Jump-start your career as an apprentice fitter and turner, welder / fabricator, tool maker / machinist or refrigeration engineer through this certificate.

The subjects studied on this programme are the equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship and give you a head start in your mechanical engineering career. It is a recognised entry for students to take up apprenticeships in the mechanical engineering trades and involves practical and theoretical training.

Certificate in Engineering Trades 2012
Programme structure:

• Full time, full-year programme
• Starts: February
• Nelson campuses and NMIT campus, RNZAF Base Woodbourne, Blenheim 
• Work placement one day per week 

Content includes:

• Workshop introduction 
• Technical drawing 
• Trade Calculations and Basic Mechanics Core Engineering
• Assembly
• Basic machining 
• Fabrication 
• Welding 
• Employment skills

Entry Requirements

All applicants: 

• At least 8 credits NCEA Level 1 showing basic numeracy skills or equivalent
• At least 8 credits NCEA Level 1 showing basic literacy skills or equivalent

Useful, but not essential to entry:

• NCEA Level 1 credits (or higher) in Graphics/Design and/or Engineering subjects;
• Engineering related work experience;
• Suitability to be in the programme and a strong desire to be in the engineering industry.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate an IELTS academic score of 5.5 with at least 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Prior learning or experience may be credited.

Employment as an apprentice in any of the following engineering trades (with Graduates from this programme will be able to gain employment as an engineering apprentice in any of the following areas with year 1 topics already completed): Fitting and turning, Welding, Fabrication; Tool-making/machining; Refrigeration engineering or choose to continue with further study such as the NMIT Certificate in Aeronautical Maintenance Engineering (Level 4).

Find out about the jobs you can get in the Mechanical Engineering, Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing industries.