Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Programme Overview

Learn the introductory skills needed to progress on to an engineering apprenticeship. This programme teaches you how to carry out engineering tasks, and the importance of health and safety. You’ll also get to work on a range of projects, using relevant tools, machinery and materials.

Programme Details

Level

3

Duration

1 year, full-time

Domestic Fees

$9,528 (indicative for 2025 intake)

Credits

120

What You Will Learn

Gain skills to build, maintain and operate mechanical engineering equipment and plant. Learn maintenance fitting, welding, fitting and turning, sheet metal work and fabrication. Use the machinery that is used in the industry. Work on your own projects to develop your skills further.

Most of your learning is in the workshop with around three hours of theory each week. Work on projects to develop your skills further. Use the different machinery that is used in the industry. Our students have gone on to work on everything from buildings to coffee machines.

Students will learn the following skills:

• Gain skills in fabrication - learn the behaviours of materials and how to shape and structure metal
• Carry out machining processes to manufacture a variety of parts and learn how to fit together equipment
• Gain knowledge and practical experience in a variety of welding disciplines
• Carry out and apply engineering calculations
• Read, interpret and produce engineering drawings
• Understand health and safety requirements

Career Options

• Apprentice fitter and turner
• General engineer
• Fabricator
• Machinist
• Sheet metal worker
• Welder
• Toolmaker

Entry Requirements

Under 20

• 10 NCEA Level 1 credits literacy and 10 NCEA Level 1 credits numeracy (algebra, trigonometry, measurement recommended). Applicants must be able to carry out the physical requirements of the programme.

20+

• If you’re 20 years or over, you may qualify for special admission on this programme. Contact us if you don’t meet the Under 20 entry criteria.

Related Study Options

New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4) with strands in Heavy Fabrication, Light Fabrication, and Steel Construction