New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) (Heavy)
Mechanical
A course by
SIT
A hands-on, full-time one-year pre-apprenticeship qualification preparing you for entry-level work in the heavy automotive industry, covering key mechanical systems, workshop procedures, and basic automotive electrical principles.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Invercargill, Invercargill
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Operate safely and effectively in an automotive workshop
Follow workplace policies, procedures and relevant regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness while working in an automotive workshop.
Use tools and equipment for workshop engineering
Utilise hand and power tools to complete basic engineering tasks in the workshop setting.
Service engine and driveline systems
Apply fundamental automotive engineering knowledge to service engines and driveline systems including clutches and transmissions.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year certificate prepares students for entry into the heavy automotive industry, providing practical and theoretical knowledge required for work with trucks, agricultural machinery, and plant equipment. Graduates gain foundational skills in workshop engineering, servicing engines and driveline systems, minor repairs on electrical systems, and workplace safety. The course blends classroom learning, hands-on workshops, and work experience placements, laying the groundwork for an apprenticeship or employment in the automotive sector.
Course Content
- Automotive Workplace Requirements (workshop policies, safety, regulations)
- Workshop Engineering, Hand and Power Tools
- Engine Principles, Service, Disassembly, Inspection and Reassembly
- Vehicle Clutches, Transmissions and Final Drives
- Automotive Electrical Principles
- Automotive Batteries, Starting and Charging Systems
- Automotive Lighting and Wiring Systems
- Automotive Electronics and HVAC
- Vehicle Braking Systems
- Vehicle Suspension and Steering Systems
- Wheels and Tyres
What you need to know first
Four years’ minimum secondary education
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Automotive
Engineering
Heavy Transport
Agriculture Equipment
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level position in the heavy automotive industry
Progression to automotive apprenticeship