Unitech Automotive Engineering program any good?

[Gavin]

I'm looking to get educated in the Automotive Engineering field. I'm from the US, but cant find ANY schools that offer an Automotive Engineering degree that intirests me. Since I am a New Zealand citizen, and knowing how into cars you guys are, I thaught I'd look into schools down there. Sure enough, I found a couple right off. The best being the "Bachelor of Applied Technology - Automotive Engineering" offered at Unitech in Mt Albert.

http://www.unitec.ac.nz/?92983E3D-484F-4421-A666-0BE714403F5D

What excites me the most about this program is the Welding and Fabrication course, as nothing like that is offered by any school I've looked at in the US (most of which are more busness/management oriented, people dont like getting their hands dirty over here - I do). I also am impressed by the sound of the Fuels and Fuel system course (I already have the full EFI University certification in tuning engines). The whole thing sounds perfect.

The bottom line is that this sounds like EXACTLY what I'm looking for. I'm looking for input on this school and others which offer similar programs (sorry, 'programmes'). Also, any other general input about what the campus is like and whatnot would be helpful.

I'm nearly sold on this, also because it would be WAY cheaper than any school in the US at $4,300 NZD per year (Currently paying $22,000 USD per SEMESTER). So ya, I can already smell the leather of the Supra TT I could buy cash-up with the money I'd save after 6 months...

Anyways, sorry for being so wordy. Really excited about this.
Thanks in advance!

[Zak]

I have done the certificate in automotive engeneering, it wasn't very good for me, but it would depend how much you all ready know, and how tolerent you are to idiots. How ever I have been told the bachelor one is very good.

If you want to know any thing about the place, or about the courses feel free to send me a PM

[skoty]

Yeah did the certificate also. Wasnt very advantageous for me either. Most that was taught I already knew however I used it as a "step-in-the-door" to getting an auto sparky apprenticeship. Still hasn't happened

As for the bachelors in auto engineering could be worth while however I doubt it would mean a whole lot to most employers out there (from what I've heard anyway)

[Zak]

Yeah, I'm doing my trade cert with Toyota now, so it's not all bad, as Skoty said a good step in the door.

Skoty: Where are you working now?

[rollaholic]

im currently part of the industry apprenticeship scheme at unitec, have also heard good things about the bachelor course. like someone else said though, not sure how much weight it gives with potential employers. i believe its quite a new qualification, so probably relatively unknown by your average workshop owner.

[skoty]

Yeah, I'm doing my trade cert with Toyota now, so it's not all bad, as Skoty said a good step in the door.

Skoty: Where are you working now?

Bastard lol. I work for firestone now, in charge of the wheel alignments and tyre sales etc. Not my ideal job but still looking in the mean time.

Oh yeah, I've got an old mate that works at giltrap also. Happen to know Abdol?

[skoty]

i believe its quite a new qualification, so probably relatively unknown by your average workshop owner.

Yup. Thats why I was a bit sceptical.