Programme overview
In this certificate you’ll build the foundation skills and knowledge to begin your career in automotive engineering
learn how to service general automotive systems and work within commercial work environments. Engines, electrics, brakes, steering, and the new tech coming through the door. One year full-time, two years part-time, or on the job workbased while you keep earning. Mt Albert.
Highlights
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Engine & Management Systems: Stripping, checking, and servicing engines, cooling/lubrication, petrol/diesel injection, emissions, and diagnostic scanning.
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Transmissions & Driveline: Servicing manual clutches, automatic gearboxes, differentials, and CV/universal joints.
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Electrical, Starting & Charging: Reading wiring diagrams, circuit testing, lighting, battery maintenance, and fault finding on starting/charging setups.
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Brakes, Steering & Suspension: Servicing brake systems and fluid bleeding, along with wheel alignments, suspension geometry, springs, shocks, bushes, and bearings.
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EVs, New Tech & Compliance: High-voltage EV and hybrid safety precautions, emerging vehicle tech, airbags, HVAC/air con, and NZ warrant standards (VIRM).
About Work based study
Our work based option is designed for students who wish to gain this qualification while working in the automotive industry. If you have any queries about this option and want to know more about the course timetable, please contact;
- Duncan Wales, Automotive Lecturer, dwales@unitec.ac.nz, 0274 361 223
Funding your study
Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, grants, and hardship. More about funding your study.
Qualification pathway
Graduates of this programme can take a pathway into becoming a trainee or start your automotive apprenticeship in a light automotive or automotive electrical programme, or even enroll in our Bachelor of Applied Technology – Automotive Engineering programme
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
Academic requirements
You must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester, and you’ll need to:
- NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics, English; Or
- Equivalent.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must meet at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies,
- English entry requirements;
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an overall IELTS (General or Academic) band score of at least 5 in each band; Or
- Equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and a range of English Language programmes can help you qualify.
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2027; please check back again soon.
There are currently no courses listed for the current or following semesters. For information about Block courses, please see above in the Semester Dates section.
Automotive apprenticeships
We offer a range of programmes to prepare you for an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.
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