NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

Study Options

Full-time

Length

1 year

Level

Level 3

Button for easy access to information about this qualification

Engineer your mechanical trade career

If you want a career in welding, machining and fabrication, study the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and kick-start an apprenticeship.

You could earn a good wage as a technician doing something you really like. You will get real world workshop experience with local firms during work experience.

Graduate profile

Nate wanted a better job and loved getting his hands dirty. Nate graduated from EIT with the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. Whilst studying he got the industry contact to score his dream job at Red Steel. Nate loves the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle, the sun, the beaches the fishing and waking up everyday with his dream job!

Dates

There are two entry dates per year:

  • February (Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti)
  • July (Hawke’s Bay only)

Study Opportunities

This programme can lead to, but is not a pre-requisite for, the following:

  • NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering [Level 4] with strands in fitting and machining, general engineering, machining, maintenance engineering, metal forming and tool making.
  • NZ Certificate in Engineering Fabrication [Level 4] with strands in heavy fabrication, light fabrication and steel and construction.
  • NZ Certificate in Mechanical Building Services [Level 4]
  • NZ Certificate in Dairy Systems (Engineering) [Level 4]

It is also your first step in many of the engineering trades.

Career Opportunities

Possible jobs and career opportunities can include apprenticeships in:

  • Machining and toolmaking
  • Maintenance and diagnostics
  • Heavy and light fabrication
  • The Armed Forces
  • Heavy fabrication welding and engineering
  • Sheetmetal fabrication and welding
  • Construction welding
  • Pipeline construction and welding
  • Agricultural or general engineering

 

Outline

At EIT we don’t just talk about doing things, we actually do them.

The NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering [Level 3] is project and task-based learning, and offers you real world experience.

By the time you have successfully completed this programme you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following:

  • Working safely.
  • Applying an understanding of relevant health and safety requirements and safety culture when carrying out engineering tasks.
  • Applying basic trade related numeracy, literacy and visualisation skills to perform engineering tasks.
  • Performing a defined range of engineering tasks according to instructions using relevant materials, tools and equipment.
  • Setting up and carrying out a single process engineering job according to instructions.
  • Applying an understanding of effective and efficient processes and principles to the engineering jobs being undertaken.
  • Taking responsibility for the appropriate quality of own engineering work and making corrections as required.
  • Participating and communicating effectively within an engineering team.

You are welcome to make an appointment to talk to a teaching staff member about this programme and to have a tour of the Trades workshops.

Please contact the Programme Administrator in your region for further information if required.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

  • NCEA Level 1 with 10 credits in Numeracy (algebra, trigonometry, measurement recommended) and 10 credits in Literacy, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.

Non-standard Entry

  • Successful completion of the NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills (Automotive and Engineering) [Level 2] and successful completion of the alternative academic entry test; or
  • Successful interview with a member of the academic staff and successful completion of the alternative academic entry test.

The alternative academic entry test will measure applicants’ Literacy and Numeracy ability to ensure that it is of a level to cope with the demands of the programme.

The interview will allow parties to exchange information about what the programme both provides to, and requires of, its students. Included in the interview will be discussion of possible career paths for the student, motivation, physical and emotional requirements and the applicant’s abilities, background, experiences and interests. Attendance of whānau members and/or supporting associates is encouraged at all interviews.

English Language Entry Requirements

If English is not your first language a level of English language fluency is required for the programme. This may be demonstrated through successful study of a programme in English, completion of a NZ Certificate in English Language L3, approved scores on IELTS tests (5.0 Academic with no band score lower than 5.0), completion of an EIT assessment.

Academic Learning Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus
Tairāwhiti Campus

Scholarships

EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.