Study automotive and become a mechanic
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (36 teaching weeks)
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)Programme code: NZ3097 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Entry requirements
Open entry
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Domestic fees
$7,700 (approx.)
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International fees
Not available to international students
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Are you interested in the automotive industry?
With a combination of in-class and online learning, this qualification will prepare you for a career in automotive engineering, working on cars and trucks to heavy industrial machinery.
You will gain a solid foundation with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to work safely using tools and equipment in automotive engineering such as engines, driveline systems, electrical and electronic brakes, steering and suspension systems.
With a shortage of qualified mechanics in New Zealand, your skills will be in demand.
Aspects of this programme are physically demanding, please talk with an Ask Me! agent if you face fitness or mobility challenges.
You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
English language entry requirements
You will need English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English (an assessment may be required if your first language is not English).
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below four courses (120 credits):
201.326 Automotive workshop safety, tools and equipment (25 credits)
You will learn safety, first aid, fire and safety procedure, chemicals, gas, hazardous materials.
- Safe working practices, good work habits, policies and procedures, PPE, warning notices, precautions
- Industry engineering tasks, tools and equipment, may include but is not limited to: spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, torque wrench, locking devices, bolts, nut studs, power drill, drill press, cutting fluid, taps, dies, die nuts, grinder, welding
- Tools for electrical and electronic service and repair
- Safe working practices for working with electronics, including protecting electronics.
201.327 Automotive engines and drivelines systems (30 credits)
You will learn about Vehicle servicing and component replacement.
- Petrol and diesel engines: Two-stroke, four-stroke engines, power, torque
- Drivelines: Driveshafts, drive axle, joints and bearings, VIRM requirements, final drives, differential mechanisms
- Transmission, manual and semi-automatic operation, and construction
- CVT gearboxes
- Cooling systems, cleanliness pH, freeze protection, flushing system, refill, bleeding
- Cambelts
- Lubrication: Oils, grease, lubricants, and specifications
- Air-conditioning: Refrigeration, compression, condensing, expansion, evaporation
- Clutch
- Intake systems, induction systems, emissions/exhaust.
201.328 Automotive electrical and electronic systems (40 credits)
May include, but is not limited to:
- Ignition systems
- Electronic fuel injection
- Batteries
- Basic Electrical theory
- Hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles
- Electrical principles, testing and repair of automotive electrical circuits
- Automotive charging and starting systems
- Automotive lighting
- Airbags/seat belts
- Diesel injection/fuel systems.
201.329 Automotive brakes, steering and suspension systems (25 credits)
- Wheels, tyres, wheel balancing
- Brake system: May include but not limited to: bleeding hydraulic brakes, park brake, service brake, brake lines, brake cylinders, pads, shoes, rotors, drums, Disc brakes, Drum brakes, brake fluid, air braking systems, heavy commercial brake systems
- Steering and suspension: may include but is not limited to: components, manual, power-assisted, four-wheel/all-wheel systems, front and rear suspension, ball joints, bushes, linkages, wheel bearings, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabiliser bars, control arms heavy steering and heavy suspension.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work in an entry level position in any area of the automotive industry. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
MIT TechPark is an award-winning centre of excellence for engineering and trades.
Having won a Learning Environments Australasia Award which recognises planning, design and construction of educational facilities throughout the region, our state-of-the-art campus is the home of our engineering and trades school. Coupling stunning architectural learning spaces with a myriad of high-tech facilities for our students, it's easy to see why it's been given such high praises.
Our TechPark building is situated on the corner of Lambie Drive and Manukau Station Road. It is across the road from the existing MIT Manukau campus, currently home to the schools of nursing, health and counselling, business, and digital technologies.
“I chose MIT because of the technical hands-on aspect of the course. It was a great decision. Some of my best memories during my studies were the practical assignments and real-world experience I graduated well prepared for the workplace and was quickly employed as my work experience placement turned into a full-time job.”
Jonathan King
MIT graduate
“Starting my level 3 in automotive engineering at MIT was especially important and motivating for me, particularly having a specialised skill that is recognised in the NZ industry and worldwide.
This qualification will enhance and sharpen my practical skills in a trade that I have been practicing and utilising for many years.
For me, my ultimate drive was my young family who is growing and who are exploring opportunities themselves with their goals and aspirations, which inspired me to complete a qualification.
I needed to put my skills into practice in the place of work I desired to contribute to, hence carrying on to my level 4. I am finishing off a warrant of fitness certification registration where I will be able to extend my knowledge and experience in this area of service to the wider community.”
Hayden Porter Malo
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
Youth Guarantee: Free study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 24 year olds (Youth Guarantee). Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.