Automotive Electrician
An automotive electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, electronic control modules, and computerised systems across light vehicles, heavy machinery, and marine equipment.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Automotive electricians need strong technical, problem-solving, and computer skills. You must understand electrical theory, circuit diagrams, and basic vehicle mechanics, with a keen eye for handling delicate components.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Candidates must be logical, safety-conscious, and persistent under pressure. Good hand-eye coordination, nimble flexibility for tight engine spaces, and normal colour vision are essential.
On-Job Training Structure
Skills are built directly on the job alongside trade mentors, supported by annual block courses and distance-learning theory assignments.
Education Standard
NCEA Level 1 (Maths, Science, English)
Entry Requirements
Current NZ Driver’s Licence
Qualification Level
Level 4 National Certificate
Work Environment
Workshops, Garages & On-Site Franchises
Automotive Engineer (Car & Light Commercial)
An automotive engineer checks, services, and repairs cars, vans, trucks, and other light vehicles, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Automotive engineers need strong mechanical skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to diagnose both mechanical and electrical problems. A solid understanding of vehicle engines, automotive electronics, and NZTA Waka Kotahi regulations and safety standards is essential.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Candidates should be practical, responsible, alert, and adaptable, with a good memory and strong people skills. A strong back, good fitness, hand-eye co-ordination, and good hearing are all important.
On-Job Training Structure
Practical skills are gained on the job, while theory knowledge is built through correspondence and block courses in automotive engineering, leading to a Level 4 National Certificate in Automotive Engineering.
Education Standard
NCEA Level 1–2 (Maths, Science, English)
Entry Requirements
National Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades
Current NZ Driver’s Licence
Qualification Level
Level 4 National Certificate
Work Environment
Garages & Workshops
Auto Electrician (Heavy)
Heavy equipment automotive engineers check and repair heavy vehicles such as trucks, bulldozers, and tractors, often specialising in road transport, agriculture, or plant and equipment.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Excellent mechanical skills including diesel vehicle work, strong diagnostic ability, and an eye for detail. Requires knowledge of vehicle engines and parts, automotive electronics, workshop engineering, and Waka Kotahi NZ regulations and safety standards.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Practical, responsible, alert, and patient, with good interpersonal and logical thinking skills. Needs a good level of fitness, a strong back, good hand-eye co-ordination, hearing, vision, and stamina for long hours.
On-Job Training Structure
Apprentices train on the job in heavy automotive engineering, specialising in road transport, agriculture equipment, or plant and equipment, gaining a National Certificate on completion.
Education Standard
NCEA Level 1–2 (Maths, Science, English)
Entry Requirements
National Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades
Current NZ Driver’s Licence
Qualification Level
National Certificate (Heavy Automotive Engineering)
Work Environment
Garages, Workshops & On-Site Call-Outs
Automotive Refinisher
An automotive refinisher repaints vehicles to protect them from rust and restore their appearance, typically after panelbeating repairs.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Practical skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to follow instructions closely. Needs knowledge of vehicle preparation, paint types, colour and texture use, up-to-date methods and technology, paint safety, and basic maths.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Accurate, motivated, responsible, quick, efficient, and honest, with good concentration and listening skills. Needs to be relatively fit and strong with good hand-eye co-ordination and normal colour vision; free from breathing problems or dermatitis is recommended.
On-Job Training Structure
Skills are gained on the job, supported by correspondence and practical courses leading to the National Certificate in Automotive Refinishing, with further courses available on new products and techniques.
Education Standard
NCEA Level 1 (Maths, Science, English)
Entry Requirements
Current NZ Driver’s Licence
Qualification Level
National Certificate in Automotive Refinishing
Work Environment
Paint & Panel Workshops
Motorcycle Mechanic
A motorcycle engineer checks and repairs motorcycles and scooters, keeping them safe, compliant, and performing at their best.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Strong mechanical and diagnostic skills, practical ability, an eye for detail, and basic maths. Requires knowledge of motorcycle servicing and repair, engines and parts, basic electronics, and Land Transport regulations and safety standards.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Patient, tolerant, practical, responsible, and alert, with the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. Needs a strong back, good fitness, hearing, and hand-eye co-ordination.
On-Job Training Structure
Trainees work towards a Level 4 National Certificate in Motorcycle Engineering, gaining hands-on experience in garages and workshops.
Education Standard
NCEA Level 1 (English, Maths, Science)
Entry Requirements
Motorcycle Licence
Qualification Level
Level 4 National Certificate
Collision Repair Technician
Collision Repair Technicians repair or replace body parts of cars, trucks, and other vehicles that have rusted or been damaged in accidents.
Core Tasks & Duties
Skills & Personal Qualities
Skills & Knowledge: Practical, mechanical, and observational skills, with expertise in repairing, fitting, and preparing vehicle panels and frames. Requires knowledge of metals and auto body parts, up-to-date repair methods, manufacturers’ specifications, basic maths, and safety rules.
Personal Attributes & Physicality: Motivated, accurate, responsible, honest, careful, and patient, with good listening skills and an eye for detail. Needs a good level of fitness and hand-eye co-ordination, spending long periods on their feet and working in, under, and around vehicles.
On-Job Training Structure
Apprenticeships combine on and off-the-job training, arranged through the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).