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Automotive Electrician

Automotive electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, and electrical and electronic systems in vehicles and marine equipment.

Tasks & duties

Automotive electricians may do some or all of the following:

discuss faults with customers
use diagnostic equipment to locate electrical and electronic faults
carry out tests to diagnose the faults
record other potential faults the diagnostic test equipment tells them are likely to occur in the future
repair and replace automotive electrical systems such as charging and starting systems
repair and replace electronic systems such as engine management systems, airconditioning systems, ABS brakes, air bags, electronically controlled gearboxes and vehicle computers
fix problems on instrument panels such as speedometers, and fuel and oil gauges
install mobile entertainment systems such as car radios and CD players
install car security systems
carry out vehicle engine tune-ups
ensure hazardous substances are disposed of appropriately and Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) requirements are met

Specialisations

Automotive electricians may choose to specialise in areas such as fuel injection systems, computer repairs or working on certain types of vehicles. They may also move into working in hydraulics or crash test dummy testing.

Skills & knowledge

Automotive electricians need to have:

knowledge of electrical theory and circuit diagrams
knowledge of automotive electronics
knowledge of vehicle components
knowledge of basic engineering
knowledge of the basic mechanics of vehicles
excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
good communication skills
good reading and writing skills
strong computer skills
the ability to work with small, delicate components

Entry requirements

To become an automotive electrician you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering. For further information about apprenticeships contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

Automotive electrician apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, which are for people aged 16 to 21. For further information go to the Modern Apprenticeships website.

Secondary education

At least three years of secondary education with a good standard in English and maths is recommended. Other useful subjects include computer studies and physics as well as science, technical drawing and metalwork.

Students can also take part in a secondary school automotive training programme called Startup, which is run by MITO and provides a pathway for students into the automotive industry. The programme includes both theory and practical components so students can gain NCEA credits as well as practical work experience. For further information contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

Tertiary education

A National Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades is recommended before beginning an apprenticeship.

Training on the job

Automotive electricians may attend training courses on particular vehicles and new equipment.

Automotive Electricians can also go on to complete a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Advanced Technical or 'Atech') Level 5 focusing on Automotive Electrical. They can go on to qualify as an Advanced Technician once they gain the National Certificate Level 4. For further information contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).