To become a heavy equipment automotive engineer you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Automotive Heavy Engineering. Apprentices usually specialise in road transport, agriculture equipment, forestry machinery, or factory machinery.

For further information about apprenticeships contact NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

Training is also available in the NZ Army.

At least three years of secondary education with a good standard of English and maths is required.

Completing the National Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades or another pre-apprenticeship course is recommended before beginning a heavy equipment automotive engineering apprenticeship.

Skills are gained on the job. Apprentices can go on to become registered automotive heavy engineers and then A-Grade automotive heavy engineers.

Experience working with vehicles and large machinery, and electrical work is useful. An interest in mechanics and vehicles is also helpful.