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Useful experience for automotive electricians includes:

• any work with vehicles
• electrical or mechanical work
• computer work.

Automotive electricians may do some or all of the following:

• test automotive electrical systems to find and fix faults
• repair and replace automotive electrical systems such as charging and starting systems
• repair and replace electronic systems such as engine-management systems, air-conditioning systems, ABS brakes, electronically controlled gearboxes, instrument panels and vehicle computers
• install car security and entertainment systems.

Automotive electricians in short supply and high demand

Demand for automotive electricians is strong because:

• newer cars have more complex electrical systems, which require people with specialist skills
• the Government is encouraging use of electric vehicles and aims to have 64,000 in New Zealand by 2021 – an increase from the 4,000 on the road in 2017
• high rates of car ownership in New Zealand mean a large number of cars regularly need servicing
• high volumes of freight, such as wood, plants, meat and seafood, are transported by road, and the Ministry for Primary Industries predicts that this will increase, meaning more trucks will need servicing
• large roading projects and forestry operations use earthmoving and forestry equipment, trucks and other heavy vehicles, which need servicing.

According to the Census, 1557 automotive electricians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

However, there are not enough automotive electricians to meet demand. As a result, automotive electrician appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled automotive electricians from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Types of employers varied

Automotive electricians work for:

• specialised auto-electrical workshops
• motor vehicle dealerships
• motor vehicle servicing companies
• automotive engineering workshops.

Nearly 20% of automotive electricians are self-employed, and 14% of them own a business where they employ others.

MITO

0800 882121 - info@mito.org.nz - www.mito.org.nz

Automotive electricians may progress to set up their own automotive electrical business, or move into management, customer service, or other automotive or engineering occupations. 

They may specialise in:

• particular types of vehicles such as heavy trucks and earthmoving vehicles, or cars
• areas such as fuel injection systems or computer repairs.

Automotive electricians need to be:

• accurate and logical
• methodical and patient
• safety-conscious.