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, or part-time options available | 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 |
Short courses
| Short courses | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Emissions Testing | 2 days | 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 | 2 days | 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 | 1 day | 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 | 1 day | 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 | 13 days | This short course is designed for people in the automotive industry who want to carry out vehicle inspections. |
| Basic Car Maintenance | 12 weeks | 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) | 3 days | This short course is designed to cover the installation and servicing of air conditioning systems. |
Apprenticeships
How do I get into an apprenticeship? To become a qualified automotive engineer or automotive electrical engineer, you need to undertake an apprenticeship and complete the theory and practical work experience required by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA). It usually takes two to four years to complete all unit standards and apply for the relevant motor industry qualification.
How can Unitec prepare me? Most employers prefer apprentices who have done some training before they start, and the Certificate in Applied Technology (Automotive Engineering or Autotronics) is ideal preparation. It will give you the skills to start working for an employer while you complete the on-the-job training and study towards your apprenticeship.
Can I get cross-credits towards my apprenticeship? Yes, once you’ve completed the Certificate in Applied Technology (Automotive Engineering or Autotronics), you can apply for cross-credits for a selection of NZQA unit standards. This reduces the time it takes to complete your apprenticeship.
What if I already work in the industry? If you're already doing an apprenticeship, you can study either National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical Engineering) or the National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Engineering) part-time at Unitec to complete the theory part of your qualification.
Contact: Duncan Wales, Automotive Industry Liaison, dwales@unitec.ac.nz 0274 361 223
Industry connections
Unitec has been teaching automotive engineering courses for over 30 years. As a student you can become members of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME). And once you’ve graduated, you can apply to become an Associate Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia.
Māori and Pacific Trades Training fees free scholarships
If you are Māori or Pacific, aged 18 to 40, and you want to train as a carpenter, Unitec has a scholarship for you. We have a significant number of Māori and Pacific Trades Training Scholarships up for grabs which cover your tuition fees for selected pre-trade certificate programmes.
