Programme overview
Build your foundational knowledge, learn how to service general automotive systems and work within commercial work environments.
As a graduate of this programme you will be able to:
- Comply with workplace policies, procedures, and relevant regulations to work safely and effectively in an automotive workshop
- Select and use tools and equipment for the completion of basic workshop engineering tasks
- Apply fundamental knowledge of automotive engineering systems to the maintenance of engine and driveline systems
- Assess the operation and perform minor repairs on vehicle electrical and electronic control systems
- Apply fundamental knowledge of automotive engineering systems to the maintenance of steering, suspension, and braking systems.
Highlights
- Flexible study options are available. We have full-time (Evening full-time study options available from 3.30 PM to 8.30 PM) and part-time study options.
- Practice while you learn in our purpose-built trades facility. This includes multiple workshop spaces, and the Giltrap (Volkswagen) sponsored automotive lab with the latest emulation and simulation technologies.
- Work with advanced automotive technical training equipment
- Work on natural systems, including engines, transmissions, and live vehicles
- Hands-on working environment – the workshop IS the classroom
- Learn how to service a range of automotive electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems
About part-time study
Our part-time option is designed for students who wish to gain this qualification while working in the automotive industry. If you have any queries about this option, please contact
- Duncan Wales, Automotive Industry Liaison, dwales@unitec.ac.nz, 0274 361 223
- Prabhat Chand, Academic Leader, pchand@unitec.ac.nz, (09) 892 8118
Funding your study
Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, grants, and hardship, and click here to view options for funding your study.
Qualification pathway
Graduates of this programme can take a pathway into becoming a trainee or start your automotive apprenticeship in a light automotive or automotive electrical programme, or even enroll in our Bachelor of Applied Technology - Automotive Engineering programme
International students/graduates: Graduates of this programme will not be eligible for a post-study work visa. However, you do have options to progress into further qualifications. E-mail our Visa Team to understand the qualifications eligible for Student or Post Study Work Visas.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
Academic requirements
You must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester, and you’ll need to:
- NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics, English, and Physics or General Science; Or
- Equivalent.
- And have the necessary English language proficiency, a minimum of NCEA (Level 1) English or have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
For more information download the full programme regulations, click here to download
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must meet at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement;
- And English entry requirements;
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an overall IELTS (General or Academic) band score of at least 5 in each band; Or
- Equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and a range of English Language programmes can help you qualify.
For more information download the full programme regulations, click here to download
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Workshop Safety (APTE3101) | 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) | To introduce workplace policies, procedures and relevant regulations to work safely and effectively in an automotive workshop. |
| Workshop Engineering Tools and Equipment - Compulsory (APTE3102) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce students the use tools and equipment to complete basic workshop engineering tasks. |
| Engines and Cooling System (APTE3103) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to describe engine operation and carry out an engine overhaul and service an engine cooling system. |
| Engine Tuning and Fuel Systems (APTE3104) | 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) | To enable students to describe and diagnose engine tuning and fuel systems. |
| Automotive Brakes and Steering (APTE3105) | 25.0 credits (0.208 EFTS) | To apply fundamental automotive engineering knowledge to service steering, suspension and brake systems |
| Automotive Transmissions and Driveline Systems (APTE3106) | 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) | To enable students to describe the function, purpose and location of transmissions and service systems. |
| Automotive Electrical Technology (APTE3107) | 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) | To develop students’ knowledge of electrical principles in vehicle circuits. |
| Automotive Electronic and HVAC Systems (APTE3108) | 25.0 credits (0.208 EFTS) | To enable students to describe and service electronic circuits and demonstrate knowledge of HVAC systems. |
