New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4)

Graduates could progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 5) if they wished to continue studying or alternatively would be qualified to take on senior positions in an automotive workshop.

• Level 3 Automotive Engineering qualification (such as the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3) OR evidence of equivalent skills and knowledge. 
• For the managed apprentice option, you must also be employed in a light automotive engineering workshop which is operating at a commercially-acceptable industry standard. The apprentice, employer and provider must enter into a training agreement.  
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

Smart device (essential) 

• Laptop or tablet which is WiFi capable, able to take photos and use Windows 365 applications

Safety equipment and clothing (essential) 

• Approved safety footwear (i.e. steel caps)
• Overalls/safety clothes (maybe supplied by employer)
• Welding gloves - gauntlet (red or blue)
• Fitted safety glasses - clear (Scope Phat Boxa)  

TTAF

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your part-time study undertaken in 2022 will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).

Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. 

You can pay for additional and living costs yourself if this is possible.

As a part-time learner, you're generally not eligible for student loans and allowances through Studylink but some help may be possible depending on your circumstances (for domestic students). Check the Studylink website for more information.  

Fees Free

The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme. 

So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your first year of part-time study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining part-time study. 

You can check your Fees Free eligibility here > 

Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.  

Please email EngTrades@op.ac.nz

Programme leader: Hamish Miller: hamish.miller@op.ac.nz  | 03 4796115