Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Diagnose and repair faults on light vehicles and trailers.
Want to be a light automotive engineer?
In this programme you'll gain the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly encountered on light vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles and light trailers.
Graduates of this qualification are able to:
- Monitor the workplace and respond to issues as required to maintain a safe and effective workplace
- Apply the appropriate precautionary measures when servicing and repairing high risk light automotive systems
- Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle engines and driveline systems
- Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle electrical and electronic systems
- Diagnose and repair common faults in light vehicle steering, suspension and braking systems.
This qualification follows on from the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3).
About this programme
This 200 credit programme is made up of fourteen courses and is structured for delivery through:
- Managed Apprentices -Students may study part‐time as a Managed Apprentice for up to three years. Students who enrol as ‘Managed Apprentices’ learn on the job as they are already employed in an automotive repair workshop. Managed apprentices will be supported in their workplace through supervised on‐the‐job training from employers, supervisors or qualified co‐workers, as well as regular workplace visits from Managed Apprentice Coordinators. They will also be supported off‐site with additional teacher‐directed learning which will augment the workplace learning and focus predominantly on students acquiring underpinning knowledge to integrate with their practical workplace learning experiences.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
To gain admission to the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have successfully completed New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) or have equivalent knowledge and skills
- Be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
- Have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
Managed Apprenticeship applicants must be employed in an automotive workplace which is operating at a commercially acceptable industry standard and will require the apprentice, employer and provider to enter into a training agreement.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0; or an accepted international equivalence.
It is recommended applicants:
- Have a current workplace first aid certificate before enrolment
- Achieve a Class 1 licence before programme completion.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
