Automotive Mechanic

  New Zealand

• Auckland: 
Auckland
• Wellington: 
Wellington
• Christchurch: 
Christchurch
• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
Dunedin,  Nelson,  Rotorua,  Tauranga,  Queenstown,  Palmerston North,  Taupo,  Napier,  South Island,  Timaru,  Whangarei
• Hamilton: 
Hamilton

Length of Position: Long term -

Description: Automotive Engineer
Mataaro Pkkaha
Tasks & Duties
Automotive engineers may do some or all of the following:

* discuss faults with customers
* test drive vehicles to diagnose faults
* inspect vehicles for faults
* diagnose what is causing any faults
* dismantle engines or other parts and systems requiring attention
* order replacement parts
* rebuild, repair or replace any faulty parts or systems
* service vehicles
* change vehicle lubricants (such as oil) and coolants (such as radiator water)
* grease the necessary vehicle parts
* tune engines so that vehicles run smoothly
* carry out vehicle Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness checks
* carry out performance modifications to vehicles
* test drive repaired vehicles.

Specialisations
With the correct accreditation automotive engineers may:

* install and certify LPG and CNG fuel systems
* certify modified vehicles to safety standards
* certify new and used imported cars entering their first service
* specialise in one sector of the automotive repair industry such as wheel alignment, air conditioning, transmissions and exhausts.

Highlights: Career Progression
Automotive engineers may move into management and customer service roles or into other engineering or automotive occupations such as automotive electrician. Automotive engineers can also become self-employed."Once you have been trained in automotive engineering you can move into management or change career and become a panelbeater or automotive electrician."
David Loe, Automotive Engineer
Outlook

Outlook: Good
The outlook for automotive engineers is good and the number of people employed in this occupation is expected to remain stable or increase slightly over the next two to three years.Shortage of skilled automotive engineers

Employment opportunities are influenced by the growing number of motor vehicles registered in New Zealand, the increased sophistication of electronic components in used vehicles, the average age of automotive engineers and turnover.

There is a genuine shortage of automotive engineers. Between December 2005 and December 2006 there were 506 vacancies for automotive engineers. The Department of Labour has placed automotive engineer on New Zealand's immediate skills shortage list.

Demand due to growth in vehicles

High demand for automotive engineers is influenced by the growing number of motor vehicle registrations in New Zealand. Between June 2001 and June 2005 motor vehicle registrations increased by 12% with a 7% increase in car sales. Registered vehicles require servicing every six months and with the number of registered vehicles growing the demand for automotive engineers is high.

The Department of Labour also argues that with the growing complexity of motor vehicle technology, vehicle owners are unable to do their own car servicing and repair work, further increasing the demand for qualified automotive engineers.

Diagnostic and analytical skills increasingly important

Continual changes in automotive technology require significant diagnostic and analytical skills. Automotive engineers need to have skills in the diagnosis and repair of anti-skid braking systems, sophisticated electronic components and onboard computers. Experience in using computer diagnostic equipment is increasingly important and it is now common to use computers in automotive workshops.

Retiring age likely to affect the demand for automotive engineers in the future

The Department of Labour recorded in 2003 that 1.1% of automotive engineers retire each year. This number is expected to increase, with projections estimating that in 2051 over 1.4 million people will be over 65. The ageing population is an issue for trades like automotive engineering due to the small number of people who entered apprenticeships in the 1980s and 1990s resulting in an age gap now in the number of automotive engineers between 30 and 40 years old. This is also resulting in a number of small businesses being sold as there is no one to replace the retiring owner.

Growth of specialised workshops

There are two major areas automotive engineers work in. One is for franchise companies where automotive engineers gain specialist knowledge of specific makes of vehicles. The other is in businesses that service and repair a wide range of vehicles and automotive engineers develop more general skills. Because of the need for expensive computer testing equipment to diagnose faults, more work is being referred to specialist workshops than in the past. This is creating more demand for automotive engineers to work in this area.

Ongoing education and training increasingly important

Due to the increased complexity of vehicles, the majority of employers prefer their apprentices to comple a polytechnic pre-trade course or have relevant work experience. The Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) has also recently developed 'StartUp', a bridging course where school leavers can complete practical and theory based work experience while still at secondary school.

Once in the job, ongoing training is essential. To keep up with the huge variety of imported vehicles, automotive engineers must attend specific courses and complete training to keep up to date with the new technology that comes with each vehicle.

The Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) has also introduced 'Atech', a post apprenticeship course that focuses on developing skills in new automotive technologies and a small business management course for those starting their own workshop.

Qualifications: Skills & Knowledge
Automotive engineers need to have:

* knowledge of motor vehicle engines, parts and systems
* knowledge of motor vehicle electronic systems
* knowledge of Ministry of Transport Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness regulations and safety standards
* mechanical skills including the ability to diagnose mechanical faults
* practical skills to use tools and equipment
* good planning and time management skills
* analytical and diagnostic skills
* customer service skills
* communication skills

Physical Requirements:
Automotive engineers need to have a good level of fitness. They spend a lot of time on their feet and need to be able to work in, under, and around motor vehicles. They also need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and good hearing.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Salary / Pay: 20- 30 NZD per hour

Experience Required: yes

Five years plus experience in the Automotive field.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Job and Internship Network

The Commonwealth Services Group's Mission Statement: CSG is a team of New Zealanders with a combined experience of more than 30 years living, working and helping people settle and work in the New Zealand & the UK. We specialise in the recruitment of skilled migrants for shortages in the labour market. CSG provides a full range of Immigration & Employment services.

Year Founded: 1998