This programme is designed as a practical entry point into the automotive industry.

NMIT highlights several reasons to consider the programme:

• Extensive hands-on workshop learning.
• Training with modern vehicles, tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Industry-experienced tutors.
• Development of core automotive engineering skills.
• Opportunities to gain work-placement experience.
• A direct pathway into an automotive apprenticeship.
• Training aligned with current industry technologies.
• Strong connections with the regional automotive industry.
• Small, supportive learning environment.
• Opportunities to enter the workforce as a trainee if an apprenticeship is not immediately pursued.

Programme Structure and Subjects

The programme is highly practical and includes compulsory courses covering the fundamental systems and skills required in automotive engineering.

The current NMIT programme lists:

CAU301 – Automotive Workshop Safety

Students learn safe working practices within an automotive workshop environment.

Key areas include workshop safety, hazard awareness and appropriate use of protective equipment and procedures.

CAU302 – Basic Workshop Engineering Tasks, Tools and Equipment

Introduces essential workshop engineering skills and the correct use of automotive tools and equipment.

CAU303 – Engines

Introduces engine systems and fundamental engine engineering principles.

CAU304 – Engine Systems

Develops understanding of the systems that support engine operation and performance.

CAU305 – Driveline Systems

Covers automotive driveline components and systems responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.

CAU306 – Electrical and Electronics

Introduces electrical and electronic systems used in contemporary vehicles.

CAU307 – Starting and Charging Systems

Focuses on vehicle starting and charging systems, including relevant components and diagnostic considerations.

CAU308 – Electronic Controls, High Voltage Systems and HVAC

This is particularly relevant to modern vehicle technology and introduces:

• electronic control systems;
• high-voltage vehicle systems;
• heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

CAU309 – Brake Systems

Covers automotive braking systems and their servicing requirements.

CAU310 – Steering and Suspension Systems

Develops knowledge and practical skills relating to steering and suspension systems.

Key Skills Students Develop

By completing the programme, students develop foundational capabilities in:

• Automotive workshop safety
• Workshop tools and equipment
• Mechanical engineering tasks
• Engine operation
• Engine systems
• Driveline systems
• Automotive electrical systems
• Automotive electronics
• Starting and charging systems
• Electronic vehicle controls
• High-voltage systems
• HVAC
• Brake systems
• Steering
• Suspension
• Basic automotive diagnosis and problem solving

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separate majors or specialisations within the Level 3 certificate itself.

However, NMIT identifies several specialist apprenticeship pathways that students can enter after successfully completing the programme.

These include:

• Automotive Engineering
• Automotive Heavy Engineering
• Road Transport – Agricultural Plant and Equipment
• Automotive Electrical Engineering
• Automotive Machining
• Motorcycle Engineering
• Outdoor Power Equipment Servicing
• Power Boat Servicing
• Brake Service Engineering
• Automotive Air Conditioning

Career Outcomes

NMIT identifies two principal outcomes.

1. Apprenticeship pathway

Successful graduates can progress into apprenticeships in specialist automotive fields.

This is likely to be the strongest pathway for students who want to become fully qualified automotive tradespeople.

2. Entry-level employment

Students who do not immediately enter an apprenticeship may have sufficient skills to enter the automotive industry as:

Trainee automotive engineering employees according to NMIT.

Potential employment environments include:

• Automotive workshops
• Vehicle service centres
• Heavy automotive workshops
• Automotive electrical businesses
• Motorcycle servicing businesses
• Agricultural equipment businesses
• Marine/powerboat servicing
• Brake service businesses
• Automotive air-conditioning services

Who Is This Programme Best Suited For?

This programme is a strong fit for an international student who:

• enjoys mechanical and technical work;
• prefers practical learning to purely theoretical study;
• is interested in cars and modern vehicle technology;
• wants to work with tools and diagnostic equipment;
• is interested in electrical and electronic vehicle systems;
• wants to pursue an automotive apprenticeship;
• is comfortable with workshop-based learning;
• meets the academic and English requirements.