New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
If you love cars, trucks and motorbikes, and want to kick-start your career in the automotive industry, Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering is perfect for you.
Domestic
About the programme
You’ll learn all about vehicles and their systems, including engines, brake systems, steering and suspension systems, electrical and electronic principles.
Your training will cover everything you need to know to get started in the automotive industry and our strong partnerships with local businesses and industry representatives will help you get a foot in the door to a great automotive engineering career.
As well as providing a great stepping-stone, this programme is also a good option for people who want to learn the basics so they can work on their own cars, trucks, bikes or boats.
What You Study
Core Elements
Graduates of this qualification will be able to apply the knowledge and skills in relation to topics such as:
- Automotive workshop safety;
- Basic workshop engineering tasks, tools and equipment;
- Engines; engine systems; driveline systems;
- Electrical and electronic principles; starting and charging systems; electronic controls, high voltage systems and HVAC;
- Brake systems, steering and suspension systems.
Further study options
- NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering - Light Vehicle (level 3 and Level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Collision Repair Non - structural Repair (level 3 and level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (level 3 and level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (level 3 and level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (level 3 and level 4) with strand in Road Transport
- NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive (level 3 and level 4) with strand in Agricultural Equipment
- NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive (level 3 and level 4) with strand in Plant and Equipment
- NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive (level 3 and level 4) with strand in Materials Handling Equipment
- NZ Certificate in Motorcycle Engineering (level 3 and level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology (Level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Outdoor Power Equipment (Level 3 and level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Heavy Wheel Alignment (level 4)
Career Opportunities
Career options may be:
- 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 is also a useful qualification for other motor industry occupations, such as:
- Automotive parts person
- Service station attendant
- Automotive dismantler
- Motor vehicles salesperson
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of 10 credits in literacy and numeracy and NCEA Level 2, or be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge, skills or work experience.
- Applicants aged 20 years or above who do not meet the academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate their skills, education and / or work experiences, may be eligible for special admission.
- Be physically capable of meeting programme requirements.
- Applicants are also required to attend an information session where students must demonstrate their ability, interest, motivation and commitment to succeed in the programme.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5 with no band lower than 5.
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
Application
Programme Questionnaire
This programmes requires a questionnaire to be submitted with your enrolment. Please view the questionnaire here. Complete the questions and return it with your enrolment form and any other supporting documents that are required.
2024 enrolments
When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
You will be offered a place subject to meeting the entry and selection requirements and the availability of places on the programme. The Polytechnic reserves the right to not accept late applications, i.e., after the programme has started. The Polytechnic reserves the right to cancel, prior to commencement, any programme which does not attract a minimum number of students. The fees shown are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change. For further information visit here.
