New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

*
40 Weeks
Whangārei

*Subject to NZQA approval.

This hands-on programme covers welding, fabrication, fitting, precision machining for metalwork, and maintenance.

If your interested in a job in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication this is the course for you.

Along with the practical skills needed to work in the industry, this course also teaches health and safety, trade theory, and communication skills, giving you everything you need to work in the industry.

What you will learn

At our Future Trades we have three well equipped industrial workshops in which you will learn:

  • Steel, stainless steel and aluminium welding
  • Steel cutting, forming and pipe bending skills in our fabrication workshop using industrial machinery including a 60-tonne plate bending machine and a guillotine capable of cutting ten millimetre steel
  • Skills to design and build a deck or bull bar for a ute or a roll cage for a performance car and many other useful projects
  • How to operate industrial size lathes, milling machines and drilling machines to create intricate machinery components accurately to fine tolerances.

Once you’ve gained these skills you will be able to repair, improve and adapt pieces of machinery for manufacturing industries and recreational interests.

Our programme is designed to help you to gain employment in a rewarding and interesting career and also be able to support your hobbies and recreational engineering.

Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

  • be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
  • be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
  • be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes

All applicants must:

  • be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
  • be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
  • be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.

All applicants must:

  • be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
  • be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
  • be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.

All applicants must:

  • be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
  • be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
  • be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.

Intakes & Applications

Dates & Bookings

This programme is not open to international students.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
Whangārei
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
February 17, 2025
November 28, 2025
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
Delivery:
Full Time
Price:
Fees:
$9,162
Zero Fees
 (2025)
$8,640
Zero Fees
 (2024)
 | Zero Fees with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
 (2025)
International
International Fees:
 (2024)
International
International Fees:
Class full
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Youth Guarantee Fund*

If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
  • Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.

Priority places will be given to students who:

  • have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
  • have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.

All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.

All fees are approximate only, in New Zealand Dollars (including GST), and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Unless otherwise stated, the fees shown are for domestic students only. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study.

Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.

Additional Information

Employment Pathways

Fabrication Engineer
Heavy Fabrication Engineer, Light Fabrication Engineer, Sheet Metal Engineer, Steel Construction Engineer
Welder
Fitter Welder, Fabrication Welder, Boilermaker

About Te Pūkenga

Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.

We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.

If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.

Key Information for students - Qualification Information from the NZ Government.
Key Information for students - Qualification Information from the NZ Government.
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