New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4)
Learn how to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly found on light vehicles including cars, light commercial vehicles and light trailers. This qualification is ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace.
Domestic
Cromwell
About the programme
This qualification is ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace.
During this programme, you will gain the industry-specific skills you need to work in a wide range of roles in the motor industry. You will learn how to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly encountered on light vehicles including cars, light commercial vehicles and light trailers.
You'll graduate as a Qualified Automotive Technician.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Level | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Workplace Maintenance and Safety | 4 | 15 |
| High-Risk Automotive Systems Safety | 4 | 10 |
| Engine Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Fuel and Emissions Systems | 4 | 10 |
| Driveline Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Transmission Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Climate Control | 4 | 15 |
| Vehicle Safety Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Body Control Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Wiring Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Braking Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Suspension Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Steering Systems | 4 | 15 |
| Wheels and Tyres | 4 | 15 |
| 200 |
Further study options
Graduates could progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 5) if they wished to continue studying or alternatively would be qualified to take on senior positions in an automotive workshop.
Workload
Your workload
You'll be expected to attend a weekly night class, additional one-week block courses, and to undertake some self-directed study in conjunction with your apprenticeship.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Level 3 Automotive Engineering qualification (such as the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3) OR evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge.
- For the managed apprentice option, you must also be employed in a light automotive engineering workshop which is operating at a commercially-acceptable industry standard. The apprentice, employer and provider must enter into a training agreement.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme isn't available for international students.
Fees
Domestic fees
Study for free during 2022!
You can study this programme for free during 2022 due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF).
- You'll still need to pay for any additional course-related costs such as textbooks or protective footwear (see more info in Additional Costs section).
This programme is studied part-time over two years.
TTAF will only cover your study during 2022. You may be eligible for some additional tuition fees cover under the Government's Fees Free scheme. See the Paying for your study section below for more info.
Additional costs
Smart device (essential)
- Laptop or tablet which is WiFi capable, able to take photos and use Windows 365 applications
Safety equipment and clothing (essential)
- Approved safety footwear (i.e. steel caps)
- Overalls/safety clothes (maybe supplied by employer)
- Welding gloves - gauntlet (red or blue)
- Fitted safety glasses - clear (Scope Phat Boxa)
Paying for your study
TTAF
The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only study undertaken in 2022 is covered. However, you may be eligible for additional tuition fee cover through the Fees Free scheme (see below).
Whilst this programme is free for you to study, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).
It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
For information about student loans and allowances please visit Studylink.
Fees Free
The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme.
So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for study during 2022, and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that for further additional tuition fees cover.
You can check your Fees Free eligibility here >
Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.
Again, you can pay for these costs by yourself if possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (only available for domestic learners).
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Application
How to apply
If you'd like to apply for this programme, please email EngTrades@op.ac.nz and we'll guide you through the application process.
Due to this being studied alongside an apprenticeship, the process is a little different to our standard programmes.
Need more info?
If you'd like to chat about this study option before applying, please email EngTrades@op.ac.nz
Or, you can get in touch with the Programme Leader, Hamish - hamish.miller@op.ac.nz | 03 4796115
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, 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 in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
