Course Overview

Further your expertise in the world of automotive engineering with our apprentice focussed courses, specialising in Road Transport.

Both specialisations will allow you to become a fully qualified automotive engineer, ensuring New Zealand’s big rigs or heavy machinery are safe and functional.

With the Road Transport Strand, you’ll learn how to diagnose problems, service and repair heavy vehicles and get up to speed with the latest automotive technologies.

To maximise you're learning, this course does require a full-time apprenticeship with an employer, where you'll get plenty of hands-on workshop experience. Our qualified tutors will also 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 Heavy Automotive Engineering (Road Transport) (Level 4)
Locations Wider BOP/Other
Next intake Dec 2024 View more details
Study options

4 years part-time

This course is only open to students who are already working in the industry are starting an apprenticeship.
Total credits 240
Indicative Fees Approx. $364 per topic 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

  • Heavy Automotive Engineer
  • Positions involving service and repair in a range of heavy automotive engineering workplaces

Topics you'll cover

  • Effective Workplace Maintenance and Safety
  • CoF Inspections and Vehicle Recovery
  • Multi Cylinder Diesel Engines
  • Diesel Engine Intake and Exhaust Systems
  • Diesel Engine Injection Systems
  • Diesel Engine Emission Control Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Clutches and Transmissions
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Drivelines and Final Drive Assemblies
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Suspension and Chassis Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Steering Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Starting, Charging and Lighting Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Foundation Brake Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Pneumatic Brake Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Electronic Brake and Stability Control Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Cab and Body Control Systems
  • Heavy Vehicle On-road Telematics and Hybrid Systems

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * Approx. $364 per topic for domestic students

*Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.


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
  • Be employed in a heavy 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.

Other Considerations

  • Your employer will need to sign a training agreement with you and Toi Ohomai 
  • It is recommended that you gain a current first aid certificate before the course starts, and gain a Class 4 licence before the end of the course

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.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Location Campus Start Date
Wider BOP/Other --- 2 Dec 2024 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 10 Feb 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 14 Apr 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 9 Jun 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 25 Aug 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 13 Oct 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 1 Dec 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 4 years part-time
  • This course is only open to students who are already working in the industry are starting an apprenticeship.

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions

  • New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 5) (under development and/or pending approval)