New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL 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 enrollment advisor at 0800 468 265.

This programme consists of 120 credits. 

Health, Safety and Tools (15 Credits)
Learn how to follow workplace policies, procedures and relevant regulations to work safely and effectively in the collision repair and automotive refinishing industry.

Cooling and HVAC (10 Credits)
Learn to identify and remove and replace HVAC and cooling systems components and store them according to recommended procedures.

Light Engineering (20 Credits)
Use hand and power tools, and workshop engineering equipment to complete basic collision repair and automotive refinishing industry engineering workshop tasks.

Vehicle Exterior and Interior Component (20 Credits)
Learn how to select the appropriate tools, products and equipment to remove and replace interior and exterior vehicle components and store them according to company policies.

Critical Vehicle Systems (15 Credits)
Learn to identify, remove and replace critical vehicle systems components such as brakes, steering, suspension, safety systems and electrical components to manufacturer recommendations.

Assess for Appropriate Repair Procedure (10 Credits)
Select the appropriate tools, products and equipment to assess a vehicle for minor repairs.

Repair Minor Panel Damage (15 Credits)
Select and use the appropriate tools, products and equipment to repair minor panel damage on a motor vehicle.

Prepare Vehicle Components for Refinishing (15 Credits)
Learn how to repair vehicle components for refinishing by using appropriate tools, products and equipment according to current industry practices.

Previous Related Programmes

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

• Certificate in Automotive Panel and Paint

• New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering

A panel and paint spray room, tint room, and workshop.

NCEA Level 1
OR
Equivalent academic achievement
OR
On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.
AND

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

Basic computing skills are an advantage.

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international students.

English language proficiency
International student 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).

Applicants under 20 years of age:
International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in an automotive environment and are advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Programme Leader before the programme begins.

Work experience
Learners engaging in UCOL directed work experience will need to successfully complete the induction of Safety Knowledge in the Workplace environment as per programme requirements.

Timetable
Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and includes the following class times:

February intake

• Monday 8am - 5pm
• Tuesday 8am - 5pm
• Wednesday 8am - 1pm

• Wednesday 8am - 5pm
• Thursday 8am - 5pm
• Friday 8am - 12pm

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). 

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.