Programme overview
If you’re working in the industry or are ready to enter into a work arrangement with an employer, you can further your understanding of automotive electrical engineering with the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering. You’ll learn more about safe and effective diagnosis and repair of electrical and electronic faults in various vehicles.
As a graduate of this qualification, you will be able to;
- Diagnose, repair, and replace sensors, actuators, control units, associated wiring, and communication networks
- Use specialist tools and diagrams to locate, repair, and replace components
- Design, build, install, test and modify a range of electrical systems, electrical accessory systems, and communication systems.
Highlights
- Learn and work in Mataaho, our purpose-built trade facility. This includes multiple workshop spaces, as well as the Giltrap (Volkswagen) sponsored lab with the latest emulation and simulation technologies
- Improved job prospects: This programme is nationally developed and recognised
- We assist you with employment relationships: This means we work with your employer to recognise the work you do on-site that contributes to your qualification
- Support and mentoring for students and employers throughout your study
Qualification Pathway
Once you’ve completed this programme, you’ll receive the Level 4 qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering. From here, you can work as a qualified Automotive Electrical Engineer.
How do I gain my qualification?
Do I need to be in work while I complete this qualification?
Yes. To become a qualified Automotive Engineer or Automotive Electrical Engineer, you must be an apprentice mechanic or working in approved* automotive premises in order to complete this qualification.
*How do I know if my workplace is appropriate?
How can Unitec prepare me?
Most employers prefer workers/apprentices who have done some training before they start, and the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) is ideal preparation. It will give you the skills to start working for an employer while you complete the on-the-job training and study towards your apprenticeship in this Level 4 programme - New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering.
What’s next?
Once you’ve completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3), you can get entry into the following Level 4 qualifications: New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering and the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering.
What if I already work in the industry?
If you're already working in an appropriate workplace, you can study the New Zealand Certificates in Automotive Engineering part-time at Unitec.
Contact
If you have any questions about this programme or undertaking an apprenticeship please contact Duncan Wales, Automotive Industry Liaison, dwales@unitec.ac.nz 0274 361 223.
Admission requirements
For this programme, you'll need one of the following:
1. Completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3); or
2. Demonstrate the equivalent skills and must be working on approved automotive premises. Find out more about work placement learning here.
3. If English is not your first language, you need one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't meet the requirements? We also accept:
- Be 20 years or older before the start of the programme
- Provide sufficient evidence of aptitude, appropriate work, or other life experience as approved by the Academic Leader
- Entry by Discretionary Admission
For more information, download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Workplace Maintenance & Safety (ENVS4501) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply knowledge to monitor the automotive workplace to maintain a safe and effective workplace, and respond to issues as required. |
| Electronic Steering and Suspension Systems (ENVS4515) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair faults in steering and suspension electronic control systems. |
| Braking and Electronic Control (ENVS4516) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to acquire the skill set necessary to diagnose and repair faults in braking electronic control systems. |
| Body Control Electronics & System Software (ENVS4520) | 20.0 credits (0.167 EFTS) | To enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair faults in electronic body control systems, and configure and customise system software |
| Electronic Driveline Systems (ENVS4523) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair faults in electronically controlled drive trains. |
| Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (ENVS4528) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to diagnose electronic faults in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and repair or/and replace them. |
| Starting, Charging and Batteries (ENVS4529) | 20.0 credits (0.167 EFTS) | To enable students to apply knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair electronic faults in starting, charging and battery systems. |
| Petrol, Fuel and Emission Control Systems (ENVS4530) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to acquire the skill set necessary to diagnose and repair electronically controlled fuel and emission systems. |
| Vehicle Safety Systems (ENVS4531) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to acquire the skill set necessary to diagnose and repair faults in electronically controlled safety systems. |
| High Voltage Systems (ENVS4532) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to service and repair faults in electronically controlled high voltage systems. |
| Electrical and Electronic Systems (ENVS4533) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain their knowledge and skills to design, build, install, test and modify a range of electrical systems to vehicles. |
| Diesel Fuel and Emission Control Systems (ENVS4534) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is for students to be able to acquire the skill set necessary to diagnose and repair faults in electronically controlled hydraulic systems |
