New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

Automotive Workshop Safety (10 Credits)
Learn to identify and consistently apply policies, procedures and regulations that ensure safe and effective working practices in an automotive workshop.

Basic Repair and Modification of Automotive Components (15 Credits)
Safely and correctly use hand and power tools and workshop engineering equipment to complete basic automotive engineering workshop tasks. The course covers:

• Material types and properties
• SI symbols (International System of Units)
• Principles behind basic fabrication techniques
• Principles behind the use of specialist tools
• Hand tools - hacksaw, internal and external threading tools, stud extractor, files, measuring and marking out tools
• Power tools - drilling machinery
• Basic equipment - electric welding equipment, gas welding equipment
• Workshop engineering equipment - material types/properties, basic fabrication (heating, cutting, welding, threading, fastening systems)

Engines (15 Credits)
Learn to identify the components of an engine; strip, measure, reassemble and start an engine; and carry out tuning for four-stroke spark ignition (SI) and/or compression ignition (CI) engines.

Engine Systems (10 Credits)
Learn the function, purpose and location of engine systems and undertake basic servicing of engine systems. The course covers:

• Intake
• Cooling
• Engine management system
• Exhaust systems 
• Fuel - petrol and diesel
• Lubrication, lubricants and sealants

Driveline Systems (10 Credits)
Learn the function, purpose and location of driveline systems and undertake basic servicing of driveline systems.

Electrical and Electronics (15 Credits)
Learn automotive electrical and electronic principles and how to conduct basic checks and repairs on wiring and lighting systems.

Starting and Charging Systems (10 Credits)
Learn about starting, charging and ignition systems with appropriate tools, equipment and processes.

Electronic Controls, High Voltage Systems and HVAC (10 Credits)
Learn about the function and purpose of control systems, the tools and processes to check the operation of electronic control systems and the operation and safety processes of high voltage systems.

Brake Systems (10 Credits)
Learn about the function, purpose and location of brake systems and use appropriate tools and processes to service brake systems.

Steering and Suspension Systems (15 Credits)
Learn about the function, purpose and location of steering and suspension systems and use appropriate tools and processes to service steering and suspension systems.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

NCEA Level 1 (including 10 Literacy Credits and 10 Numeracy Credits at Level 1) 
OR
Equivalent academic achievement
OR
On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants:

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

A Class 1 full driver’s licence (or working towards) is recommended on entry to this programme.

Previous study in related technology areas would be an advantage.

To successfully complete this programme, students need to be aware of the physical demands required for this career pathway.

Work experience
Learners engaging in UCOL Te Pūkenga directed work experience will need to complete programme course Automotive Workshop Safety beforehand.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the appropriate form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).