A female technician at Andrew Simms Motor Group in Auckland has completed electric vehicle training through EIT to meet growing demand in the workshop.
Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer, who joined the dealership in 2023, recently completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT via distance learning, while working full-time in the service department.
Auckland technician Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT while working at Andrew Simms Motor Group.
Originally from South Africa, the 35-year-old has more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry, including experience with both passenger vehicles and heavy transport.
Her enrolment is part of a wider upskilling initiative at Andrew Simms, which, since 2023, has chosen EIT as its preferred provider for EV training across its six Auckland dealerships.
“We’re seeing more and more EVs coming through, so my managers encouraged me to do the course, and it was a really good experience.”
Delivered through a mix of online learning and in-person block courses, the level 5 programme is designed to equip qualified technicians with the skills and safety knowledge required to service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles.
Lezani said the support from her EIT tutor Scott Cunningham made a big difference.
“Scotty was very knowledgeable and helped me a lot. Even now, if I have questions, I can call him, and he’ll talk me through it.”
Having previously trained in both South Africa and New Zealand, Lezani said the EIT course offered more depth than anything she had done before.
“It broke everything down really clearly,” she said. “I already had experience working with modules and diagnostics, but this gave me a much better understanding of high-voltage systems.”
While juggling study, work, and parenting a four-year-old was a challenge, she said it was manageable and worth it.
“Sometimes I’d get home late, give my son a bath and get him to bed, then go straight into the online classes,” she said. “It was tiring, but it’s added to what I can do in the workshop.”
As one of the few women in the trade, Lezani said she’s noticed a more inclusive culture in New Zealand compared to South Africa, where opportunities were limited.
“I’ve seen more women in the industry here, which is really encouraging,” she said.
Now looking to take a break from study, she hopes to explore opportunities in management in the future.
“For now, I’m focused on work and family, but I’d definitely recommend the course to others. It’s a good investment in your future.”
Tim Jagusch, EIT School of Trades and Technology Assistant Head, said Lezani’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.
“At EIT, we’re proud to support learners like her; people who are not only advancing their own careers but also helping to shape the future of the automotive industry. Her success reflects the strength of our partnerships with industry leaders like Andrew Simms Motor Group and the value of flexible, high-quality training. We congratulate Lezani on her achievement and look forward to seeing more technicians take up the challenge of EV training.”