- Location
Dunedin and Cromwell
- Duration
- Two years
- Delivery
You will 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
- Credits
- 200
- Level
- 4
- Start
- Flexible
- Apply
- Anytime - email EngTrades@op.ac.nz
Build on the skills and knowledge you gained in the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3).
This qualification is ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace. Plus, you’ll be able to study for free due to the Government’s Trades Training and Apprenticeship Fund.
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.
Upon successful completion, you will graduate as a Qualified Automotive Technician.
Career opportunities
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.
Entry requirements
- A Level 3 qualification in Automotive Engineering (such as the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3) OR evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge.
- A Managed Apprentice must be employed in a light automotive engineering workshop.
- 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.
You will study
| 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 |
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)
Student loans and allowances with TTAF
Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this 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 for you or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink.
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 the Studylink website
For more information
Please email EngTrades@op.ac.nz
Programme leader: Hamish Miller: hamish.miller@op.ac.nz | 03 4796115
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.