New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) (Road Transport) or (Plant and Equipment)
Mechanical
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Advance your automotive career by gaining practical skills in diagnosing and repairing faults on heavy vehicles, with specialisation in either Road Transport or Plant and Equipment, while completing your workplace apprenticeship.
NZ$2,156
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Dunedin campus, Dunedin
It will take a total of 4 years
This course requires 6 hours per week
NZ$2,156
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Diagnose and repair faults on heavy vehicles
Safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults commonly encountered in heavy vehicles, including engines, transmissions, hydraulics, braking, and electronic control systems.
Apply workplace safety and effectiveness strategies
Monitor and maintain workplace safety practices, participate in effectiveness strategies, and respond to issues in a heavy automotive engineering environment.
Complete service and repair tasks to industry standards
Carry out complex repairs and servicing to meet commercial standards (including CoF and plant/equipment safety inspections) in the heavy automotive industry.
About This Course
This hands-on programme is ideal for apprentices and those employed in the heavy automotive engineering industry. Gain the industry-specific skills needed to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults commonly found in heavy vehicles. The qualification is achieved through a mix of workplace learning and weekly/night class attendance, covering either the Road Transport or Plant and Equipment specialisation. Graduates become Qualified Automotive Technicians prepared for careers in heavy automotive workshops or senior technical roles.
Course Content
- Effective workplace maintenance and safety
- Multi-cylinder diesel engines: service, repair, test, and tune
- Diesel engine intake and exhaust systems: servicing and repairs
- Diesel fuel injection systems: servicing and repair
- Diesel engine emission control systems
- Road Transport strand: vehicle recovery, CoF inspections, clutches and transmissions, drivelines and final drive assemblies, suspension and chassis systems, steering systems, starting/charging/lighting systems, foundation brake systems, pneumatic brake systems, electronic brake and stability control systems, cab and body control systems, telematics and hybrid systems
- Plant and Equipment strand: safety inspections and vehicle recovery, clutches and transmissions, drivelines and final drives, hydraulic systems, suspension, chassis and undercarriage track drives, steering systems, starting/charging/lighting systems, brake systems, attached equipment, electronic control and safety systems, onboard networks, telematics, and autonomous machine operation
Entry Requirements
Level 3 Automotive Engineering qualification (e.g., New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3) or evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge
Employment in a heavy automotive engineering workplace operating at a commercially-acceptable standard
Training agreement between student, employer and Otago Polytechnic
Current workplace First Aid certificate (prior to enrolment)
Class 4 Licence before programme's end
Build towards these roles
Automotive TechnicianHeavy Vehicle MechanicPlant and Equipment Service TechnicianRoad Transport Technician
Build skills in these industries
ManufacturingTransportConstructionEngineering
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
