coast students also have the option of living in TPP’s own student accommodation facilities. A home away from home while you’re studying. Tai Poutini Village offers 58 individual rooms and shared facilities for students. Village staff provide you with a living environment which encourages and supports the educational mission of the Polytechnic, supporting students in their chosen programme of study, and helping them to develop personally, socially and culturally.
Our reputation for the quality of graduates is outstanding.