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 | Feb 2025 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.
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
- 4 years part-time
- This course is only open to students who are already working in the industry are starting an apprenticeship.
Important dates
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)
