The UCOL Academy Automotive Programme is designed for secondary school students to explore careers in automotive mechanics, engine servicing, and auto electrical fields. Over the course of the programme, learners develop essential practical skills including general service checks, engine disassembly and reassembly, workshop tool usage, health and safety, petrol and fuel systems, engine operation, and braking systems. It also provides 28 NCEA Level 2 credits and introduces learners to the New Zealand motor industry vocational standards. The programme runs one day a week from February to September 2026 at multiple UCOL campuses and is fees-free for eligible domestic students.

Course Content

• General service checks on motor vehicles

• Disassembling and reassembling a four-stroke multi-cylinder engine

• Use of hand tools and workshop equipment specific to the motor industry

• Health and safety practices in automotive contexts

• Petrol and fuel systems understanding

• Operation of two and four-stroke petrol and diesel engines

• Braking systems knowledge

• Balancing and interchanging wheels

• Removing and replacing lamps on vehicles

• Knowledge of automotive occupational areas and the New Zealand motor industry

• Servicing automotive batteries