New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair

Gain essential skills for a career as a collision repair specialist. You'll learn the fundamental skills required for an entry-level position in the collision repair industry.

This programme runs for 20 weeks a year, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

19 hrs

In-person at UCOL.

Study Time

12 hrs

Work Experience

50 hrs

This programme comprises 60 credits.

Health and Safety (15 Credits)

Develop your knowledge and skills to apply policies, procedures and regulations that ensure consistent, safe and effective working practices in the automotive collision repair industry.

Assess for Appropriate Repair Procedures (10 Credits)

Select the appropriate tools, products and equipment to assess and apply assessment procedures to minor vehicle repairs.

Repair Minor Damage (10 Credits)

Develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to select and use products and equipment to perform a range of tasks within an automotive collision repair environment.

Vehicle Interior, Exterior and Critical Components (20 Credits)

Select and apply the appropriate tools, products and equipment to remove and refit interior, exterior and critical vehicle components and store them according to company policies and manufacturers’ recommended procedures.

Work Experience (5 Credits)

To enable you to apply and demonstrate safe and effective work practices in an authentic collision repair environment by following policies, procedures and relevant regulations in line with industry expectations.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Repair (and the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing) supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing

A panel repair workshop that includes a paint spray room and tint room.

Open entry.

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that applications are received.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international students.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Repair will be able to work as collision repair component removers and refitters, or similar entry level roles in the collision repair industry.

• Panel beating

• Coachbuilding

• Motor trimming

• Chassis repair

• Fabrication and automotive refinishing

• Realignment

• Plastic repair

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Panelbeaters, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in an automotive environment and are advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Academic Portfolio manager before the programme begins.

Work experience - you are required to complete 50 hours of work experience.

Learners engaging in UCOL directed work experience will need to successfully complete the induction of Health, Safety and Tools as per programme requirements.

Timetable

Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and includes the following class times:

February intake:

• Monday 8am - 5pm

• Tuesday 8am - 5pm

• Wednesday 8am - 1pm
  

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the appropriate form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Repair.

The following are approximate costs:

• Steel cap boots $150

• Cotton, long-sleeved overalls $60