Course details

Summary

Get a head-start on your mechanical engineering apprenticeship with TPP’s New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3). You’ll learn the foundation skills covered in the first year of a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, including machining operations, welding, CAD drawing and operations completed within an engineering workshop.

Graduates will be able to work in an area of specialisation of their choice (under supervision) having gained the knowledge and skill in health and safety, numeracy, communication and team work as well as general knowledge with engineering tools, machinery and equipment, as well as worksite processes and principles.

Core Elements

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

Work safely, applying an understanding of relevant Health and Safety requirements and safety culture, when carrying out engineering tasks
Apply basic trade related numeracy, literacy, and visualisation skills to perform engineering tasks
Perform a defined range of engineering tasks according to instructions using relevant materials, tools, and equipment
Set up and carry out a single process engineering job according to instructions
Apply an understanding of effective and efficient processes and principles to the engineering jobs being undertaken
Take responsibility for the appropriate quality of own engineering work and make corrections as required
Participate and communicate effectively within an engineering team

Programme Structure and Workload

This programme is delivered over one year with students undertaking both theory and practical activities. The programme course components reflect the Mechanical Engineering industry and use authentic practical learning and assessment methods to prepare students for a pre-trade qualification and/or employment.

The delivery methods integrate theory and practical instruction using a mix of face to face, timetabled tutor-facilitated classroom and engineering workshop sessions as well as on-line teaching and learning interactions.

Over the duration of the programme, students are encouraged to become independent students and compile portfolios to evidence their learning progression and to scaffold on the tutor-directed activities. Evidence is captured through classroom activity participation, completion of tasks, some research, and reflection as well as via the student’s formative and summative assessments. The portfolio and project work are the major source of evidence for summative assessment purposes and tutor feedback is recorded.

Career Opportunities

Career options may be:

Mechanical Engineering fitter, turner, and fabrication
Automotive Machining Technician
Construction building industry
Extractive industry Technician

Entry criteria

Entry Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

A minimum of 10 credits in literacy and numeracy at NCEA Level 2, or be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge, skills or work experience.
Be physically capable of meeting programme requirements.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5 with no band lower than 5.