New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4)

Tahatū, Career Navigator

Discover career possibilities and how to reach your goals. tahatu.govt.nz(external link)
Locations and dates

Marlborough:

1 October 2026

20 January 2027

1 April 2027

1 July 2027

1 October 2027

Nelson:

1 October 2026

20 January 2027

1 April 2027

1 July 2027

1 October 2027
Length

Apprenticeship programme, varying lengths
Total credits

200
Fees

2026: $210-$315 per course

A Student Service Fee applies (2026; $2.50 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ3450

Build your skills on the job, backed by experienced automotive tutors who understand your workplace, your goals and the kind of technician you want to become.

Automotive Trades 2 Column 1470x980px (4)

If you're working in a light automotive workshop and ready to become a qualified automotive technician, this apprenticeship programme combines real workplace experience with flexible training and dedicated support from NMIT.

No two workshops are the same, so your training is tailored to the work you do and the skills you need to develop - and we recognise that much of your learning happens where it matters most - in your workplace.

Your Apprentice Coordinator works with you and your employer to understand your workplace, identify training opportunities and help shape a training plan that fits your role and career goals.

With industry experience and a practical understanding of your workplace, they will provide ongoing guidance throughout your apprenticeship, help connect your learning to real-world work and support your progress every step of the way.

Get the most out of your apprenticeship

Our NMIT Apprentice Coordinator’s provide a hands-on, personal approach designed to turn training into capability - so what you learn doesn't just show up on your qualification. It shows in the work you do.

They will also coach you in self-directed learning so being responsible for your own planning, learning and self-monitoring will become second-nature and help you to reach your goals - and they will:

Visit you in your workplace
Help identify training needs
Plan learning around your workshop
Guide assessments and portfolio evidence
Recommend additional training opportunities
Provide ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship

Night classes

Optional weekly evening classes give you regular access to your automotive tutors and other apprentices.

They're an opportunity to ask questions, get help with your study and assessments, and receive pastoral support when you need it.

Importantly, evening classes can also get you back into the workshop for hands-on training. You can work with your tutors to practise techniques, strengthen areas you're less confident in and develop practical skills you may not regularly get the opportunity to use in your own workplace.

Flexible block courses

Sometimes the best way to learn is to get stuck in.

Targeted block courses provide additional off-job training when there are skills you can't easily develop in your workplace or when more focused practical training would help.

Your tutors are qualified and experienced in the training they are delivering, so rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, they will use an open plan training approach. Tailoring hands-on learning to each apprentice's training needs so block courses focus on the skills that will add the most value.

Employers | Choose a partnership that supports your business

NMIT works alongside you to support your apprentice's development and help build the skills your workshop needs.

Through regular workplace visits, your Apprentice Coordinator gains an understanding of your business, supports apprentice progress, and ensures workplace learning and formal training work together.

It's a partnership designed to develop capable, confident automotive technicians while strengthening your workforce.

Skilled apprentices. Less disruption. Real workplace results.

Ready to grow your workshop’s capabilities? Talk to one of our Apprentice Coordinator’s today.

Paul Corbett	027 218 6070	Barry Paterson	027 335 5419
Liam Field	027 206 2246	Pete Kristofski	027 360 1141
Julian Druce	027 874 4038

Entry requirements

A Level 3 qualification in Automotive Engineering

A Managed Apprentice must be employed in a light automotive engineering workshop.

English language

For applicants for whom English is not their first language, evidence of language competency may be required.
International applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to show evidence of language competency, issued within the last two years. The level of competency required is:
• IELTS general or academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or
• Meet a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined in NZQF related Rules (Rule 18)(external link).

Filter