New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering

Academic requirements

Applicants under 20 years

• Achieved NCEA Level 2 with credits in each of the following Domains-Numeracy (Maths), Science (Physics), Literacy (English)

Applicants 20 years and over

• Achieved NCEA Level 2 with credits in each of the following Domains-Numeracy (Maths), Science (Physics), Literacy (English)

Or

• Relevant work experience and/or equivalent academic achievements

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate. 

English Language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table:(external link)

• IELTS General or Academic score of 6.0 (not less than 5.5 in each band)

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Other requirements

To be eligible to be considered for this course, students must:

• Complete the New Zealand Police Vetting System documentation, or in some cases country of origin Police Vetting documentation
• Attend an interview (in-person or virtual)
• Complete a numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning aptitude test

Domestic applicants must:

• Be at least 17.5 years of age

International applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have resided in New Zealand for a minimum of six consecutive months to enable access to Woodbourne campus as mandated by New Zealand Defence Force

The Programme is carried out at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.  RNZAF regulations require that New Zealand Police must clear all applicants.  For more information on the police vetting process please refer to:  www.police.govt.nz/service/vetting/index.html

To ensure security is maintained at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, applicants may be required to go through further police security checks such as drug testing and referee reports.

Please budget approx $1,522.00 (estimate and subject to change). This will fund your:

• Tool Kit - approx $1,100.00 (Year 1 and Year 2 tools)
• Safety Clothing - approx $380.00 including overalls, ear muffs, eye protection and safety boots, and
• NZCAA log book - approx $42.00 

As a graduate you will have all the core knowledge and experience to excel in your chosen career of aeronautical engineering. You will be able to:

• Apply for work with a major airline such as Air New Zealand or Qantas (we have ex-NMIT graduates working in those companies);
• Apply for work with General Aviation operators in New Zealand;
• Apply for work with Aeronautical Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organisations in New Zealand.

This programme includes a work-based training course in the second year. As part of this course, students are expected to do a minimum of 240 hours of work-experience (equivalent to approx 8 weeks full-time work) at an approved engineering place of employment.

Will I have a basic aircraft maintenance engineer's licence (LAME) at the end?

Not at the end of the two year certificate course. In order to be licenced, you must complete a total of four years work experience as well as passing all licence category exams (8 – 12 exams, depending on electives).

After successfully completing your two year Level 4 certificate at NMIT, you’ll need to complete a minimum of two more years working in industry. (Your two years spent training with NMIT is counted toward the four years of industry experience required).

At the end of your initial certificate course you can then enrol in an NMIT web based Diploma in Aeronautical Certification which can be completed while you are employed within the industry. This diploma will provide you with all of the training needed to sit your New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZCAA) Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer examinations.

The basic licence is granted by NZCAA at the end of your category examinations which are independently tested on behalf of CAA by Aviation Services Limited (ASL). You will also need documented proof of your four years total work experience in the aviation industry.

What is the career path?

Qualified tradesman to CAA Licensed aircraft engineer.

What will I get paid afterwards?

It varies between employers, depending upon size of company and geographical location.