Explore your options
Mechanics, automotive engineers, and auto electricians are needed all over the country to service an industry that is growing all the time. Study automotive engineering and you’ll learn all about anti-lock braking systems, fuzzy logic, automatic transmissions, engine parameters, safety systems, climate control and in-car entertainment.
Automotive training means lots of time in the workshop and labs. You’ll pull apart engines, find faults and see how it all works. You’ll learn how to install automotive accessories, service engines, repair steering and suspension, and diagnose electronic problems.
There may also be work experience in a local automotive company. It’s a great chance to see how an automotive diagnostics and repair centre works. Sometimes it leads to a job offer or an apprenticeship.
And if you’re already working in the industry, we offer a range of automotive engineering short courses for you to upskill or get qualified.
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering | 3 | Full-time for 1 year, or part-time options available | Trainee/apprentice mechanic, Trainee/apprentice mechanical engineer | February or July |
| New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering | 3 | Full-time for 1 year | Apprentice welding, fabricator, Apprentice mechanical engineer | February or July |
| New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering | 4 | Part-time for up to 5 years | Automotive electrician | Enrolments accepted and start throughout the year |
| New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering | 4 | Part-time for up to 5 years | Light Automotive Engineer | Enrolments accepted and start throughout the year |
| Bachelor of Applied Technology - Automotive Engineering | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time (day) options available | Car design and building, Vehicle sales and service | February or July |
| Bachelor of Applied Technology - Transport Management | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time (day) options available | Car design and building, Vehicle sales and service | February and July |
Short courses
| Short courses | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Emissions Testing | This short course has been developed in consultation with industry to ensure that emission testing technicians have the ability to apply vehicle emission testing methods on a range of vehicles,... | |
| Vehicle Wheel Alignment | This short course has been developed in consultation with industry to ensure that wheel alignment technicians have the ability to interpret and apply principles of vehicle steering and suspension, and... | |
| Introduction to the Application of Oscilloscopes in Vehicle Electrical & Electronics Diagnosis | This short course is designed to give automotive electricians an overview of basic and advanced techniques of using a digital oscilloscope for automotive diagnosis. | |
| Introduction to Multiplexing and CAN bus Systems | This course is designed to give automotive electricians a range of general principles of design, operation and testing techniques for the new CAN Bus systems. | |
| Vehicle Inspectors Preparatory Course | This short course is designed for people in the automotive industry who want to carry out vehicle inspections. | |
| Basic Car Maintenance | This short course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge that will enable you to carry out minor maintenance and repairs to your own vehicles. | |
| Automotive Air Conditioning (Installation and Servicing) | This short course is designed to cover the installation and servicing of air conditioning systems. |
Apprenticeships
Find out about how Unitec can prepare you for and assist you with autmotive apprenticeships here.
Industry connections
Māori and Pacific Trades Training fees free scholarships
