Program Overview

Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering

Overview

Equip yourself with the in-depth skills needed to work as an auto technician. This programme, which includes an apprenticeship, provides the skills and knowledge required to undertake diagnostics and complex repair work at an intermediate to advanced level. It also covers the areas of customer interaction including scheduling work and completing quotations for jobs.

What will I study

• Effective Workplace Maintenance and Safety
• High-Risk Automotive Systems Safety
• Wheels and Tyres
• Steering Systems
• Suspension Systems
• Braking Systems
• Wiring Systems
• Vehicle Safety Systems
• Driveline Systems
• Engine Systems
• Fuel and Emission Systems
• Body Control Systems
• Climate Control
• Transmission Systems

Pathway

This nationally recognised qualification enables you to apply for technician positions in specialist auto electrical businesses, or in mechanical repair workshops that undertake a wider scope of work.

Details

Type

Certificate

Code

NZ3450

May be available for Study Visa?

Yes

Credits

200

Level

4

May be eligible for Studylink?

Yes

Available Part time

Yes

Reference

NZ3450-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $1,396 - $4,294 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• NZ3097 New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

Additional Requirements

• Be employed as a managed apprentice in a light automotive engineering workshop, which is operating at a commercially acceptable industry standard.
  • You must enter into a 3-way training agreement between the candidate, employer and Ara.
  • A current Class 1 Driver Licence.

Alternative Requirements

• Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.
  • This may include Recognition of Prior Learning.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
• Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
  • 5.0 Listening
  • 5.0 Reading
  • 5.0 Writing
  • 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Career opportunities

• This nationally recognised qualification enables you to apply for technician positions in specialist auto electrical businesses, or in mechanical repair workshops that undertake a wider scope of work.

Study pathways

• Further study options include the Level 5 (Advanced) New Zealand certificate with strands in automotive, electrical and mechanical, and collision repair.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics

COVID-19 vaccination information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.