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.
Industry connections
Unitec has been teaching automotive engineering courses for over 30 years. As a student, you can become a member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME). Once you’ve graduated, you can also apply to become an Associate Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia.
Apprenticeships
The automotive industry needs more auto technicians, and employers are looking for young people. Unitec facilitates apprenticeships for the automotive industry, where you learn while you earn and complete your qualification on the job. Learn more on how Unitec can prepare you for an apprenticeship.
Visit Unitec Virtually
Curious about what our facilities look like. In that case, you can take a virtual tour of our campuses and Mataaho (one of New Zealand's largest open-plan trades training facilities). Visit Unitec Virtually
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 mechanical engineer, Apprentice welding, fabricator | February or July |
| New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering | 4 | Part-time for 3 to 5 years | Automotive electrician | Enrolments accepted and start throughout the year |
| New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering | 4 | Part-time for 3 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 | Vehicle Inspector, Vehicle Service Technician, Vehicle Service Technician, Vehicle Service Center Operations Manager, Sports Vehicle Technician, Vehicle Business Owner, Automotive Trainer, Vehicle Service Advisor, Warranty and Insurance Claim Officer, Automotive Product Manager | February or July |
| Bachelor of Applied Technology - Transport Management | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time (day) options available | Service Fleet Manager, Logistics Planner, Fleet Controller, Supply Chain and Warehouse Manager, Vehicle Sales and Service Manager | February and July |
Short courses
| Short courses | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspectors Preparatory Course | This short course is designed for people in the automotive industry who want to carry out vehicle inspections. | |
| Vehicle inspector refresher short course | This Vehicle Inspector Refresher training course is designed for vehicle inspector (VI) staff to assist Inspecting organizations (IOs) in meeting the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Quality management system (QMS)... |
Funding your study
Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, and grants and hardship.
Fees Free Tertiary Study
If you’re planning to start tertiary study or training at Unitec for the first time, you may be eligible for fees-free click here to find out more.
Youth Guarantee Scheme
Are you aged 16 to 19 and are looking for a course where you can pick up some practical skills? The Youth Guarantee scheme gives 16 to 19-year-olds the chance to study free for up to one year. click here to find out more.
Māori and Pacific Trades Training
If you are Māori or Pacific, aged 16 to 40, and interested in pre-trades training to become a mechanic, you could get your fees free with the Māori and Pacific Trades Training scholarships. This covers your full tuition fees for selected trades programmes. Find out more about MPTT Scholarships
Grants and hardship
Find out what support is available to students who have been impacted by financial difficulty and need help to meet additional costs for course-related costs and materials click here to find out more.
Loans and allowances (STUDY LINK)
Student loans and allowances are provided by StudyLink to eligible students and can help pay for your course fees and living costs while you study. click here to find out more.
