New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

Barbara Te Haara - Automotive

“Six years ago when my Dad suggested I do a mechanic course so I’d be self-reliant if my car broke down, I said no because I thought that was boys’ stuff. I’m doing it now and I have such a sense of purpose and a much broader outlook. I’m more eager than I thought. ”

Barbara was so keen to start studying that she does a three day commute to Kaikohe from where she lives in Whangarei. “All the automotive course positions there were filled for this intake, so I trialled the commute for two weeks and it’s fine. My Dad is from Kaikohe and I used to live here.”

“The mechanical work is great and we even get to work on our own cars so I’ve just replaced the fuel system in mine. I’m really enjoying learning and being with new people but the challenge for me is to memorize our study book. I’m having to discipline myself to focus and concentrate on learning the theory to sit the test.”

“I want to do an apprenticeship in Whangarei and completing this course will give me a much better chance of doing that. It’s too soon to know what might unfold after that.”

Jared Wilson - Automotive Engineering

“I got the chance to be part of the service crew at NorthTec for the International Rally of Whangarei. I did the refuels morning and night and the clean-up, and that led to an invitation to be part of the Canterbury rally service crew a bit later.”

Jared stepped up to do the automotive engineering course from a strong mechanical background and a keen interest in motorsport. “My father is a mechanic and the family are contractors so I thought I knew a lot about automotive engineering. But when I started the course here I realised how much I didn't know. Reading the books and learning from the tutors helped me join a lot of dots.”

“Meeting new people here has opened me up to new ideas and the tutors are the best. They’ve been in the trade and are teaching us their tricks. I have a bit of a challenge with the book work but the support is there within the course. Anybody can do this and you can start at 16 years old.”

“Completing the course will make it easier for me to get an apprenticeship in lightweight automotive engineering. I’ve gained the knowledge and shown I have the discipline to apply myself.”

Further down the track Jared has his sights set on being a mechanic in a motorsport team. “My uncle was a rally car driver and during the car rally here I was surprised at how many options exist within the industry. It can take me around the world and shows me the leading edge of automotive technology before it hits the mainstream.”

David Macfarlane - Automotive

“When I was little I could always name the types of cars on the road. I love cars, so when I heard I could do an intro automotive course two days a week last year while I was still at school, I was in. One of my friends signed me up for this next level course and it’s turned out to be one of the best years of my life.”

“I love getting down to the work here because it’s so hands-on. I’m fixing my own car on the course at the moment. I had to change the head gaskets so it’s been a bit of a challenge and a good experience. It’s a major job and things are still not quite right but mechanical challenges are what I’m here for.”

“I like to do the practical stuff first and keep the theory and study minimal. Theory is not so much my thing but I need to do enough to pass the assessment so I’ll push through it with the help of the tutor. I’m one of the youngest in the class and I’ll probably go on to the next level from here.”

“I want to have my own workshop that I can develop into a global company. I would just deal in older petrol cars, specialize in a car brand that appeals to me, and get known for that. I’m a visual thinker and I’m able to see, understand and fix older petrol cars.”

“I’m on my way to creating my own life now. Follow what you want to do and don’t let anyone hold you back.”

Don Kim - Automotive

“I wanted to change jobs because the gardening and tree trimming I’d been doing was getting too hard on my body. I was used to fixing my own mowers and machinery so I looked on the internet and found this automotive course close to home. I had moved to Kaikohe from Auckland because I could afford to buy my own house here.”

“I’m enjoying my classmates. We all bring our own experience and swap information, and the tutor explains things well.”

“I’m keen to carry on studying so I can start my own family business but the next level of the course is electrical. I’m not good with electrical things so I’ve encouraged my son to study too and I hope he’ll get that part sorted. My plan is that we’ll go into business together.”

Kieran Baker-Petkovich - Automotive

“For the last couple of years I’ve been buying cheap cars, fixing them up and selling them online or to my mates but there are gaps in my knowledge. I’m learning so much here that I wish I’d started the course sooner.”

“I love everything about cars especially older cars because they are easier to fix. The tutors set the tone of what’s expected but they come down to our level and we always have a good laugh. I’m full time Dad for my three year old so the challenge is balancing study with the time with my daughter, and NorthTec is really flexible and supportive around that.”

“I’m surprising myself by topping my class so it’s giving me something to really push for. A couple of us are older so it’s good to be a bit of a role model to the younger guys. We help them if they need it but still have to set boundaries to get our own stuff done.”

“We get to work on our own cars so there’s the input of a huge variety of opinions. As well as filling the gaps in my knowledge, we’re being introduced to other branches of the industry like parts, diesel motors and tyres. The bros are trying to push me into diesel but I want to stay with petrol so I can work with performance cars.”

“I’ll do my theory for an apprenticeship by correspondence then do the practical year to get it signed off. I want to work with performance cars all round, including making the parts for the body, motor and wheels. At the moment I’m getting my knowledge together so I can do that later.”