Otago Polytechnic Automotive Engineering

30/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations Nick Johnston! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Nick Johnston, who has officially completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electric Vehicle Engineering (Level 5) through Otago Polytechnic! 🔋⚡🚗

Nick’s achievement is even more impressive when you look at the journey he’s taken to get here. He has completed his Level 3 Automotive Engineering, Level 4 Light Vehicle Engineering, Level 4 Automotive Electrical Engineering, and now his Level 5 Electric Vehicle Engineering — all through Otago Polytechnic. 👏

Nick works with the team at Russell Keeler Automotive in Gore, putting his skills into practice in the ever-changing automotive industry and developing the specialist knowledge needed to work safely and effectively with modern EV technology.

It’s fantastic to see Nick continuing to build on his skills and qualifications and taking the next step in his automotive career. 🚀

Well done Nick — a fantastic achievement, and congratulations to everyone at Russell Keeler Automotive for supporting Nick throughout his journey! 👏🔧⚡

24/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations Keanu! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Keanu Oliver from, who has successfully completed his New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)! 🔧🚗

Keanu has put in the hard work both on the tools and in the classroom to reach this milestone, and it’s fantastic to see his efforts rewarded.

A special shout-out to Alan and the team from Balclutha Mitsubishi for their support and guidance throughout Keanu’s training. 👏

Well done Keanu — an excellent achievement and a great foundation for the next step in your automotive career! 💪🔧

Congratulations! 🎓👏

17/08/2026

A Great Night Connecting with Industry 🚗🔧

What a fantastic evening last Thursday at our Automotive Industry Night!

It was great to bring together industry partners, employers, lecturers, staff and students to showcase the work we are doing across our automotive training programmes.

A big thank you to everyone who came along, shared their experiences, asked questions and took the time to connect with our lecturers and staff. The conversations and feedback from industry are incredibly valuable as we continue to develop and prepare the next generation of automotive professionals.

A special thank you to our guest speakers Matt Horan, Dynes CEO and Cole Scammell NZ Land Speed Record Holder for taking the time to speak with us and share their insights and experiences with the industry. We really appreciate your support.

We’d also like to acknowledge our fantastic lecturers for setting up the night and Tim for showcasing the programmes and the opportunities available to our students across Light Automotive, Road Transport, Plant & Equipment, Electric Vehicles, and Level 3 Full-Time and Work-Based Learning.

Thank you to Tony and Violet for answering some questions as OP ambassadors

Most importantly, thank you to our industry partners for continuing to support our students and the future of the automotive industry.

Great people. Great conversations. Great industry connections.

We look forward to building on the relationships made and working together into the future! 🚗⚙️🔋

16/08/2026

Congratulations to Jack Watson on completing his New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4).

Jack started his apprenticeship by completing his Level 3 Certificate through Workplace Based Learning (WBL), gaining his qualification while learning on the job. He then made the move to Dunedin Kia, where he has now completed his Level 4 qualification.

It's been great to see the effort Jack has put into developing his skills and growing as a technician throughout his apprenticeship. Completing both qualifications is a reflection of the work he's put in and the attitude he's brought every step of the way.

A big thank you to the team at Dunedin Kia for the support and opportunities you've given Jack to continue his development.
Congratulations again, Jack.
You've put yourself in a great position for the future, and I look forward to seeing where your career in the automotive industry takes you. All the best for what comes next.

09/08/2026

A big congratulations to Connor Scott on completing his New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering Level 4 👏🔧
Connor started his automotive journey through work-based learning at Mosgiel Mobil, where he successfully completed his Level 3 Certificate before continuing on to complete his Level 4 apprenticeship.

A huge part of completing an apprenticeship is the support apprentices receive from the businesses and people around them. The support from Dean and the team at Mosgiel Mobil has played a massive part in helping Connor develop his skills and achieve this milestone.

It’s fantastic to see businesses getting behind their apprentices and giving them the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed in the trade.

Massive well done, Connor. Another great success story and a fantastic achievement to be proud of.

Thanks again to Dean and the team at Mosgiel Mobil for supporting Connor throughout his apprenticeship, and all the best for what comes next. 👏

02/08/2026

A big congratulations to Noah McSkimming on completing his New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering Level 4 👏🔧

Noah started his automotive journey with us at Otago Polytechnic, completing his Level 3 Full-Time Certificate in Automotive Engineering in 2023 before moving into his apprenticeship with Andrew Simms.

With the support of the technicians and staff at Andrew Simms, Noah has been able to build his skills, gain valuable industry experience, and complete his apprenticeship in great time.
This is a great example of what can be achieved with commitment, consistency, and a good attitude. Apprenticeships take dedication and hard work, and Noah should be very proud of what he has achieved.

A big thank you to the team at Andrew Simms for the support they have provided throughout Noah’s apprenticeship.
Congratulations Noah — it has been awesome seeing your progress, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you in the automotive industry. 👏

25/07/2026

A huge congratulations to Josh Tikey on completing his New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering Level 4 👏🔧

Josh comes from a very proud mechanical background, being a fourth-generation Tikey mechanic. He started his journey through work-based learning at Tikey’s Workshop, completing his Level 3 before continuing on to complete his Level 4 apprenticeship alongside his work and studies with Otago Polytechnic.
It has been awesome watching Josh develop his skills and grow into the technician he is today. Completing an apprenticeship takes a lot of commitment, hard work, and dedication, and Josh should be very proud of what he has achieved.

We know Simon and the rest of the Tikey family are incredibly proud too.

Congratulations Josh, it’s been great having you as part of the programme. We’re looking forward to seeing where you take your career and the skills you continue to build in the future.

📸 Simon and Josh Tikey.

17/06/2026

Proud moment for the trade — Shae Gosney from GC Auto Ltd has successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) through Otago Polytechnic.

A huge congratulations to Shae on reaching this milestone. Completing an apprenticeship takes dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to developing the skills needed to become a qualified automotive technician.

A big thank you to the team at GC Auto Ltd for their ongoing support, guidance, and training throughout Shae's apprenticeship.

Well done, Shae — congratulations on becoming a qualified technician, and all the best for the next chapter of your automotive career!

09/06/2026

Hi All,

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26/05/2026

Big smiles, curious minds, and one very impressive truck! 🚛✨

Recently, we heard the junior class at Elmgrove School had been learning all about how things move. So, we thought — what better way to bring that learning to life than with a hands-on visit from our DAF curtain sider!

Our heavy automotive lecturer, Jarrod, spent time with the students explaining how a powerful truck engine works to turn the wheels and move heavy loads. He broke it down in a fun and engaging way that had the children asking plenty of great questions.

The real excitement came when the students got up close to the truck itself. They explored the cargo area, checked out the cab, and even had the chance to peek under the bonnet at the impressive engine powering it all.

Experiences like this are a fantastic way to connect classroom learning with the real world — and judging by the excitement on the day, we may have inspired a few future truck technicians and drivers along the way! 👏🔧🚚