Why Study / Key Benefits

The New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing is designed for students interested in developing practical skills in vehicle surface preparation, minor damage repair and automotive painting.

Key benefits include:

1- Practical training in automotive refinishing techniques.

2- Development of health and safety knowledge for automotive workshop environments.

3- Hands-on experience preparing vehicle components for refinishing.

4- Training in the selection and use of appropriate tools, products and equipment.

5- Learning how to apply primer to vehicle surfaces.

6- Access to UCOL's automotive learning facilities, including a panel repair workshop, paint spray room and tint room.

7- Preparation for entry-level employment in the automotive refinishing industry.

8- A relatively short programme that can provide a foundation for further automotive-related training.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of four main learning components, totalling 60 credits.

1. Refinishing Health and Safety Practices – 10 credits

• Understanding workplace health and safety requirements.

• Applying workplace policies, procedures and regulations.

• Developing safe and effective working practices in automotive refinishing environments.

2. Repair Minor Surface Damage – 20 credits

• Assessing minor vehicle surface damage.

• Selecting appropriate tools, products and equipment.

• Learning fundamental techniques to repair minor surface damage.

3. Prepare Vehicle Components for Refinishing – 15 credits

• Preparing vehicle components before refinishing.

• Selecting suitable tools, products and equipment.

• Developing practical vehicle surface preparation skills.

4. Apply Primer – 15 credits

• Understanding the primer application process.

• Selecting suitable products and equipment.

• Applying primer to vehicle surfaces using appropriate techniques.

Learning approach:

Students develop practical knowledge through workshop-based activities and independent study. The programme focuses on preparing vehicle surfaces and components for subsequent refinishing work.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme falls under the following study areas:

1- Automotive Engineering and Technology.

2- Automotive Refinishing.

3- Vehicle Surface Preparation.

4- Automotive Repair and Maintenance.

5- Automotive Workshop Health and Safety.

Programme Highlights

1- NZQCF Level 3 vocational certificate.

2- 60-credit qualification.

3- One-semester programme.

4- 19-week study period, including two holiday weeks.

5- Two published 2027 intakes.

6- Delivered at UCOL Manawat? in Palmerston North.

7- Approximately 22 hours of face-to-face classes each week.

8- Approximately 13 hours of self-directed study each week.

9- Practical training in automotive refinishing.

10- Access to a panel repair workshop, paint spray room and tint room.

11- Training in minor surface damage repair, vehicle component preparation and primer application.

12- Designed to prepare students for entry-level automotive refinishing employment.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue entry-level employment opportunities in the automotive refinishing industry.

Potential career roles include:

• Automotive Refinishing Preparer.

• Automotive Surface Preparation Assistant.

• Vehicle Refinishing Workshop Assistant.

• Automotive Paint Preparation Assistant.

• Entry-level Automotive Refinishing Technician (subject to employer requirements and job responsibilities).

Skills developed through the programme include:

• Preparing vehicle surfaces for refinishing.

• Repairing minor surface damage.

• Applying primer.

• Selecting and using appropriate automotive refinishing equipment.

• Following workshop health and safety procedures.

Further career development:

Students may consider progressing towards the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 4), which develops more advanced industry skills.

Employment and salary information:

Specific salary figures and guaranteed employment outcomes are not publicly specified for this programme.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest programme information:

• The UCOL programme page currently lists two 2027 intakes.

• The qualification is listed as Level 3 with 60 credits.

• The programme supersedes the previous New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing programme.

• UCOL identifies the programme as pending approval by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the Education and Training Act 2020.

Important accreditation clarification:

There is an apparent difference between the programme page and NZQA's qualification records:

• UCOL's programme page states that programme approval is pending.

• NZQA's qualification organisation listing identifies UCOL among the organisations associated with the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 3).

Special requirements and advice:

• Students should be physically capable of undertaking practical activities in an automotive workshop.

• Students with special needs or requirements should notify the Academic Portfolio Manager in writing before the programme begins.

• Steel-cap safety boots are required.

• Long-sleeved cotton overalls are listed as additional equipment.

• Students should have access to an internet-capable device for independent study.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), credit transfer and cross-credit applications may be considered individually.

Additional estimated equipment costs:

• Steel-cap boots: approximately NZD $150.

• Cotton, long-sleeved overalls: approximately NZD $60.

• Total estimated additional equipment expenditure: NZD $210.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to their individual immigration circumstances and the programme's approval status.

The visa is issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), not UCOL.

Main visa requirements:

1. Offer of Place

• Obtain an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• The offer must relate to an approved course and education provider.

• Meet all programme admission conditions.

2. Tuition fee payment

• Demonstrate that sufficient funds are available to pay the required tuition fees.

• Provide evidence of payment or acceptable evidence of the ability to pay.

• UCOL allows offshore applicants to pay tuition fees before or after receiving Approval in Principle (AIP), subject to its payment instructions.

3. Living expenses

Immigration New Zealand's published financial requirements for tertiary students studying for less than one year are:

• NZD $1,667 per month.

• This is the applicable monthly living-cost benchmark for this short-duration programme.

Students must provide acceptable evidence of funds or an eligible sponsorship arrangement.

4. Medical and travel insurance

• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is compulsory.

• Insurance must cover medical treatment and travel-related requirements throughout the required period.

• UCOL automatically enrols international students in its preferred Studentsafe insurance arrangement.

• Students may arrange their own insurance if it meets UCOL's requirements and is approved.

5. Health and character requirements

• Meet Immigration New Zealand's health requirements.

• Meet character requirements.

• Provide medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates when required.

6. Genuine intention to study

• Demonstrate genuine study intentions.

• Explain the purpose of choosing the programme.

• Provide supporting financial and academic documentation.

7. Return travel

• Demonstrate that you can leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay.

• Provide an onward travel ticket or acceptable evidence of funds to purchase one.

Visa application charges:

• Fee Paying Student Visa: from NZD $850, according to the current INZ visa information.

• Processing time: INZ currently indicates that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. This is not a guaranteed processing period.

8. Work rights during study

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week, depending on their visa conditions.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays is subject to additional course-duration and credit requirements.

• This particular programme is a 60-credit, one-semester Level 3 qualification. It does not automatically meet the general criteria for student work rights.

• Students must check the actual conditions printed on their eVisa before undertaking employment.