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Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
NZQF Level 3

About the course

Get your career started in the mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing and fabrication industries with UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.

Learn how to perform basic engineering tasks and gain the essential skills needed for an entry level position in mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing or fabrication. 

UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering is designed for people already working in the industry or people intending to complete a pre-trade qualification before entering the workforce. 

Your training will provide you with skills employers are seeking, including workplace professionalism (health and safety, and communication), and the ability to perform a defined range of engineering tasks.

COVID-19 vaccination and work

Some private companies and organisations may require staff to be vaccinated. If placement or internship is part of your programme, please check with the companies or organisations about their policy. You can see more information on UCOL's Covid-19 page and on the Unite Against Covid-19 website.


Education pathway

This qualification provides a pathway to further tertiary study at certificate level in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Fabrication and Mechanical Building Services. UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering is equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship. Further study options at UCOL include:

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)

Career pathway

Successful graduates of UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering 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
  • Machine operator
  • Specialist production welder
  • Metal worker/fabricator
  • Ducting fabricator
  • Pipe fitter/welder
  • Metal polisher and pattern maker trade assistant

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Engineering Professionals.

About the provider

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking for. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.

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