Course Overview
If you're tech savvy, love working with vehicles and have a particular interest in electronics, this course will set you up for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.
As vehicles become more hi-tech the industry is desperate for fully qualified electrical engineers who have a passion for diagnosing electrical faults and fixing them. With this qualification you'll be able to work on a range of light and heavy vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, diggers and forklifts.
You'll learn how to inspect, troubleshoot and repair transmission and the full range of electric and electronic componentry, including sensors, actuators, control units, wiring and communication networks, lighting systems and accessories, communication devices and software.
To do this course, you'll find a full-time apprenticeship with an employer, where you get plenty of hands-on workshop experience working on client vehicles. Toi Ohomai manages your apprenticeship and provides ongoing mentoring and support throughout your training. In your own time, you complete online assignments that get you to describe and demonstrate your practical learning.
As a Toi Ohomai student you still have access to all our campus facilities. Most importantly, our qualified tutors visit you regularly to assist with your learning and keep in touch with your employer.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4)
| Locations | Wider BOP/Other |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Dec 2024 View more details |
| Study options |
3 years part-time |
| Total credits | 210 |
| Indicative Fees | Fees vary from $374-$496 per course for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Automotive Electrical Engineer
- Positions involving diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical and electronic faults
Topics you'll cover
- Effective Workplace Maintenance and Safety
- Steering and Suspension
- Braking and Electronic Control
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Starting, Charging and Batteries
- Fuel and Emission Systems
- Body Control Electronics and System Software
- Safety Systems
- High Voltage Systems
- Drive Train
- Hydraulics
- Electrical Systems
- Electrical Accessory Systems
- Communication Systems
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | Fees vary from $374-$496 per course for domestic students |
|---|
2025 Indicative Fees - Varies from $397-$526 depending on the amount of course credits
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course does NOT meet the requirements for student loan or allowance applications through StudyLink.
Find out more at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
You must:
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in Automotive Engineering, or have evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge, AND
- Be employed in an automotive engineering workplace, which is operating at a commercially acceptable industry standard.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at Level 4, domestic students will normally be required to have:
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2; OR
Evidence of ability to complete academic and any other programme requirements.
Other Considerations
Your employer will need to sign a training agreement with you and Toi Ohomai.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 2 Dec 2024 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 10 Feb 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 14 Apr 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 9 Jun 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 25 Aug 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 13 Oct 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 1 Dec 2025 |
Study options
- 3 years part-time
