Pre-trade apprenticeship training in welding, fabrication and steel construction
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (36 teaching weeks)
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)Programme code: NZ2715 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Domestic fees
$7,700 (approx.)*
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International fees
Not available to international students
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Want to join the diverse and growing engineering industry but not sure which path to take? This comprehensive one-year course will give you a solid head start and teach you a variety of industry-valued skills making you a valuable candidate when looking for an engineering apprenticeship.
This practical course includes core engineering, mechanical and fabrication skills.
You'll work hands-on with supportive, experienced tutors to develop skills that form the first-year requirements of an engineering apprenticeship.
Aspects of this programme are physically demanding, please talk with an Ask Me! agent if you face fitness or mobility challenges.
This programme is not for those wanting a career in automotive or the vehicle servicing industry. Visit our New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) programme for details on automotive studies.
Please note: A small component of this programme is delivered by a sub-contractor.
You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.
Entry requirements
Academic 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.
English language requirement
For domestic applicants for whom English is not their first language evidence of language competency may be required.
International applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to show evidence of language competency, issued within the last two years, before being eligible to enrol in any non-English programme. The level of competency required is outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013 and below under the title English Competency.
IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language L3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below eight courses (120 credits):
MECH3028 Engineering health and safety (10 credits)
This course aims to develop ākonga knowledge and skills in relevant health and safety legislation so they can apply appropriate work safety practices and procedures when carrying out tasks in an engineering environment.
MECH3029 Engineering drawing and calculations (15 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop basic trade related numeracy, literacy and graphic visualisation skills to produce engineering tasks.
MECH3030 Mechanical engineering workshop skills (15 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop basic engineering workshop skills in using simple measurement, lifting and moving loads and materials as well as develop knowledge of common engineering materials.
MECH3031 Engineering machinery (20 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop skills in basic machining and workshop practices including applying appropriate engineering work practices when using measuring equipment to perform mechanical machining operations.
MECH3032 Engineering fabrication (20 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop basic fabrication skills and techniques as well as develop good working practices when using engineering power tools.
MECH3033 Welding (20 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop and apply basic welding principles and skills as well as health and safety processes when welding materials.
MECH3034 Mechanical engineering processes and quality (10 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop ākonga knowledge of effective and efficient processes as they take responsibility for their own work in the carrying out basic engineering tasks.
MECH346 Mechanical engineering communication (10 credits)
The aim of this course is to consistently apply effective communication techniques by participating in a team environment within an engineering workshop.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) programme will be eligible to progress and pathway into industry work-based learning studying the New Zealand qualifications and employment pathways as shown below.
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Building Services (Trade) (Level 4)
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work (under limited supervision) in an operator or trade assistant role in their area of specialisation, in the mechanical engineering, construction, mechanical building services, manufacturing, or fabrication industries.
Roles may include: CNC Machine Operator, Mould and Core Maker, Furnace Operator, Machine Operator, Specialist Production Welder, Metal Worker/Fabricator, Ducting Fabricator, Pipe Fitter/Welder, Metal Polisher and Pattern Maker Trade Assistant.
For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
MIT TechPark is an award-winning centre of excellence for engineering and trades.
Having won a Learning Environments Australasia Award which recognises planning, design and construction of educational facilities throughout the region, our state-of-the-art campus is the home of our engineering and trades school. Coupling stunning architectural learning spaces with a myriad of high-tech facilities for our students, it's easy to see why it's been given such high praises.
Our TechPark building is situated on the corner of Lambie Drive and Manukau Station Road. It is across the road from the existing MIT Manukau campus, currently home to the schools of nursing, health and counselling, business, and digital technologies.
"If you’ve got a trade, you’ve got it made! MIT is where the makers are made. The opportunities I have received whilst being at MIT, not only as a student but as a tutorial assistant, have been endless. I believe that I will be able to help MIT create a legacy that will be known for their life-changing opportunities across the nation to rangatahi and their whanau."
Hera Eruera
MIT graduate
Manukau Institute of Technology graduate and former tutorial assistant Hera Eruera is featured on the front cover of Master Plumbers magazine NZ Plumber! Read the full story here:
"When I'm not studying I work two days a week at a refrigeration company so I'm getting a good balance of the practical and the theory. I'm hoping to jump straight into an apprenticeship after this and the things I'm learning here at MIT will help me get ahead in my apprenticeship.
I chose MIT because I thought it was the best fit for me coming from a high school that didn't focus much on the practical work I wanted to slowly build into the practical side of things instead of jumping straight into the trade."
Alex Arnold
MIT student
“I got a job in my chosen field before I even finished my course at MIT. Our teachers created a good learning environment, classes were always interesting and we were well prepared for the workplace. I also made great friends during my studies.
I got a job in my chosen field before I even finished my course at MIT. As an apprentice, my job involves working with fully qualified technicians to help install service air conditioning units in big industrial buildings.
High school wasn’t the right fit for me so I started the MIT Trades Academy and became full-time halfway through my final year of school.
Studying for a New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning was a great choice. Our teachers created a good learning environment, classes were always interesting and we were well prepared for the workplace. I also made great friends during my studies.
Now I’m working in a job I love, with supportive colleagues and no two days are the same.”
Brook Stanners
MIT graduate
"About two years ago my business was hugely impacted by the whole Covid situation and I really had to reconsider my options. As a mum of four, I’d spent my time looking after the kids, so I didn’t have any formal qualifications. I've never had a clear plan or vision of what I wanted to do as a career, I just had a vague direction. I wanted to help design sustainable green spaces in urban development, to better society and its lifestyle impact on the environment.
When I began classes at MIT I realised this was my ‘foot in the door’ moment, taking that first step. I wasn’t prepared for so many doors to open and so many opportunities to be offered. Lecturers connected me with employers, gave me insights into the industry and introduced me to their industry networks. Even the TechPark facility really surprised me with how modern it is.
MIT TechPark schools adapted to Covid lockdowns and began offering all course materials online which really ensured I never lost track of my progress and now, as this year’s student council TechPark representative, along with a bunch of great friends and future opportunities I didn’t have before, I know I’ve made the best decision I ever have.
You don't have to have a dream to start chasing one. So proud to be a part of this."
Lorrissa-Laine Hamon
MIT student
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. Youth Guarantee: Free study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 24 year olds (Youth Guarantee). Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 28 August 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.