New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) - General Electrical Ref: 4204

Enrolments are now open for EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga’s new electrical apprenticeship, New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) - General Electrical [4204]. 

This apprenticeship will replace the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) Level 4 [2388] (expiring 2027). The apprenticeship duration is 3.5 - 4 years and is completed as a mixture of On-Job, On-campus (Off-job), Online, and First Aid/CPR training.

The apprenticeship’s purpose is to provide the electrical industry with commercially competent registered electricians. These people can work independently to install, test, commission, and maintain electrical installations and equipment safely; and in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.

The apprenticeship covers the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) electrical theory and regulations examination requirements for registration as an electrician, as well as their essential capabilities. Graduates will use this New Zealand Certificate as evidence of having met the applicable standards required for registration under the Electricity Act 1992.

Graduates will not be able to practice as an electrician until they have met all EWRB registration and licensing requirements.

Learning structure: 

There are two main components to your training as an apprentice:

● On-job training - On-job assessments are completed on My eLearning.

● Off-job training - This is the electrical theory taught at an on-campus provider. During your normal working day, you will learn the skills and knowledge only an electrician can teach you. Electrical theory will be taught when you attend Off-job training at a local on-campus provider.

The two forms of learning are designed to be done side-by-side, so you complete your apprenticeship in around three and a half years. Keeping on top of your study and attending the Off-job training will help you finish on time.

Your Off-job is where you will learn electrical theory and complete your Off-job assessments. Off-job study is delivered by on-campus providers in various ways: online, night classes or day classes.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Install, commission, and maintain electrical systems, equipment, and machines within electrical environments.

• Carry out fault diagnosis and testing of electrical systems and equipment within electrical environments.

• Apply knowledge of electrical theory, systems, equipment, machines, and electrical protection in an electrical environment.

• Work safely; identify and control hazards; and manage risks in an electrical environment.

• Comply with electrical and relevant non-electrical legislation governing the work of electricians.

• Develop knowledge of areas where specialist knowledge is required to carry out installation and maintenance of electrical equipment.

• Work as a commercially competent registered electrician and communicate with stakeholders on electrical matters.

First Aid/CPR Training

All apprentices must do a First Aid/CPR course, funded by Te Pūkenga. The trainee is responsible for booking and attending this course with one of our contract providers; a list of these can be found here: www.earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz/health-safety/ 

On-campus Training

For the on-campus training component the apprentice will attend classes at one of Te Pukenga’s campuses.

Te Pūkenga ITP Campuses:

• Northland – Northtec (Whangarei/Kerikeri)

• Auckland – MIT, Unitec

• Waikato/Bay of Plenty – Wintec (Hamilton) and Toi Ohomai (Tauranga/Rotorua)

• Gisborne/Hawkes Bay – EIT (Hawkes Bay)

• Manawatu – UCOL (Palmerston North/Whanganui)

• Taranaki – WITT (New Plymouth)

• Wellington – WelTec (Petone)

• Christchurch – ARA, SIT

• Otago/Southland – SIT (Invercargill) Otago Polytechnic (Dunedin) ARA (Timaru)

• National Coverage - TOPNZ – (Distance learning with practical locations TBC)

For more information or to enrol, visit www.earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz or call 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT), or check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website.  

EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga offers work-based learning and qualifications across selected trades and services in New Zealand, helping you ‘earn and learn’ in a way to suit your life — on the job, on campus and online.

EarnLearn offers training for careers in Electrical, Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD), Scaffolding, Crane Operation, Industrial Rope Access, and Workplace Health and Safety. As well as courses to upskill in Government Regulations, Business Management, Project Management, Financial Services, and Security.